The mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho is small and
rounded in shape, enclosed by South Africa on all sides. Separated
from its neighbour by the huge Drakensberg and Maluti ranges, it's
situated on a plateau over 3,281 feet (1,000m) high and has peaks
reaching summits of more than 10,000 feet (3,000m).
Sani Pass is a breathtaking entry-point into Lesotho
from South Africa's Drakensberg National Park and acts as a the
gateway to the Roof of Africa scenic route, linking the magnificent
scenery of the two mountain ranges. Popularly described as the
'Kingdom in the Sky', the lofty highlands of Lesotho are
characterised by majestic mountain scenery, crisp mountain air, and
the simple serenity of the traditional lifestyles of its
people.
Pony trekking is one of the finest ways to experience
the Lesotho highlands, with time spent in remote Basotho villages
scattered among the grassy hills. Here, waterfalls saturate the
surrounding rocks with rainbow-coloured mist and crystal clear
streams criss-cross the landscape. The region is also perfect for
those who prefer to put their hiking skills to the test, with miles
of solitary scenery to appreciate, an abundance of trout in the
rivers and dams, and the assurance of a warm and friendly welcome
in the rugged mountain hamlets. The central highlands are home to
the highest waterfall in southern Africa, the Maletsunyane Falls
near Semonkong. Meaning 'Place of Smoke', it thunders from a height
of 624ft (190m) and is at its most spectacular during the summer
rainy season.
The land descends from the top of the Maluti
Mountains down to the western lowlands, which contain all major
towns and around two thirds of the population. Maseru, the capital,
is a fascinating city of contrasting modern and traditional
lifestyles, where blanket-clad horsemen sidestep the traffic jams
on their way to market, and woven handicrafts sit displayed on the
busy pavements outside new glass buildings filled with hardworking
office employees and officials. Time spent in Lesotho will allow
visitors to observe an African country that has extraordinary
appeal: a kingdom of rugged beauty and unchanging culture that
remains pristine and largely unaffected by tourism.
Key Facts
Language:
Sesotho and English are the official languages, but Xhosa
and Zulu are widely spoken.
Passport/Visa:
All foreign passengers to Lesotho must hold return or onward
tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next
destination, and sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in
the country. Visa-exempt visitors who wish to stay in Lesotho for
longer than their allotted 14 days, should apply for extensions at
the Lesotho Immigration Authorities within the initial 14-day
period. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at
least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of
departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials
often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and
official sources.
Currency:
The Lesotho loti (LSL) is the official currency of Lesotho, and
is divided into 100 lisente. It has the same value as the South
African rand, which is accepted as legal currency. Banks and
exchange bureaus are found in Maseru and in most main towns.
Most major hotels, shops, restaurants, and travel agencies
accept credit cards, though it is best to check with credit and
debit card companies as to their acceptance before leaving home.
Local ATMs in Lesotho have the facility to accept international ATM
cards but are unreliable.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. The
three-prong, round pin South African plug is used.
Travel to Lesotho
Overview
Known as the Mountain Kingdom, Lesotho boasts some of
the most scenic mountain peaks in Southern Africa, making it an
ideal destination for travellers who love the outdoors, fresh air,
and wide open spaces. The lush and beautiful landscape allows for
many things to see and do in Lesotho. Sought-after activities
include birdwatching and wildlife safaris, offered at the likes of
Sehlabathebe National Park. It's a nature reserve made up of 6,500
hectares and positioned at an elevation of 7,874 feet (2,400m).
This protected wilderness area is the ideal spot for hiking,
pony-trekking, and scenic explorations. While game sightings are
limited to antelope, the landscapes and natural wonders are more
than enough to excite lovers of the outdoors.
Another tourist favourite in Lesotho is Thaba-Bosiu.
This sandstone plateau is a national monument and considered the
birthplace of the Basotho nation. It's worth a visit for its
history and spectacular views. From Thaba-Bosiu, travellers can see
the Qiloane pinnacle, which was the inspiration for Lesotho's
celebrated hat, the mokorotlo. While there are water sports aplenty
at the great Katse Dam in the summer months, skiing in the Maloti
Mountains during the winter months is a big drawcard for tourists
the world over. Skiing in Lesotho offers travellers a unique winter
experience not usually found in Africa.
For the culturally inclined, other tourist
attractions in Lesotho include a chance to delve into history at
the Lesotho National Museum in Maseru and the Morija Museum and
Archives, which offer collections on archaeology, ethnography, and
geology. Visitors can also discover the Kome Cave Dwellings, now a
National Heritage Site where the rich culture of Lesotho's people
is contained. Rock art is also a popular find in Lesotho, as are
the famed Dinosaur Footprints found at Morija, Subeng Stream, and
Tsikoane, to name a few.
Climate in Lesotho
Weather conditions in Lesotho vary greatly depending on the
altitude. Summer (October to April) is the hot, rainy season, with
the hottest days in January and February, and the most rain falling
between March and May and between October and November.
Days are sunny with electric afternoon thunderstorms, and
temperatures range from around 86ºF (30°C) in the lowlands.
Temperatures cool down as the altitude increases, averaging about
64°F (18°C) in the mountains. Snow falls mainly in winter from May
to September, but can occur in the mountains at any time of
year.
Winter can be bitterly cold, particularly in the highlands, but
days are usually clear and sunny. Temperatures can fall to 20°F
(-7°C) in the lowlands and 0°F (-18°C) in the highlands. At any
time of year, the weather can change very rapidly in the highlands,
from warm sunshine to mist, rain and freezing temperatures.
Health Notes when travelling to Lesotho
Lesotho's high altitude and crisp mountain air does not present
many health problems for travellers, although the high elevation
does make altitude sickness a possibility for recently arrived
visitors. Everyone 12 years of age and older should get fully
vaccinated for COVID-19 before visting; water should not be drunk
unless it is boiled or filtered.
There is a lack of good medical facilities, and medical
attention is often sought in neighbouring South Africa. Visitors
should carry a personal supply of medicine as supplies are limited.
Lesotho's Flying Doctor service provides emergency medical services
to remote parts of the country. Medical insurance is essential and
should include emergency air evacuation coverage, especially if
visitors are planning to spend time in remote mountainous
regions.
Safety Notes when travelling to Lesotho
Safety in Lesotho is not generally a serious issue but there has
been an increase in opportunistic crime and gun-related crimes, due
to a high unemployment rate in the cities. Most incidents occur in
Maseru, but visitors should also be alert elsewhere to theft, car
hijackings, and muggings. Visitors should avoid walking around with
valuables or should keep them out of sight. It's best not to walk
alone in isolated areas or in Maseru after dark; driving through
rural areas after dark is also not recommended. Sporadic
demonstrations are possible and should be avoided if possible.
Customs in Lesotho
Politeness is very much appreciated in Lesotho, and it is always
best to ask before taking pictures of places or people. It is
customary to ask permission from the local village Headman or Chief
before camping, and to inform him if spending any time within his
village. Homosexuality is illegal so visitors should be cautious
and discreet.
Duty Free in Lesotho
Travellers to Lesotho do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes,
20 cigars, and 250g tobacco; 2 litres wine and 1 litre of alcohol;
250ml eau de toilette and 50ml perfume; other gifts to the value of
LSL 5000. No liquor may be imported by South African nationals.
Doing Business in Lesotho
Business in Lesotho tends to follow usual business practices,
meaning it's best to be punctual, exchange business cards, and show
respect for hosts. However, foreigners should anticipate a
generally relaxed atmosphere. Suits and ties are the norm, though a
lightweight material is best. Business hours are usually from
8.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4.30pm Mondays to Fridays, and 8am to
1pm on Saturdays.
Communication in Lesotho
The international dialling code for Lesotho is +266, and the
outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
0027 for South Africa). Telephone and fax services are available in
all main towns and at major hotels. Visitors can purchase local
prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones; WiFi is available in cafes,
restaurants and hotels in cities.
Tipping in Lesotho
All service staff, including tour guides and game rangers, are
customarily tipped between 10 and 15 percent, which they rely on to
boost their low wages.
Passport/Visa Note
All foreign passengers to Lesotho must hold return or onward
tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next
destination, and sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in
the country. Visa-exempt visitors who wish to stay in Lesotho for
longer than their allotted 14 days, should apply for extensions at
the Lesotho Immigration Authorities within the initial 14-day
period. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at
least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of
departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials
often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and
official sources.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their
arrival in Lesotho. A visa is required.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at
least 6 months beyond the date they expect to leave Lesotho. A
tourist visa is not required for stays up to 30 days.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for a
minimum period of 90 days from the date of exit from Lesotho. A
visa is required.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon
their arrival in Lesotho. Tourists can visit for up to 14 days
without a visa.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their
arrival in Lesotho. No visa is required for stays of up to 90
days.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon
their arrival in Lesotho. A visa is required for stays longer than
14 days.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon
their arrival in Lesotho. No visa is required for stays of less
than three weeks.
Lesotho Embassies
In the United States:
Kingdom of Lesotho Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202
797 5533.
In Canada:
Kingdom of Lesotho Consulate, Vancouver, Canada: +1 604 681
9887.
In the United Kingdom:
Kingdom of Lesotho High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44
20 7235 5686.
In Australia:
Kingdom of Lesotho Embassy, Tokyo, Japan (also responsible for
Australia): +81 3 3584 7455.
In Ireland:
Kingdom of Lesotho Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 676
2233.
In New Zealand:
Kingdom of Lesotho Embassy, Beijing, China (also responsible for
New Zealand): +86 10 6532 6843.
In South Africa:
Kingdom of Lesotho High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27
12 460 7648.
Foreign Embassies in Lesotho
American Embassy
United States Embassy, Maseru: +266 2231 2666.
Canadian Embassy
Canadian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa (also
responsible for Lesotho): +27 12 422 3000.
British Embassy
British Honourary Consul, Maseru: +266 223 13929.
Australian Embassy
Australian High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also
responsible for Lesotho): +27 12 423 6000.
Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Maseru: +266 2231 4068.
New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also
responsible for Lesotho): + 27 12 435 9000.
South African Embassy
South African High Commission, Maseru: +266 2222 5800.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Lesotho
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Lesotho, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Lesotho. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Lesotho, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Lesotho
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Lesotho. The government of Lesotho requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Lesotho, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Lesotho. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Lesotho, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Lesotho
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Lesotho. The government of Lesotho requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Lesotho, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
Food that is cooked and served hot
Hard-cooked eggs
Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
Food served at room temperature
Food from street vendors
Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
Unpasteurized dairy products
”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
Bottled water that is sealed
Water that has been disinfected
Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
Carbonated drinks
Hot coffee or tea
Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
Tap or well water
Ice made with tap or well water
Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Lesotho. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
If your travel plans in Lesotho include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Lesotho’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Lesotho may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Lesotho, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Lesotho for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The Lesotho loti (LSL) is the official currency of Lesotho, and
is divided into 100 lisente. It has the same value as the South
African rand, which is accepted as legal currency. Banks and
exchange bureaus are found in Maseru and in most main towns.
Most major hotels, shops, restaurants, and travel agencies
accept credit cards, though it is best to check with credit and
debit card companies as to their acceptance before leaving home.
Local ATMs in Lesotho have the facility to accept international ATM
cards but are unreliable.
Moshoeshoe International (MSU) Moshoeshoe International Airport
Location: The airport is situated 12 miles (19km) south of
Maseru.
Time: Local time is GMT +2.
Contacts:
Tel: +266 2235 0777
Getting to the city:
Taxis are available and hotels provide shuttle services.
Car rental:
Car rental companies are present at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Facilities:
Facilities include a bank and bureau de change, bars and
restaurants, left luggage facilities, a gift shop and newsagent, a
travel agent, and a post office. There are also facilities for the
disabled.
Parking:
Short and long-term parking is available.
Departure Tax: LSL20.
Overview of the Attractions in Lesotho
Known as the Mountain Kingdom, Lesotho boasts some of
the most scenic mountain peaks in Southern Africa, making it an
ideal destination for travellers who love the outdoors, fresh air,
and wide open spaces. The lush and beautiful landscape allows for
many things to see and do in Lesotho. Sought-after activities
include birdwatching and wildlife safaris, offered at the likes of
Sehlabathebe National Park. It's a nature reserve made up of 6,500
hectares and positioned at an elevation of 7,874 feet (2,400m).
This protected wilderness area is the ideal spot for hiking,
pony-trekking, and scenic explorations. While game sightings are
limited to antelope, the landscapes and natural wonders are more
than enough to excite lovers of the outdoors.
Another tourist favourite in Lesotho is Thaba-Bosiu.
This sandstone plateau is a national monument and considered the
birthplace of the Basotho nation. It's worth a visit for its
history and spectacular views. From Thaba-Bosiu, travellers can see
the Qiloane pinnacle, which was the inspiration for Lesotho's
celebrated hat, the mokorotlo. While there are water sports aplenty
at the great Katse Dam in the summer months, skiing in the Maloti
Mountains during the winter months is a big drawcard for tourists
the world over. Skiing in Lesotho offers travellers a unique winter
experience not usually found in Africa.
For the culturally inclined, other tourist
attractions in Lesotho include a chance to delve into history at
the Lesotho National Museum in Maseru and the Morija Museum and
Archives, which offer collections on archaeology, ethnography, and
geology. Visitors can also discover the Kome Cave Dwellings, now a
National Heritage Site where the rich culture of Lesotho's people
is contained. Rock art is also a popular find in Lesotho, as are
the famed Dinosaur Footprints found at Morija, Subeng Stream, and
Tsikoane, to name a few.
Suggest a holiday in Africa and most people picture baking hot sun, palm-fringed beaches or herds of wildebeest galloping across the savannah. Few think of skiing
AVANI Hotels AND Resorts in Namibia, Lesotho, Zambia, Mozambique and Botswana, offer some solid advice for business executives thinking of extending their trip into a family event
Yes, it’s happy birthday to Lesotho, which reaches a half-century of independence today, having shrugged off Britain’s colonial overcoat on October 4 1966