The start of Lesotho’s snow season, which spans from May to August, is bringing renewed economic hope to small businesses, especially those located in the northern regions of the country.
With AfriSki Resort drawing thousands of tourists annually, local SMMEs from accommodation providers to craftspeople are poised to benefit from the seasonal boom.
According to Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation assistant information officers Makhala Ralile this winter promises to be one of the busiest for the tourism sector.
“Accommodation establishments, particularly those in Leribe, Butha-Buthe and Mokhotlong, are already seeing increased bookings. Visitors are coming in large numbers, meaning many lodges will be fully booked,” she said.
Ralile added that local artisans also saw increased demand for traditional goods such as Basotho blankets and Mokorotlo hats.
“These snow tourists are not just skiing; they are spending on cultural souvenirs, which benefits our local creatives immensely,” said Ralile.
One such establishment reaping the season’s benefits is Moroeroe Lodge, located near AfriSki. Its CEO, Makabelo Ntjatsane, said the snow season was their busiest period.
“From June to August, we are nearly always fully booked. Most of our guests are tourists from South Africa and beyond, who come to experience the snow and return at night to rest at our lodge,” Ntjatsane said.
Tour operators are also taking advantage of the seasonal demand.
Thobeka Dlamini, the spokesperson for Ikusasa Tourism, a tour operator based in South Africa, said their most popular packages were the two-night stays from Johannesburg and Durban, which blended snow activities with cultural experiences.
“We ensure our guests experience more than just snow. We take them to historical sites, offer cultural interactions and include local activities like horse riding and watching traditional dancers,” she said.
Ikusasa has made it a priority to collaborate with small businesses in Lesotho.
“We deliberately choose to support local tour guides, buy souvenirs from roadside vendors instead of resort shops, and use locally owned lodges like Maliba Lodge and others in Butha-Buthe,” Dlamini explained.
“These businesses only have this narrow winter window to make money, unlike operators in busy areas like Maseru. So, our support can make a big difference. It is a mutually beneficial relationship between South African tour operators and Lesotho’s small business owners.”
South African business Calvinos Shuttle Services, co-founded by Gopolang Makgotho and Calvin Ntlatlana from Polokwane, is also tapping into the season’s potential.
“We do offer snow season packages, and events like Bushfire in Swaziland,” said Makgotho.
She believes businesses can benefit greatly by offering seasonal promotions and snow-themed packages to ensure visibility among tourists.
This can be achieved through strong digital marketing, including social media campaigns, that showcase unique experiences.
Makgotho also emphasised the importance of collaboration with local businesses such as tour operators, lodges, restaurants and equipment rental services. This enhances the tourist experience by creating seamless, all-in-one travel deals that combine accommodation and guided snow activities.
However, she acknowledged that there are challenges such as transportation difficulties and weather-related disruptions. She said support in the form of government incentives, infrastructure improvements and efforts from tourism boards to promote the season would go a long way in helping businesses thrive.
Dlamini raised concerns about road access to AfriSki, which was often hampered by large trucks and snow-blocked routes.
“There are no snow removal machines, so when cars get stuck, it delays everything,” she said.
She also highlighted tensions with local taxi associations at the border, a lack of traffic safety infrastructure, and limited accommodation options.
“There are very few three- and four-star rated accommodations in the area, making it hard to guarantee quality stays for guests,” she added.
However, with tourism drawing both local and international visitors, small businesses are banking on a fruitful winter and calling for infrastructure improvements that could unlock even greater potential.
nosihle@vutivibusiness.co.za
