After I was greeted to breathtaking scenery when I awoke on that cool February morning in my room at Katse Lodge in Lesotho, I decided that I wanted to explore around outside before I partook in breakfast, which was included in the room rate.
Morning at Katse Lodge in Lesotho — Including Breakfast
I went outside and viewed the water of the reservoir which is formed by Katse Dam on the Malibamat’so River.
A woman was selling souvenirs outside of the front entrance to Katse Lodge, whose doors were locked when I arrived the night before — or, more accurately, earlier that morning, as I arrived incredibly late.
The entrance to the dining area of Katse Lodge where breakfast is served in the mornings is adjacent to an overlook where one can enjoy the view of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Between the lobby and the dining area of Katse Lodge is a living area of sorts, where one can read a book, watch television, or relax in the many available chairs.
A fireplace is available when the air gets cold enough at night.
Both the relaxation area and the dining area were empty during my visit to Katse Lodge.
Maluti Mountain Brewery produces beer in Lesotho — but as I do not drink alcoholic beverages and despise beer, I did not sample any.
Pitchers of orange juice and grapefruit juice were available to guests for breakfast; but I am not sure what was the third variety of juice.
Different types of fruit and yogurt were available…
…as well as various seeds, vegetables, pickles, dried fruits, crackers, and sliced cheeses.
An assortment of dry cereals were sealed in transparent plastic containers.
Guests can choose from various kinds of tea and coffee — along with honey, sugar, cream, and whatever else one needs to create as close to the perfect cup of the ideal hot beverage as possible.
A variety of bread and hot food items — such as baked beans, sliced mushrooms, bacon, and eggs — were also available at the breakfast buffet table.
Through the vast number of windows, diners are treated to sweeping views of the reservoir and the surrounding mountains, which were enshrouded by low clouds on that tranquil morning.
Considering that breakfast — which was all you can eat, buffet style — was included in the room rate, the food was not all that bad…
…but it was not great, either. I slogged through a variety of hot and cold items; but I did not return to the breakfast buffet for a second helping of food.
Summary
Katse Lodge — which was once one of the properties of the Orion Hotels lodging company in southern Africa — is located on a small peninsula at the confluence of the Bokong River and the Malibamat’so River in Bokong in central Lesotho. Count on spending close to five hours driving the 263 kilometers to get to the property.
The buffet breakfast appears to no longer be include in the room rate, as it is available daily from 7:00 through 10:00 in the morning: 130 South African rand for adults, which is approximately $7.63 in United States dollars; and 65 South African rand for children, which is approximately $3.82 in United States dollars. I would only take the breakfast if it was included in the room rate.
Access to Wi-Fi is included in the room rate; but it is only available in some areas of Katse Lodge. Free parking is available. I did not use the outdoor pool.
I paid a room rate of $35.81. Add the $5.01 in tax for a grand total of $40.82, which did include the lackluster breakfast buffet. I booked my reservation through Expedia.
Rooms are currently unavailable to be booked at Katse Lodge — perhaps due to the current 2019 Novel Coronavirus pandemic.
I recommend staying at Katse Lodge for three reasons: the helpful assistance I eventually received from members of the staff; the breakfast buffet at no additional charge; and the low cost for lodging. Otherwise, I would not recommend staying at Katse Lodge.
For the entire trip report of my experience, please refer to the following articles in order:
- Four Hours at the Lesotho Border With a Flat Tire — and Locked Out of the Hotel
- Sleepless in Lesotho?
- Review: Katse Lodge in Bokong, Lesotho
- Lesotho in the Morning
- Katse Dam in Lesotho
- The Reason Why I Was Stuck at the Lesotho Border Crossing For Almost Four Hours
All photographs ©2015 by Brian Cohen.
