Lesotho is often referred to as the ‘Mountain Kingdom’ and ‘Kingdom in the Sky’. It offers a very different tourism experience. Mountains, valleys, and rivers provide memorable scenery for tourists.
Lesotho is a small landlocked country completely surrounded by South Africa. Its boundaries run with those of KwaZulu Natal to the east, Eastern Cape to the south, and the Free State to the north and west. It covers an area of approximately 30,300 square kilometers.
The capital of Lesotho is Maseru. Lesotho’s people are called Basotho’s and are a nation of solid traditions, beliefs, and customs.
The major natural resource is water. The economy of Lesotho is based on subsistence farming and animal husbandry. As well as small scale industries that include clothing, footwear, textiles, food processing, and construction.
Lesotho boasts 299 sunny days a year! Winter is from June to August, September to April is spring.
Lesotho offers good walking trails and has a large raptor population including the Cape Vulture, Steppe Buzzard, Black Eagle, and the rare Bearded Vulture.
Basotho Pony trekking is very popular as these sure footed ponies can take visitors into areas not accessible by road.
Sani Pass
The only viable road into Lesotho from Kwa-Zulu Natal is the Sani Pass road. This scenic winding and twisting road is only accessible by 4×2 and sometimes in bad weather, 4×4. A friendly bar at the top of Sani Pass offers spectacular views over the mountains and you feel like you are on top of the world! The nearest towns to the Sani Pass are Himeville and Underberg (Drakensberg).
Sehlabathebe National Park
Sehlabathebe National Park is in the central-eastern region of Lesotho. It is characterized by strange sandstone rock formations, rolling grasslands, and wildflowers. It is only accessible by 4 wheel drive vehicles.
This is the oldest nature reserve in Lesotho and is at approximately 2400m. It is remote, rugged, and beautiful with prolific birdlife. The rolling grasslands, wildflowers, and silence provide a sense of complete isolation. Which is the case, apart from the prolific birdlife (including the bearded vulture) and the odd rhebok. Hiking is the main way to explore the waterfalls and surrounds. Else, enjoy pony treks/horse riding in the region. Angling is possible in the park’s dams and rivers.
The best place to stay here is at Maliba Lodge.
Maluti Mountains
The Maluti Mountains, spurs of the Drakensberg range, extend north and south. They form a high plateau from 9,000 to 10,000 ft in height. The highest point is Thabana Ntlenyana (11,425ft) in the east. The rich volcanic soils of the foothills and mountains are some of the best in the country.
Malealea
Malealea is situated in a remote part of western Lesotho and is called ‘Lesotho in a nutshell’. It is approximately 52kms from Maseru.
Lesotho is a world without fences. Breathtaking scenery abounds and every season has unique attractions. This is a chance to experience traditional Basotho life. Malealea is approximately 1800 meters above sea level.
Activities on offer here include visiting a school, village, or a Basotho herbalist called a Sangoma. Also enjoy hiking trails, day pony treks (including overnight), scenic drives, and bushman paintings.
There is something for everyone here.
Lesotho Tours
There are not a lot of tours that run in Lesotho only, so most of these will be tailor-made to your requirements. Lesotho is very remote and off the beaten track with limited accommodation available. It is a breathtaking country with plenty of mountains, waterfalls, and activities for the adventurous. Most people just visit from the Drakensberg for the day via Sani Pass, which is a must-see.
Lesotho is an adventure lover’s dream with its big mountains, rivers, and rugged terrain. Lesotho’s Maluti mountains turn into a winter wonderland between June & August and are home to a fresh snow ski resort.
Please send us your dates and number of people so we can customize your Lesotho itinerary for you.
