The Kingdom of Lesotho is a small landlocked country within South Africa, having one of the weirdest borders in the world. A new Lesotho tourism slogan “An Unexpected High” couldn’t be more appropriate. Lesotho holds the pride of being the only county elevated entirely above 1000m in the whole world making it home to the only ski resort in Sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, it is renowned as the ‘Kingdom in the sky.‘ You will be able to glimpse a historic Africa through this enclaved kingdom.
While completely surrounded by South Africa, Lesotho could not be any more contrasted to its larger neighbor, in culture, atmosphere, and experiences. A kingdom packed with gorgeous mountains. Lesotho boasts of highland regions, panoramic views, and extreme adventure. this country has something for every traveler. From beautiful mountains to different adventurous sports like skiing, water sports, and snowboarding this country is definitely worth visiting.
you find a sense of calmness in Lesotho as there are no skyscrapers, lots of cars, and stuff like that. You will see Nature at its best and discover so many interesting things. if you still have not made your mind about visiting Lesotho then read this article. As of today, we will tell you Why You Should Visit Lesotho?
1- Navigate the Famous Sani Pass
Sani Pass is one of the most challenging yet rewarding 4×4 routes in the world. The road was built in 1950 and has barely been repaired since.
The pass begins at 1,544 metres (5,065 feet) and summits at 2,876 metres (9,435 feet). Once used to transport wool, you’ll find it restyled today to allow adventurous travelers to explore on 4×4 tours and much more.
If you like adrenaline-pumping off-road driving, this rough route from Kwazulu-Natal to Lesotho is the road for you. If you go there be prepared for everything (from bad weather, treacherous conditions, and snow).
2- The Subeng dinosaur footprints
Lesotho holding a wealth of dinosaur fossils and other monuments of the prehistoric era is a paradise for paleontologists and archeologists! Prepare yourself to traverse back in time as you follow dinosaur footprint tracks as This mysterious country holds the largest sites of dinosaur footprints in the world. The Subeng dinosaur footprints are preserved in sandstone and feature the prints of a variety of prehistoric animals which lived approximately 200 million years ago.
If you look carefully you will a lot of details on the footprints. The footprints can be found in the north of Hlotse (some of the prominent locations are Morija, Subeng Stream, and Tsikoane). When you arrive, informal local guides are happy to show you the way.
3-Experience an African Ski Resort
When you’re planning a skiing holiday, Africa isn’t the first continent that springs to mind. But since you already know that Lesotho is a mountainous country, it shouldn’t be a surprise for you to know that Lesotho is home to one of the few ski slopes in Africa.
Lesotho’s slopes are famous among professional skiers, snowboarders, and those in the know.
Afriski Mountain Resort is a fully equipped modern resort for skiing in wintertime.
located in the Maluti Mountains (3222 m above sea-level), there is 1.8 km of slopes and 2 lifts transport available for the guests in Afriski Mountain Resort. It offers a main Ski slope, a beginner’s slope, and operates during the winter months.
You don’t need to visit Lesotho during the winter to get the African ski resort experience, though.
The warmer weather may melt the snow, but it leaves behind an awesome network of trails that link peaks and valleys, waterfalls, and views. whether you tackle the terrain on foot, on a mountain bike, or Enduro bike, or in your 4×4, you’ll find that the Maluti Mountains will inspire you to rise to the occasion.
4- Eat at the Highest Restaurant in Africa
At 3,222 m, Sky Restaurant is the highest restaurant in Africa and has a relaxed atmosphere. The ‘sky’ is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and their menu provides for all tastes from homemade burgers to pizzas fresh from the oven, and delicious steaks, to more traditional, homely meals.
5- Have a drink at the highest pub in Africa
Hidden in the clouds at the top of the Sani Pass (2,874 meters above sea level), Sani Mountain Lodge is home to the “highest pub in Africa”. You can enjoy a beer or even spend the night in the sky. It is quite a hassle to get there, but once you do, you will have one of the most well-deserved drinks of your life.
If you’re booked at the lodge, simply arrange to be driven up or down. The quaint bar serves homemade ‘glühwein’ during the colder months and tasty lunches can be ordered from as little as R55 ($3.5).
6- Get Inspired by Heaven-like scenery
Lesotho may be small in size, but the possibilities it provides are immense. Surrounded by South Africa, Lesotho is situated on a highland plateau and the mountains are the main reasons to visit Lesotho. There are endless green plains, rolling hills and mountains, the most beautiful waterfalls, snow-capped mountain ranges (during winter), and the occasional stray shepherd with his flock. The majority of time in Lesotho will be spent on rappelling, hiking, walking down beautiful passes, and mostly being in awe of an amazing landscape.
When planning a trip to Lesotho, it’s best to see it as a chance for digital detoxing as Cell coverage in Lesotho isn’t great. Neither is the WiFi (even when accommodation offers it).
Then not only will Lesotho make you want to switch off and enjoy nature, but you’ll be too distracted by its beauty to even think about technology.
7- Visit the Ha Kome historical cave dwelling
Situated in the Pulane area in the Berea district, Kome cave dwellings have tucked away in the corner of Lesotho. These fascinating, (and well preserved) carved out and built under enormous rocks, are home to descendants of the Basia and Bataung clans.
Past generations of Basotho fled to these caves to hide from cannibals who inhabited the area. Descendants of the original people who built the caves still live there, much as their forefathers did almost two centuries ago. Visitors can get their hands on authentic, locally produced crafts at the nearby Kome Crafts and Information Office.
8- Visit the Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village
Once the capital of Lesotho, Thaba Bosiu is located 24 kilometers (15 miles) from Maseru. Meaning ‘mountain at night’, Thaba Bosiu is believed to grow larger during the evenings, protecting inhabitants from enemies and intruders.
Thaba Bosiu mountain is both a natural attraction and one of the most important historical sites in Lesotho. The sandstone plateau is home to a fortress established by King Moshoeshoe I, the founder of the Basotho Nation. It is also where he and his predecessors rest peacefully today.
Meaning ‘mountain at night’, Thaba Bosiu is believed to grow larger during the evenings, protecting inhabitants from enemies and intruders. The plateau formed a natural fortress, a place to gather the Basotho people during times of danger or extended sieges.
Visitors can book a guided tour and visit the ruins of the Royal Village, see King Moshoeshoe I’s grave and the majestic dunes.
9- Hiking
Lesotho is a hiker’s paradise. The country has no organized hiking trails – it doesn’t need any since the entire country is crisscrossed by a network of bridle and footpaths. People walk in Lesotho as a means of getting from A to B. There are no fences in the mountains; there is thus total freedom of access. In other words, you can hike anywhere you like in Lesotho. And, since the whole country is mountainous, wherever you choose will have its own beauty.
You can hike anywhere in Lesotho. The following are but a few possibilities:
- Sehlabathebe National Park
- Ts’ehlanyane National Park
- Bokong Nature Reserve
- Sani Pass
You will find many wonderful hiking trails for both the avid and less experienced hiker.
Remember, the high altitude comes with cold temperatures and unpredictable weather, so make sure to pack layers and a windproof shell!
10- Basotho People and their Old Culture
Lesotho isn’t overrun with tourism. Far from it, there’s a good chance you won’t bump into another tourist while roaming around the country, which means it’s a great place to immerse yourself in local life. Basotho people are amongst the nicest and friendliest in the world. Every person you pass will greet you with a smile. Even though both English and Sesotho are official languages of Lesotho, Sesotho is spoken by the vast majority of the population. There’s an obvious language barrier, but not only it doesn’t matter, but you’ll have a fun time trying to understand each other and you’ll remember the faces you meet long after you leave Lesotho.
Basotho people have one of the most unique cultures, one of them being the Basotho blanket which is depicted by the different colors and patterns. Anywhere you go in the country you see people dressed in woolen blankets. Lesotho has a cold climate for most of the year and this garment is ideal at that time. Most of the villages are located high in the Mountains.
Not convinced yet? Here are another five reasons why you should visit Lesotho:
Tsatsane Bushman Paintings
Found in many caves scattered around Lesotho (like the Drakensberg and in the Malealea area), Bushman Paintings are ancient rock paintings and carvings which depict half-human half-animal hybrids, hunters, and of course other mythological creatures in storyboards splayed over rock-faces.
The artwork is usually seen in a dark red color. It is drawn with finely crushed red rocks combined with animal fats, materials that were readily available to the San people.
See the most magical night sky full of stars
About two-thirds of the human population today lives under light-polluted skies, not dark enough to see the Milky Way. But since there are no big cities in Lesotho, the sky is very dark without any light pollution from the cities.
For the same reason, this country offers a spectacular experience when it comes to stargazing, similar to Malawi, another great African country for stargazing. The dark sky clearly reveals the Milky Way which is full of seemingly bigger and brighter stars.
Ride a Basotho Pony
No trip to Lesotho would be complete without experiencing riding a Basotho Pony! These ponies are relatively small in size, robust build, and have excellent stamina in mountainous areas. The Basotho Pony has been an integral part of Basotho history,
allowing for movement throughout the rugged mountain ranges. The ponies are a fun way to see the country and all its terrains, as well as a welcome break from tiresome trekking.
Endless Sunny Days
Lesotho is a land of clear blue skies and more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Despite the lack of rain, Lesotho has a renewable hydro-power plant, making it a sunny and Eco-friendly country. So, spend your days in this outdoor oasis, enjoying the blue skies worry-free!
Maletsunyane Falls
Being 192-meter-high, Maletsunyane waterfall is located near the town of Semonkong, (which also is named after the falls).
2 Guinness records had happened here, “World’s longest commercially operated abseil” by Semonkong Lodge, at a staggering 204m high, as well as “the world’s highest basketball shot” by an Australian YouTube channel called “How Ridiculous”.
Looks like there is so much to enjoy in Lesotho! My Dad would certainly love the dinosaur prints! There is something great about being in a place so close to nature
Yes! It’s an amazing country.
What I like the most about it, is how laid back and far from technology it is. It just feels so peaceful to be there!
I love peaceful areas! Every little bit helps to make places more peaceful. I am so done with stressed out mega cities
Lesotho must be an exiting place…
It’s awesome!
Thank you for your comment!