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Intro

Lesotho is known as Southern Africa’s ‘kingdom in the sky’. This mountainous country, which is land locked by South Africa, boasts a beautiful scenery, a proud Basothho people, and many hiking trails.  Lesotho’s formidable terrain is created by the sheer walls of the Drakensberg and Maluti mountains, which give sanctuary to a unique developing nation. The friendly Basotho are one of the few mountain peoples in Africa and have developed a rich culture, often in isolated villages. The entire country of Lesotho lies 1000m above sea level and boasts Thabana-Ntlenyana, at 3482m, the highest peak in Africa south of Kilimanjaro.The country offers a real and authentic African experience designed to restore sanity in a modern life characterized by the hustle-bustle of city life and industrial culture.

Weather

Lesotho’s high altitude enables it to enjoy cooler temperatures than other regions at the same altitude. Rain is restricted mostly to the summer season, while snow is common in the highlands between May and September; the higher peaks can experience snowfalls year-round.

Language

The main language, Sesotho (or Sotho), is also the first official and administrative language, and it is what Basotho speak on an ordinary basis. English is the other official and administrative language.

Tourist Attractions

Outdoor, there are good walking trails in Maseru, along with many craft markets but the without a doubt biggest attraction in Lesotho is hiking. However, make sure before you set out that you use either a guide or compass and map, obtainable at the Department of Land, Surveys and Physical Planning on Lerotholi Road Maseru.

• The mountainous country offers itself to hiking. See Linx Africa for various options.
• Pony trekking is a popular way of viewing more remote areas of Lesotho. See for example:
  • Malealea Pony Trekking Centre
  • Frasers Lodge in Semonkong
  • The Trading Post Lodge in Roma
  • Ha Poli Valley near Thaba-Tseka
• Dinosaur footprints can be viewed at Masitise Dinosaur Trackway
• Sehlabathebe National Park boasts a rich bird life and a diverse alpine flora, while Sebapala Valley is a conservation project which supports and protects the Bearded Vulture.

• Thaba-Bosiu: a flat-topped hill features the substantial remains of the dwellings and villages of King Moshoeshoe I as well as the royal cemetery of Lesotho

• Mountain passes provide spectacular views e.g. Sani Pass
• Magnificent waterfalls, e.g. Maletsunyane Falls: the highest single-drop falls in Southern Africa.
• Skiing is normally possibly in July and August at Oxbow
• A magnificent gallery of San paintings can be viewed at Ha Baroana Rock Paintings site, 39 km east of Maseru

Products

http://www.malealea.co.ls/

Sources

http://www.seelesotho.com/

http://www.africansignature.co.za/travel-destinations/lesotho.html

http://www.ltdc.org.ls/

http://www.drakensberg-tourism.com/lesotho-tourism.html

http://www.lesotho.gov.ls/about/tourism.php

Tourism Map

Product List