Welcome to Lesotho, the land of heights and extremes, offering fascinating culture and adventurous mountain vistas. Fondly known as the country within a country – the Kingdom of Lesotho is a landlocked country within South Africa. A stunning travel destination with a unique to do activity for every visitor. Whether you’re interested in relaxing or outdoor activities, plenty adventure awaits you. This is a genuine Africa destination with unlimited travel adventures. Read on to discover some of the top things to do and see in Lesotho.
Explore Maseru
While it may not be like other metropolis African capital cities, no-one can deny that Maseru is a fantastic city. This is the nation’s capital, but also its largest city. Peaceful, beautiful, affordable and has culturally rich charm to it. With a decent selection of shops and restaurants, both local and international, Maseru offers a good and warm introduction to Lesotho, before you adventure into the highlands.
Ski Slopes in Maluti Mountains
With snow experience almost every month of the year at peaks of the Maluti range in Lesotho. Situated over 3000m above sea-level is Afriski Mountain Resort, the only skiing resort in Lesotho. Providing visitors with skiing activities in the heart of the Lesotho highlands, from snowboarding to skiing, snow walking and mountain biking. Just enjoy the scenery if you not into those high-altitude adventures. For best experience, plan a trip around June and August in order to take advantage of the low temperatures. Getting to the resort is a 4.5-hour drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria via the steep tarred Moteng pass and the Mahlasela pass. The country is truly the ultimate dream destination to adventurous tourists.
Visit to the Ha Kome Caves
The caves are of remarkable historic significance in Lesotho. Peculiar to the Basia and one Bataung clans who used the caves as hideout during the Lifaqane Wars. Tourists can get their hands the on authentic cave houses carved out under towering rocks. The village is today a National Heritage Site, with the caves still occupied by the descendants of the original people who built the caves back in the 19th century. Besides the caves, the village offer a beautiful landscape and mountains for a good trail.
Maletsunyane Falls
Lesotho is a great destination for nature lovers, with the Maletsunyane Waterfalls offering stunning vistas from above. This single dropping waterfall is not to be missed, a major sightseeing spot in Lesotho. The spectacular 192-metre-high gorgeous spray can be seen from miles away. Explore the striking scenic spot with Semonkong lodge, they provide ponies and guides for the adventure. A magnificent scenery!
Malealea
Situated in the Makhaleng valley, Malealea is a remote and rural village, with unmatched peace and serenity. Perfect escape from the bustling town life. A unique destionation and one of the most visited places in Lesotho. Makes for a relaxing and adventrous holiday. Visitors can explore the village and nearby attractions with pony treks into the Basotho villages, Botsoela Waterfall, Bushman Painting, etc. A trip to Lesotho is truly complete when you indulge in a pony trek.
Visit the Morija Museum and Archives
Take a trip to the museum for a holiday that will leave you with extra historical knowledge of the country. The perfect spot to sense of Basotho heritage and their unique way of life. Morija is regarded as the cultural centre of Lesotho as well as its seat of Christianity. The town is situated below rugged cliffs, filled with natural beauty and sites of cultural value.
Katse Dam
The Katse Dam is easily one the popular sightseeing destinations in Lesotho, Africa’s second largest double-curvature arch dam. A stunning engineering creation that attracts thousands of visitors yearly. Massive arch dam offering a spectacular view of the Katse reservoir as well as the region’s rugged mountain scenery.
National Parks
Ts’ehlanyane National Park
This is the largest national park in Lesotho, located within the front range Maluti Mountains. The park encompasses over 5000 hectres of rugged wilderness and mountains terrain. Home to one of the very few indigenous woodlands in Lesotho.
Sehlabathebe National Park
This breathtaking undisturbed area is situated in the Drakensberg escarpment. National designated nature reserve park. A natural beauty clear rivers running through the park. The park is home to unique wild flowers, unique wild flowers and a waterfall. A must-visit spot to enjoy uninterrupted views of the landscape that Lesotho has to offer.
The Subeng Dinosaur Footprints
Lesotho has been said to be the first country in Africa in which dinosaur footprints were discovered. Down at the Subeng River is where the dinosaur footprints preserved in sandstone. Featuring footprints of the prehistoric animals. Situated within just walking distance from the main Butha-Buthe road, north of Hlotse. Definitely unmissable attraction in Lesotho!
Road trip to the Sani Top
Want to make it to Africa’s highpoint? Sitting 2874 metres above sea level is the Sani Top, on the border between South Africa and Lesotho. This UNESCO World Heritage Site. Only way to the top is by 4×4 navigating the famous Sani Pass and soaking up the scenery. Quite an adventure that rewards with breathtaking views like in heaven above the clouds. There at the top is Sani Mountain Lodge (the Highest Pub in Africa), serving guests with hearty meals and drinks. Stay ready as the weather can go from warm sunshine to cold and snowfall in a matter of hours. And have your passport ready, if you crossing from South Africa to the kingdom of Lesotho, vice versa.
We also recommend our guide to the 7 top things to do in South Africa during winter.
