Lesotho is an independent country, covering about 30,000 sq km and is landlocked surrounded by South Africa, to the southeast of Johannesburg. It is a mountainous country known as "the kingdom in the sky" and sits at 1000m above sea level. It is one of the few countries in Africa with natural boundaries created by tribal demands rather than those imposed by colonial decree. There are few natural resources, and population pressures have decreased agricultural potential, but the country has an almost overwhelming natural beauty coupled with welcoming, generous people. The main attraction of Lesotho is in its natural beauty and rich flora and cultural heritage. It is certainly a destination for those wanting to get off the beaten track and away from commercial tourism.
Lesotho is a perfect destination for anyone wanting to get out into beautiful, remote lands where there are no fences, very few good roads, and miles upon miles of mountainous scenery to explore on foot or on horseback, with the addition of the hospitality of the Basotho people to make this experience particularly special. Explore the highlands, Basotho villages, San Bushman rock art, and even dinosaur footprints.
The mountains are where the country gets crystal clear water from and pasture for their livestock. Minerals such as diamonds are found here. The clean water of the mountains is one of Lesotho's biggest income sources. Two of the principal rivers in South Africa, the Orange and the Tugela, are in the Lesotho mountains.
Between June and August, much snow covers the highlands and skiing is a popular activity in eastern Lesotho. In spring, gorgeous carpets of flowers cover the slopes and trout fishing is always popular in the river valleys. Birdwatching is good year round in Lesotho.
Most people visiting Lesotho combine their trip with locations in South Africa, a 4x4 hire car is essential for driving around Lesotho. There are no trains and private vehicles are the best way to get around. Distances here are measured in the length of time it takes to get somewhere, not in km!
The formidable terrain of Lesotho is created by the sheer walls of the Drakensburg mountain range which form the border with South Africa and the Maluti Mountains which run like a spine through the country. The stark towering peaks of the highlands give way to deep valleys with spectacular waterfalls and open grasslands, but there are hardly any trees - just a few scattered around the villages, usually peach trees! Villages are mainly located in the lowlands and traditional communal grazing means there are no fences.
The rugged countryside is spectacular and the visitor can feel that they are discovering the unknown with clean mountain air, blue skies, mountains and valleys providing a memorable scene. Lesotho has a mystical appeal and has relics of time gone by in dinosaur footprints embedded in rocks and many fossils remain from the Triassic period. There are also more than 400 San rock paintings.
Lesotho has an invigorating climate being at such high altitude. Winter lasts from May to August and brings snow to the mountains - although it can fall on peaks at any time in the year. In springtime (around August) the slopes are covered with alpine flowers and valleys are full of peach blossom and mimosa. Summer runs from November to January with beautiful warm sunny days and occasional rain. Lesotho boasts 299 sunny days per year! Autumn days (Feb - May) are long and warm and great for hiking and pony trekking.
