EPC pays a visit to Lesotho
"We returned home with memory cards full and petrol tanks empty."
In June, Edenvale Photographic Club (EPC) ventured to SA’s landlocked neighbour, the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho.
Only a few hours drive from Gauteng, Lesotho held the allure of possible snowfalls, winter wonderlands and rural landscapes for photographers.
The 12 members, led by John Coumbias, made their way to Katse Dam and travelled through the Mafika Lisiu Pass.
The group travelled 3 090m above sea level and negotiated hairpin bends at 30km/h while their cars clung precariously to the mountainside.
On their first day, the photographers took the opportunity to photograph shepherds who rode horses and donkeys while travelling with herds of cows, sheep and goats.
The next day the group set off early, hoping to photograph the sunrise over the mountains.
Braving temperatures of -6°C the photographers captured images of a traditional Lesotho hut bathed in the morning light.
Natasha Bird, of the club, said when the group spoke to the owner of the hut, she remembered John from a previous visit.
“She was happy to pose for photos with her baby, and her two older children were equally obliging.”
During the rest of the journey, the group travelled along dirt roads, winding around mountains and dipping into rivers.
“Photographic opportunities were abundant, from shepherds wearing their traditional blankets and guarding their livestock to the vast landscapes of Katse Dam, vivid blue skies and frozen waterfalls,” said Natasha.
Although there was no snow, the group discovered locations they would not have found without John’s knowledge.
“We returned home with memory cards full and petrol tanks empty, eager to process our photos and enter them at upcoming club nights and salons,” said Natasha.
