Lesotho

For those who want back to basic, Lesotho is an absolute must. A trip to Lesotho brings you back to the original form. Discover the untouched ecosystems of Lesotho where animals and humans live in harmony and be amazed by the overwhelming nature. The hospitable people of Lesotho welcome you with open arms.

Like a kingdom in the sky, Lesotho is like an island in the middle of South Africa. No fewer than 436,000 of the 2.1 million inhabitants live in the capital Maseru. Maseru is therefore a lively city, with African, Asian and European influences. There is a relaxed atmosphere and it is an excellent place as a base for trips to the rest of Lesotho.

In the center of the capital Maseru you can visit the National Museum, the Royal Palace or the Basotho Head mill, where the characteristic pointed hat is made of grass. Just outside the center you will find a statue of Moshoeshoe the Great, the first king of the country.

Just north of Maseru is Lancer’s Gap. This is named after the fight against the English in 1880, in which more independence was obtained. From here you have a perfect view of the capital and the Caledon valley. At 130 kilometers from Maseru, you will find the Masitise caves where various rock paintings from the time of the Bushmen can be admired 50,000 years ago.

The local children are excellent guides for a small fee. You can take a shuttle bus from Hyperama supermarket in Maseru to Thaba-Bosiu, a ruin mountain town. Here is the fort from 1860 by King Moshoeshoe the Great. This is considered a national monument, since it has never been in the hands of the enemy because of its strategic location. Here you will find a visitor center and also a beautiful view of the Qiloane peak, which was the model for the famous Basotho hat. At Subeng you can witness the remains of dinosaurs.

Perfectly preserved 180 million year old dinosaur footprints can be seen here. In Molimo Nthuse you will find the highest waterfalls in southern Africa, the Meletsunyane waterfalls.

For a trek through Maluti, the Drakensberg, you can use the best Mokhotlong as a base. This is located approximately 270 kilometers north of Maseru. It is the driest, freshest and coldest place in Lesotho with a few overnight options.

Hiking through the deserted mountains in Sehlabathebe National Park is popular in Lesotho. You will not come face to face with dangerous wild animals here. Be sure to visit the Meletsunyane waterfalls in Molimo Nthuse.

Lesotho has two official languages, Sesotho and English. Most residents speak both languages. You can therefore use English perfectly during your trip here.

Culture Lesotho
The history of Lesotho goes back a long way. Petrified forests and dinosaur footprints are proof of this. The murals of the Bushmen, who are more than 50,000 years old, are a silent witness to the rich history.

Lesotho is a magical place where music and dance are deeply rooted in rituals and daily life. Characteristic of musical events are the shepherd’s flute de lekolulo, the thomo, a stringed instrument that may only be played by women, and a sort of mouth harp, the seto-tolo, which in turn is a real men’s instrument.

Old rituals, customs and superstitions play a role every day. Livestock is a status symbol and is sacrificed.

People still lead a traditional and simple existence. Lesotho still has many old craftsmen, who produce beautiful products from, among other things, pottery, silver and mohair. The typical handmade, grass-woven, Mokorotlo hats have become the logo of this beautiful country.

Geography Lesotho
The nickname of Lesotho is “Kingdom in the sky”, Kingdom in the sky. It owes this name to the height at which it is located. The whole of Lesotho is above 1000 meters. Wherever you are in Lesotho, you can always count on spectacular views. The kingdom of Lesotho is just as large as Belgium and is encircled by South Africa over the entire 909 km. On the east side form the Maluti (Drakensberg) a natural border. The highest mountain of this chain, the Thabana Ntlenyana is 3482 m high and is located in Lesotho.

Handy information:

The currency is Loti (plural: Maloti) whose value is equal to the South African Rand.
power supply: 220 / 240V AC 50Hz
It is forbidden to import alcohol without an import permit when traveling to Lesotho.
Winter sports are also possible in Lesotho. At the Afri-Ski resort you can ski in the winter and mountain biking or hiking in the summer.