Lesotho

Lesotho Highlights

Lesotho, known as the "Kingdom in the Sky", is a high-altitude country encircled by South Africa, distinguished by its towering mountains, rugged landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. The capital, Maseru, is worth exploring for its bustling markets and the impressive Royal Palace. The country`s natural beauty is best exemplified in the Sehlabathebe National Park, home to unique biodiversity and ancient rock art. Adventure seekers can explore the winding mountain roads of the Sani Pass, or ski at the Afriski Mountain Resort. A visit to a traditional Basotho village offers insight into the local culture, complete with music, dance, and traditional clothing. Lesotho cuisine features hearty staples like papa (cornmeal porridge) and morogo (wild spinach). For those seeking a destination off the beaten path, Lesotho offers breathtaking natural beauty and a vibrant cultural experience.

Top 10 Attractions

Basotho Hat Shop

Located in Maseru, this shop offers a wide range of traditional Basotho arts and crafts. All products are handmade by local artists and craftsmen, and the purchase directly supports the local community. more

Located in Maseru, this shop offers a wide range of traditional Basotho arts and crafts. All products are handmade by local artists and craftsmen, and the purchase directly supports the local community.

Bokong Nature Reserve

Situated high in the Maloti Mountains, Bokong Nature Reserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife and plants. The visitor`s center offers magnificent views of the Lepaqoa Valley and the highest waterfall in Lesotho. more

Situated high in the Maloti Mountains, Bokong Nature Reserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife and plants. The visitor`s center offers magnificent views of the Lepaqoa Valley and the highest waterfall in Lesotho.

Ha Kome Cave Houses

These unique dwellings are situated under an overhanging rock and have been home to the descendants of the original family for over 200 years. The cave houses offer a glimpse into traditional Basotho life. more

These unique dwellings are situated under an overhanging rock and have been home to the descendants of the original family for over 200 years. The cave houses offer a glimpse into traditional Basotho life.

Katse Dam

Part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, the Katse Dam is the second largest dam in Africa. It`s a marvel of modern engineering and its reservoir, set amid the highland scenery, offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities. The visitor`s ce... more

Part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, the Katse Dam is the second largest dam in Africa. It`s a marvel of modern engineering and its reservoir, set amid the highland scenery, offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities. The visitor`s center provides detailed information about the construction of the dam.

Kome Caves

The Kome Caves are a group of dwellings carved into a rock face. They were built by the Basia and Bataung people during the 19th century and are still inhabited today. more

The Kome Caves are a group of dwellings carved into a rock face. They were built by the Basia and Bataung people during the 19th century and are still inhabited today.

Liphofung Caves

Liphofung Caves, also known as the "Place of the Eland", are an important archaeological site with rock art by the San people. These relatively small caves have significant cultural and historical importance as they served as a dwelling for Basotho a... more

Liphofung Caves, also known as the "Place of the Eland", are an important archaeological site with rock art by the San people. These relatively small caves have significant cultural and historical importance as they served as a dwelling for Basotho ancestors.

Maletsunyane Falls

The Maletsunyane Falls is one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in the southern hemisphere, cascading 192 meters into a beautiful gorge. The waterfall is located near the town of Semonkong, which translates to `Place of Smoke`, referring to the s... more

The Maletsunyane Falls is one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in the southern hemisphere, cascading 192 meters into a beautiful gorge. The waterfall is located near the town of Semonkong, which translates to `Place of Smoke`, referring to the smoke-like spray of the falls. A viewing platform offers spectacular views, especially during the rainy season when the falls are at their fullest.

Maliba Mountain Lodge

Maliba Mountain Lodge is Lesotho`s first and only 5-star lodge. Nestled in the Maloti Mountains, it offers luxurious accommodation and activities like horse riding, village tours, and hiking. The lodge also contributes to community development projec... more

Maliba Mountain Lodge is Lesotho`s first and only 5-star lodge. Nestled in the Maloti Mountains, it offers luxurious accommodation and activities like horse riding, village tours, and hiking. The lodge also contributes to community development projects.

Maseru

The capital city of Lesotho, Maseru offers attractions such as the Basotho Hat - a shop that showcases the work of local artists and craftsmen; the Royal Palace; and Maseru Cathedral. Despite being a bustling city, Maseru retains the charm of a small... more

The capital city of Lesotho, Maseru offers attractions such as the Basotho Hat - a shop that showcases the work of local artists and craftsmen; the Royal Palace; and Maseru Cathedral. Despite being a bustling city, Maseru retains the charm of a small town.

Menkhoaneng

This is the birthplace of Moshoeshoe I, the founder of the Basotho nation. It`s an important cultural and historical site that offers insight into the country`s past. more

This is the birthplace of Moshoeshoe I, the founder of the Basotho nation. It`s an important cultural and historical site that offers insight into the country`s past.

Mohale Dam

Like the Katse Dam, the Mohale Dam is a part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. The impressive structure offers stunning views and there are boat tours available. The dam`s reservoir is a great spot for fishing. more

Like the Katse Dam, the Mohale Dam is a part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. The impressive structure offers stunning views and there are boat tours available. The dam`s reservoir is a great spot for fishing.

Morija Museum & Archives

Located in the town of Morija, this museum is a treasure trove of Lesotho’s cultural heritage. Its collection includes archaeological artifacts, historical documents, traditional Basotho crafts, and geological specimens. The museum also hosts the ann... more

Located in the town of Morija, this museum is a treasure trove of Lesotho’s cultural heritage. Its collection includes archaeological artifacts, historical documents, traditional Basotho crafts, and geological specimens. The museum also hosts the annual Morija Arts & Cultural Festival.

Moteng Pass

This pass offers some of the most spectacular views in Lesotho. The road can be treacherous, especially in winter, but it`s worth it for the amazing views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. more

This pass offers some of the most spectacular views in Lesotho. The road can be treacherous, especially in winter, but it`s worth it for the amazing views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Quthing Museum

This small museum showcases a variety of artifacts from Lesotho`s history, including dinosaur footprints, San rock art, and traditional Basotho items. more

This small museum showcases a variety of artifacts from Lesotho`s history, including dinosaur footprints, San rock art, and traditional Basotho items.

Sani Pass

This mountain pass, one of the most spectacular in Southern Africa, links Lesotho and South Africa. It`s an adventurous drive offering breathtaking views. At the top of the pass, on the Lesotho side, is Africa`s highest pub offering refreshing bevera... more

This mountain pass, one of the most spectacular in Southern Africa, links Lesotho and South Africa. It`s an adventurous drive offering breathtaking views. At the top of the pass, on the Lesotho side, is Africa`s highest pub offering refreshing beverages and food.

Sehlabathebe National Park

As part of the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area, this park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It`s known for its unique biodiversity, dramatic landscapes, rock formations, and rock art. It also boasts several species of rare alpine fl... more

As part of the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area, this park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It`s known for its unique biodiversity, dramatic landscapes, rock formations, and rock art. It also boasts several species of rare alpine flora and fauna.

Thaba Bosiu

Known as the `Mountain of the Night`, Thaba Bosiu is a sandstone plateau with historical significance as it served as the fortress of King Moshoeshoe I during the 19th century. The area includes many historical relics, including traditional Basotho h... more

Known as the `Mountain of the Night`, Thaba Bosiu is a sandstone plateau with historical significance as it served as the fortress of King Moshoeshoe I during the 19th century. The area includes many historical relics, including traditional Basotho huts and Moshoeshoe`s grave. A cultural village at the base of the plateau offers insight into Basotho culture.

Thabana Ntlenyana

Thabana Ntlenyana, which means "beautiful little mountain" in Sesotho, stands as the highest point in Southern Africa at 3,482 meters (11,423 feet) above sea level. Located in the Maloti Range, it is a popular spot for hiking enthusiasts and provides... more

Thabana Ntlenyana, which means "beautiful little mountain" in Sesotho, stands as the highest point in Southern Africa at 3,482 meters (11,423 feet) above sea level. Located in the Maloti Range, it is a popular spot for hiking enthusiasts and provides panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Ts`ehlanyane National Park

This national park, nestled in the Maloti Mountains, is known for its rugged wilderness featuring rivers, waterfalls, and endemic flora. The park is also a part of the greater Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area. more

This national park, nestled in the Maloti Mountains, is known for its rugged wilderness featuring rivers, waterfalls, and endemic flora. The park is also a part of the greater Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area.

Tse`hlanyane National Park

This national park in the Maloti Mountains is renowned for its pristine wilderness. It offers excellent opportunities for hiking, horse riding, and bird watching. more

This national park in the Maloti Mountains is renowned for its pristine wilderness. It offers excellent opportunities for hiking, horse riding, and bird watching.

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