Discover Lesotho: The Kingdom in the Sky

Lesotho, often referred to as the “Kingdom in the Sky,” is a hidden gem landlocked within South Africa. This mountainous country offers a diverse range of activities for adventurous travellers, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers. Despite being often overlooked, Lesotho provides an authentic and untouched experience of Africa’s stunning landscapes. Here’s a guide to some must-visit locations and why they are worth your time.

Lesotho is one of only three enclaved countries in the world. The name “Lesotho” translates to “the land of Sesotho speakers,” which is one of its official languages alongside English. A single citizen is known as a ‘Mosotho,’ and the plural, ‘Basotho,’ refers to the people as a whole. Though Lesotho has its own currency, the Loti (LSL), the South African Rand is also widely accepted.

Historically known as Basutoland under British colonial rule, Lesotho gained independence on October 4, 1966. Today, it’s a peaceful nation, with a population of about 2.2 million. The Basotho people maintain a rich cultural heritage, living harmoniously with the land. Visitors are often greeted with warmth and hospitality.

Lesotho’s capital, Maseru, is located in the north, approximately 330 kilometers from Johannesburg. However, many travellers access Lesotho via the scenic Drakensberg region. A popular route is the eastern Sani Pass, known for its rugged mountain terrain, which requires a 4×4 vehicle to navigate. This pass connects South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province to Lesotho, making it an adventurous entry point for visitors.

Lesotho offers a variety of accommodations to suit any budget and preference. From rustic lodges with adventurous activities to eco-friendly luxury retreats with stunning mountain views, there is something for every type of traveller. For more details on the best places to stay and their amenities, check out our guide.

Why Visit: The Sani Pass is one of Africa’s most thrilling and scenic mountain roads, connecting Lesotho to South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal. The pass is known for its curves, offering panoramic views of the Drakensberg Mountains. Due to its steep climbs, sharp turns, and unpredictable weather, exercise extreme caution and ensure your vehicle is suitable for off-road driving.

What you can Do: Adventurers can hike or take a 4×4 drive up the pass. At the top, enjoy a drink at Sani Mountain Lodge, which boast the highest pub in Africa and soak in the stunning views. Hiking enthusiasts can further explore nearby trails.

Why Visit: Afriski Mountain Resort is Southern Africa’s only ski resort, offering winter sports and summer adventure activities. Located in the Maluti Mountains, it provides a unique experience for visitors looking to enjoy snow sports in Africa.

What you can Do: In winter, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. In the summer, the resort offers mountain biking, hiking, and trail running.

Why Visit: Maletsunyane Falls is one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in Africa, offering breathtaking views and thrilling activities. The falls are located near the town of Semonkong, which means “Place of Smoke” in Sesotho, named after the mist created by the falling water. With a height of approximately 192 meter, Maletsunyane Falls is almost four times higher than Niagara Falls, which stands at about 51 meters.

What you can Do: Activities include hiking to the falls, abseiling down the 204-meter drop (one of the longest commercial abseils in the world), picnicking, horse riding, and donkey rides.

Why Visit: Beyond its stunning landscapes, Lesotho offers a fascinating glimpse into the prehistoric past. The country boasts several significant dinosaur footprint sites. These well-preserved tracks provide invaluable insights into the diverse species that inhabited the region millions of years ago. Exploring these sites is a captivating experience for palaeontology enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

What you can Do: Explore the Subeng, Morija, Matsieng, Quthing, or Moyeni sites to discover tracks where ancient creatures once roamed!

Why Visit: One of Africa’s largest dams, the Katse Dam is a marvel of engineering and an essential part of Lesotho’s water export to South Africa. It’s also nestled in the scenic Lesotho Highlands, offering impressive landscapes.

What you can Do: Guided tours provide insight into the dam’s construction and its importance. You can also enjoy a boat cruise on the reservoir or hike along the surrounding mountain paths. The Katse Botanical Gardens nearby offers a chance to see indigenous plant species.

Why Visit: Sehlabathebe National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its wildflower-filled valleys, dramatic rock formations, and ancient San rock art. The park is located in the remote southeastern part of Lesotho and offers a pristine natural environment.

What you can Do: Activities include hiking through the park’s scenic trails, wildlife viewing, and exploring the park’s natural beauty. The park is also home to unique flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.

Beyond these attractions, Lesotho offers many more hidden gems waiting to be discovered, including the stunning Ts’ehlanyane National Park (home to Lesotho’s only indigenous forest) and the historic Thaba-Bosiu (the birthplace of the nation). Interested in visiting Lesotho? Contact Us!