Lesotho
Lesotho offers natural beauty, rugged terrain, and rich local culture and traditions, and a scarcity of civilization's trappings, such as landlords and fences, provides a permit-free playground for the more intrepid adventurers.
Overview
Lesotho was founded in the early 1800s by the Great King Moshoeshoe I and gained independence from British rule in 1966.
The royal bloodline has continued to the present day with His Royal Majesty King Letsie III. Lesotho is a small country, with a population of less than two million. It is land-locked and surrounded geographically by South Africa. Due to this, Lesotho's economy is closely integrated with South Africa. Several unique landmarks can be seen around the capital of Maseru, a striking contrast to the modernization taking place.
Country Information
- Capital city
- Nationality
- Language
- Climate
- Currency
- Time Zone
- Calling Code
- Maseru
- Basotho(s)
- Sesotho
- thunderstorms
- Lesotho loti (LSL)
- (UTC+2)
- +266
Sehlabathebe National Park
This national designated nature reserve contains unusual rock formations and alpine flora. It offers hiking and bird watching activities, and there is even a few antelope species around the park. The 6500 hectares, at an average elevation of 2400 m park provides a stunning scenery, with soaring mountain panoramas, isolated rock pools, waterfalls, rock lodgings, massive overhangs, rock art, and many more.
Thaba Bosiu Mountain
The flat topped mountain situated in the valley of the Phuthiatsana River offers rugged terrains and stunning vistas. It got its name, which translates to ‘Mountain at night’ from the arrival of King Moshoeshoe and his people, who took occupation of the mountain at night.
Tse'hlanyane National Park
Tse’hlanyane National park protects over 5600 hectares of exceptionally rugged mountains terrain, including one of the few indigenous woodlands in Lesotho.
Lesotho Highlands
The slopes below the Mahlasela Pass offers great snow skiing opportunities. There are three magnificent slopes and two ski lifts, with a nearby lodges renting out skis and boots. During summer months, several alternative activities are available.
Horse riding
A horse trek along Lesotho’s rugged mountains is the best way to experience this scenic domain. You can take a shorter one hour ride, or a six nights seven days pony trek across the mountain cliffs, setting camp in the high altitude Basotho villages when night falls.
4x4
The sturdy, rugged, 4x4 track begins in Himeville (KwaZulu-Natal), South Africa, and ends in Fouriesburg (Free State), going through the formidable Sani Pass, with much of Lesotho en route. The whole trails is about 400km, and can be done in two days, but one should take their time with it, to capture its scenic beauty.
Hiking
Lesotho provides rugged mountainous landscapes and a vista of marvellous peaks. The Giant's Cup trail, from the Sani Pass Hotel to Bushman's Nek, is one of the most accessible, being fairly flat. Hikers seeking more thrill can augment this trail by a hike up any of the remarkable peaks along the way, or Thabana Ntlenyana, Southern Africa's highest point at 3482 m.
Rock Climbing
Lesotho offers the best abseiling experience, with the highest cliff in the whole world at an amazing 206 meters. Rock climbing enthusiasts and novices alike can join the Outward Bound Centre, a team building and physical training centre situated at the foothills of the mountains, which offers rock climbing and other activities.