Nestled within the heart of southern Africa, Lesotho stands as a diamond in the rough awaiting travelers seeking unique and unforgettable safari experiences. Known as the "Kingdom in the Sky," captivating Lesotho boasts a distinctive character, warm and welcoming people, and breathtaking mountain scenery.
Visitors to Lesotho will be surprised by the multitude of activities on offer. From exploring the Maluti-Drakensburg on foot, mountain bike, or horse, to skiing in winter, finding rock art in hidden caves, visiting the impressive Maletsunyane Falls, or Sehlabathebe and Ts'ehlanyane National Parks. While Lesotho is not a big game destination, the mountainous kingdom is home to rare, and endangered species like bearded vultures, Cape vultures, and the red minnow, as well as the cute-looking ice rat, a high-altitude specialist. Though small, Lesotho’s capital Maseru offers local markets, the iconic Morija Museum and Archives, as well as opportunities to witness traditional ceremonies and festivals that showcase Basotho's vibrant traditions.
The Basotho, the nation's predominant ethnic group, are renowned for their warmth, hospitality, and rich cultural heritage. With their trademark cone-shaped hats, blankets, and gum boots, the Basotho are always ready to smile, welcoming, and friendly. Engaging with the locals provides an authentic insight into their daily lives, traditions, and age-old customs, rendering a deeper appreciation for Lesotho's cultural tapestry.
Lesotho is a high-altitude playground, strewn with untouched landscapes waiting to be explored. Welcoming people, interesting culture, and a multitude of activities make Lesotho a pleasure to experience. Embrace the magic of the "Kingdom in the Sky" and embark on a journey of discovery on the road less traveled.
- Sehlabathebe National Park: Sehlabathebe National Park is a hiker's paradise, showcasing a dramatic and rugged landscape adorned with rock arches, caves, and pools against the stunning uKhahlamba-Drakensberg escarpment backdrop. Established in 1970 as Lesotho's first national park and later incorporated into the Maluti-Drakensberg World Heritage Site, it offers not only natural beauty but also a cultural experience through its captivating San rock art sites. Explore this remarkable park for an unforgettable adventure in Lesotho.
- Ts’ehlanyane National Park: Ts'ehlanyane National Park offers breathtaking mountain vistas that are truly outstanding. Despite its rugged and wild nature, the park is conveniently accessible by an easy drive from Maseru, the capital city of Lesotho. The park's centerpiece is the acclaimed Maliba Lodge, the top-rated tourist accommodation in the country. Well-marked trails cater to hikers and horseback riders, leading to captivating waterfalls, caves, and scenic viewpoints. For the more adventurous, aiming for the summit is an option that promises a rewarding challenge. Explore the beauty of Ts'ehlanyane National Park and embark on an unforgettable journey.
- Sani Top: Situated atop the famed Sani Pass, Sani Top offers breathtaking mountain scenery and serves as an excellent base for hiking adventures. From leisurely walks around the picturesque Sani Mountain Lodge to a challenging four-day trek to Sehlabathebe National Park, there's a trail for every level of hiker. For the ultimate challenge, consider a day hike to Thabana Ntlenyana, the highest peak in Africa south of Kilimanjaro. Prepare for awe-inspiring views and an unforgettable hiking experience at Sani Top.
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The Kingdom of Lesotho's relatively small size is perfectly compensated for by big mountain vistas, a rugged alpine feel, and gentle people. Exploring Lesotho means slowing down, hiking the hills, and mountain trails, and losing yourself in the immensity of your surroundings. Lesotho is not a big game destination. The allure is the mountain scenery and dramatic landscapes. When punctuated by small game and bird sightings, these destinations are well worth the visit.
Sehlabathebe National Park, spans an area of over 65 km² in the Qacha’s Neck District, on the border with South Africa’s uKhahlamba-Drakensberg National Park. Established in 1970 as Lesotho's first national park, it became part of the Maluti-Drakensberg World Heritage Site in 2008, underscoring its global significance.
The park is a haven for hikers, offering a dramatic and rugged landscape adorned with rock arches, outcrops, caves, waterfalls, and pools, set against the magnificent uKhahlamba-Drakensberg escarpment backdrop. Exploring the park's more than 60 San rock-art sites is a rare journey of discovering these very ancient places.
While wildlife is scarce, keep an eye out for grey rhebok, eland, Chacama baboons, rock hyraxes, and the main predator in the area, the black-backed jackal. Sehlabathebe hosts no less than four endangered species, the bearded vulture, the Cape vulture, the critically endangered Maluti redfin, and the Sehlabathebe water lily.
To witness the enchanting beauty of Sehlabathebe National Park, venture out on foot to take in the ancient rock arches, and balancing boulders shrouded in mist. In spring, the rolling grassland comes alive with vibrant wildflowers, adding a splash of color to the dramatic scenery. The park can be visited year-round, with the most beautiful landscapes on display from December to April when the scenery is green, from October to March, afternoon storms are common, and from April to September hiking conditions are perfect, reliably dry, though cold to freezing at night.
Ts'ehlanyane National Park sits at the junction of the Ts'ehlanyane and the Holomo rivers and covers a 2,600 m (8,500 ft) patch of rugged, high-altitude wilderness, including one of Lesotho’s only stands of indigenous forest with a number of rare undergrowth plants that are unique to this woodland habitat.
There are four major rivers within Ts'ehlanyane National Park, where you will find stands of indigenous old-wood forest, as well as the rare berg bamboo, after which both the river and the park take their name, “Ts'ehlanyane” being the local name for the plant.
The picturesque valleys contain hiking trails, and natural swimming pools, that are magical to explore on foot or by pony. Ts'ehlanyane is not primarily known for its wildlife, but you may encounter a variety of animals during your walks. The park provides protection to over 20 mammal species, with the magnificent eland, Africa's largest antelope, being the most remarkable. While exploring, keep an eye out ice rat, which thrives in the high-altitude environment.
The highest mountain in southern Africa stands tall at 3,482 meters (11,424 ft) within the majestic Maluti Mountains of Lesotho. Its name translates to "beautiful little mountain" in the Sesotho language. Thabana Ntlenyana is part of the renowned "Grand Traverse" that spans the vast Drakensberg system or can be climbed from Sani Top Chalet or the Vergelegen Nature Reserve.
The Katse Dam is the centerpiece of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, a remarkable system of dams and tunnels that facilitates the transfer of water through the Lesotho Highlands. The Botanical Garden was originally established to safeguard the spiral aloes affected by the construction of the Katse Dam, and the garden has since flourished into a haven of gravel trails, hillside paths, indigenous flora, a medicinal section, and a captivating viewpoint overlooking the dam.
Semonkong is considered to be Lesotho’s adventure capital. Hiking, pony trekking, mountain biking, fly fishing, rock climbing, as well as abseiling the highest commercial abseil in the world, are all available here.
Also known as the Semonkong Falls, at 192 m / 630 ft, is the highest single-drop waterfall in southern Africa. A scenic five-kilometer walk along the Maletsunyane River from Semonkong unveils this captivating waterfall and its breathtaking surroundings. For the more adventurous, at 204 m / 670 ft, the Maletsunyane Falls abseil is the Guinness World Record’s longest commercial abseil in the world.
Thaba Bosiu is a sandstone plateau with historical and spiritual significance as the heart of the Sotho Kingdom. Rising to an altitude of 1,800m just 20km east of Maseru, this formidable sandstone plateau served as the residence and military stronghold of Moshoeshoe I, the kingdom's revered founding father, during much of the mid-19th century. According to Sotho oral tradition, Thaba Bosiu, meaning 'Mountain of Night,' was named by Moshoeshoe himself as he and his followers ascended the plateau in the dark, during the chilly midwinter of 1824.
These unique dwellings, built in and against the rock faces from a mixture of rock, mud, and dung, look like traditional Sotho furnaces. The Kome Cave Dwellings is a National Heritage Site worth visiting.
This brick house, built into the base of an overhanging rock by Reverend David Ellenberger in 1866, is a museum of sorts, and embossed on the ceiling of one of the rooms is a set of dinosaur footprints discovered in the excavation.
Lesotho, along with the Karoo in South Africa, is a mecca for paleontologists. There are some excellent dinosaur impressions to be found in rock overhangs, and river beds, with the most recent being discovered in 2016. Top sites include Subeng Stream, Morija, Tsikoane, and Quthing.
A stronghold of the San People for thousands of years, these hunter-gathers, now extinct in Lesotho, left hundreds of rock art sites throughout the Maluti Mountains. The most accessible rock art sites are at Ha Baroana east of Maseru, and Liphofung Cultural Centre in Butha Buthe. For the more adventurous, take your 4x4 to the gorgeous Sehlabathebe National Park, which has more than 60 rock art sites.
The mountain streams and rivers of Lesotho are stocked with both rainbow and brown trout. Set between beautiful valleys and mountains, for the fly-fishing enthusiast, Lesotho is a highland haven.
Thanks to its high altitude, Lesotho experiences enough snowfall to offer skiing, snowboarding, and a host of other snow-related activities. The amount of snow does vary year to year, and Afriski and Oxbow Lodge, set in beautiful locations, are worth checking out regardless. Snow season in southern Africa is June, July, and August, and unlike Tiffindell in South Africa, Lesotho depends on nature.
Maseru, located on the western edge of Lesotho, on the South African border, is the capital city of Lesotho. Maseru serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of Lesotho. About 24 km from King Moshoeshoe’s stronghold at Thaba Bosiu, the British established Maseru as a police garrison in 1869. The strategic location on the border with South Africa meant that even after independence in 1966, Maseru remained the capital. Maseru means “red sandstone” in the Sesotho language.
Today, Maseru serves more as a pit stop than a tourist destination but does have some attractions for the curious to explore. The National Museum provides insight into the history, culture, and art of Lesotho, while the Lesotho Cooperative Handicrafts, Lesotho’s only official visitors center, has become an iconic landmark and takes the form of a Basotho Hat – makorotlo. Inside you can buy an assortment of crafts and gifts from around Lesotho.
Finally, the industrial hub of Thetsane offers a unique glimpse into African industrialization. This bustling area is home to numerous factories producing textiles, t-shirts, and jeans for well-known US retailers like Kmart, Children's Place, and Gap, as well as brands like Levi Strauss, Jonsson, and Puma. The energetic atmosphere of Thetsane provides a stark contrast to the laid-back lifestyle found in other parts of Lesotho.
Lesotho is an all-year-round travel destination with two distinct seasons. The winter months running from April to September are the best months for serious hikers as the conditions are generally dry and clear, with cold nights, and it can snow at any time. On the other hand, the summer months from October to March, are warmer and incredibly scenic with thundershowers and frequent mist. These conditions do make outdoor activities tricky to plan, and places like the Sani Pass, are sometimes closed due to bad weather.
Lesotho experiences a temperate climate due to its mountainous terrain. The seasons in Lesotho are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere and split into two distinct categories. Winters, from April to September, and Summers, from October to March. It's important to note that because of the altitude and mountainous terrain, weather conditions can be highly changeable throughout the year.
During the winter dry season, which spans from April to September, rain is rare, and the days are characterized by sunny weather. However, temperatures drop significantly, with average daytime temperatures around 18°C/64°F in April. May, June, July, and August are the coldest months, with average afternoon temperatures around 14°C/57°F, and freezing temperatures at night and early mornings. September sees a slight increase in temperatures, with refreshing rains and daily averages ranging from 5°C/41°F at night to 18°C/64°F during the day.
The wet summer season, from October to March, brings regular rainfall and mist that often envelops the higher altitudes. October marks the settling of dust from the dry season, with morning temperatures around 8°C/46°F and afternoon temperatures around 19°C/66°F. November, December, January, and February are characterized by afternoon thunderstorms, so planning outdoor activities carefully is advisable. Daytime temperatures during this period hover around 23°C/73°F. In March, rainfall starts to diminish, and sunshine becomes more prevalent, with daytime temperatures averaging around 21°C/70°F.
As Lesotho is a small country it is usually visited in conjunction with South Africa and eSwatini tours. The type of safari that you choose to take will depend on your budget, your comfort with large groups and strangers, and the duration of your travels.
The two biggest factors influencing your Lesotho safari tour will be the duration of your travels and the choice between camping safari or lodge safari.
Large group overland tours are often the most cost-effective as they spread the cost between the 20-odd people with whom you will share your adventure, meaning that your budget can stretch a lot further. The two broad categories that these Africa safaris fit into are our overland lodge safari and overland camping safari.
It goes without saying that private tours, smaller more intimate group tours, like couples or small family or friend groups, can be more expensive. That said, African Budget Safaris specializes in private bespoke safaris that can be surprisingly affordable.
The above prices illustrate the differences between duration and camping versus lodge safari tours, for up-to-date package costs, contact one of our experienced travel consultants. African Budget Safari offers 12 tours that include Lesotho, eSwatini, and South Africa, with prices ranging from US$ 897 to US$ 3448 per person. Most arrive in Johannesburg or Durban (South Africa) and can include attractions Kruger National Park, Isimangaliso, Hluhluwe, Addo, Graffreniet, the Drakensberg, eSwatini, Lesotho, and beyond. You can browse Africa Budget Safaris Lesotho tours here.
*Please note that these prices were accurate at the time of publishing but fluctuate seasonally and with the US$ exchange rate with the ZAR. For accurate Africa safari costs, you can talk to one of our African Budget Safari travel consultants here.
Most people add Lesotho to a much longer South African safari itinerary. These overland tours will often take in Kruger, eSwatini, KwaZulu-Natal, and Lesotho, before heading onto the Garden Route and Cape Town. Alternatively, you can rent a car in Johannesburg and do a self-drive tour. Remember a 4x4 will be essential if you plan on entering Lesotho via the Sani Pass, but otherwise a regular car will do. Flights from Johannesburg leave once a day, take around 1 hour, and cost approximately R 2500 / US$ 135 (at the time of publishing).
No matter how you choose to enter Lesotho, you will need a valid passport, and the relevant supporting documentation.
When visiting the Kingdom of Lesotho, there are a number of travel options available from walking to buses, kombis, and self-drive tours. The best way to explore Lesotho for a short stay is by renting a car to self-drive, or alternatively booking a safari itinerary through a company like African Budget Safaris.
Contrary to popular belief, except for the treacherous Sani Pass, you do not need a 4x4 to drive in Lesotho. The roads are generally well-maintained, bar potholes, pedestrians, and animals which are par for the course. The kingdom is however mountainous, involving steep climbs, sharp descents, and gorgeous scenery, all requiring concentration. Petrol can be hard to find in the interior, and it is best to fill up in South Africa or Maseru.
For locals and the fearless, the most common form of transport is the minibus taxi.
Lesotho is a small but mountainous destination. We’ve used Maseru, and King Mswati III International Airport as the major points of reference, as well as destinations in the north (Malolotja), and south (KaMasholo) to give you an idea of the size. None of these times include border crossings.
The drive from OR Thambo in Johannesburg, south to Meseru will take you about 5 hours on good roads. Car hire is available to collect from the airport.
Flights from Johannesburg to Moshoeshoe I International Airport, just outside of Maseru, will take 1 hour.
Quthing, in the south of Lesotho, can be reached in roughly 3 hours.
Mokhotlong in the far east of Lesotho takes about 5.5 hours.
The adventure capital of Semonkong can be reached in about 2.5 hours
When visiting Lesotho, it's essential to be prepared for the changing weather conditions throughout the year. Layered clothing is recommended to adapt to the temperature variations between day and night, especially during the colder winter months. It's also important to stay updated on local weather forecasts and be aware of the potential for thunderstorms during the summer season.
Lesotho is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers. Be prepared for extreme mountain weather and never underestimate the dangers when doing long multi-day hikes. Be prepared for any weather, and do your research well before you depart. A good pair of hiking boots is essential.
Lesotho, a mountainous landlocked country in Southern Africa, is unique as the only independent state in the world located entirely above 1,000 meters (3,281 ft) in elevation. Its borders span a total length of 909 kilometers (565 mi) and it is completely surrounded by South Africa. Covering an area of approximately 30,355 square kilometers (11,720 sq mi), Lesotho is characterized by a cooler climate due to its high elevation. The country can be divided into three main regions: the lowlands along the Caledon and Senqu rivers, the highlands formed by the Drakensberg and Maloti mountain ranges, and the foothills that separate the lowlands from the highlands.
Lesotho's highest point is Thabana Ntlenyana, reaching an elevation of 3,482 meters (11,424 ft), while over 80% of the country lies above 1,800 meters (5,906 ft). Although Lesotho has limited water coverage, its rivers play a crucial role in the economy, with water being a significant export and a source of hydroelectricity. The Orange River, originating in the Drakensberg mountains, traverses the entire length of the country before exiting to South Africa, while the Caledon River marks part of the northwestern border. Other notable rivers include the Malibamatso, Matsoku, and Senqunyane. The geological composition of Lesotho consists mainly of shale and sandstone from the Karoo Supergroup.
In the highlands of Lesotho, peatlands can be found, particularly near the eastern border, along with solifluction deposits, blockfields, block streams, and stone garlands formed during the last glacial period. Despite its small size, Lesotho's natural features and unique geography contribute to its distinctiveness and serve as important elements of its economy and ecosystem.
Basutoland, under the leadership of King Moshoeshoe I, emerged as a unified state in 1822. The formation of Basutoland resulted from Moshoeshoe's establishment of his own clan and his alliance with former adversaries against the Lifaqane associated with Shaka Zulu's reign. The state's development continued with conflicts, and alliances involving British, Dutch, missionaries, and trekboers, until 1868, when Basutoland became a British protectorate. Basutoland later became a Crown colony in 1884, retaining tribal chiefs' internal authority.
Basutoland gained independence from the UK in 1966, becoming Lesotho. Political turmoil followed, including a coup in 1970 and rebel training in Libya. In 1986, a coup ousted the leader, granting powers to King Moshoeshoe II. A democratically elected government took over in 1993 but faced unrest and a coup attempt in 1994. After negotiations, the ousted government was reinstated, and Letsie III abdicated in favor of his father. More protests and clashes in 1998 were followed by elections in 2002, won by the Lesotho Congress for Democracy. Subsequent years saw various political developments, including a 2014 coup attempt and leadership changes. Sam Matekane became prime minister in 2022 after winning the elections with his Revolution for Prosperity party.
Lesotho's economy relies on agriculture, livestock, manufacturing, and mining, as well as workers' remittances and revenues from the Southern African Customs Union. The majority of households engage in farming, and the agricultural sector contributes nearly two-thirds of the country's income. Lesotho has become a leading exporter of garments to the United States through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), with major US brands sourcing from the country. Water and diamonds are valuable natural resources, with the Lesotho Highlands Water Project ensuring self-sufficiency in electricity production and generating significant revenue from South Africa. The mining sector, particularly the Letšeng mine, produces high-value diamonds. The official currency is the loti, which is on par with the South African rand, and Lesotho forms part of the Common Monetary Area (CMA) with Eswatini, Namibia, and South Africa.
To enter Lesotho, you will need a valid passport with a minimum validity of three months.
This is a changing landscape, and it is best to check your country’s visa requirements with your travel agent before you travel.
Yes. Lesotho is generally considered to be a safe travel destination with a relatively low crime rate compared to other African countries. Staying informed and exercising caution is good practice whenever visiting a foreign country. Here are some tips to enhance your safety:
Stay informed: Stay updated on the current situation in the country by checking travel advisories and reliable sources of information before your trip.
Be cautious in urban areas: Exercise caution, especially in urban areas and tourist hot spots. Do not leave your belongings unattended, and be aware of your surroundings.
Don’t flash your cash: Keep your valuables, such as passports, money, and electronics, securely stored in a hotel safe or a locked bag when not in use.
Respect local customs: Familiarize yourself with local customs and traditions to avoid unintentionally offending anyone. Dress modestly, particularly in rural areas and when visiting cultural or religious sites, and always ask for permission before you take photographs.
Lesotho is a prime hiking destination with many multiday routes in Lesotho as well as routes from South Africa into Lesotho. These areas can be remote and isolated. There are knowledgeable guides available, and their services are recommended, unless you have experience navigating mountainous terrain, and in Lesotho itself.
For any up-to-date hiking information, you can check in with MCSA, the Mountain Club of South Africa.
When planning a visit to Lesotho, it is advisable to ensure that your vaccinations are up to date. This includes tetanus, polio, and diphtheria, which are now administered as a combined vaccine, as well as hepatitis A.
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is only necessary if you are arriving from a country at risk of yellow fever transmission or where yellow fever is endemic, but Lesotho itself does not fall into this category.
Lesotho is not a malaria risk area. However, if you are combining your Lesotho adventure with a trip to South Africa’s low veld, Kruger, eSwatini, or Mozambique, then it is best to be prepared. The rainy summer season from October to March, and is the highest risk.
It is important to be aware of the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the country and take necessary precautions.
Don't forget to pack your preferred insect repellent to keep the bugs at bay.
The African sun can be severe, even during winter. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are highly recommended and it’s always a good idea to carry a bottle of water and stay well hydrated.
There are no dangerous mammals in Lesotho, but while hiking you should be aware of snakes, especially puff adders and Berg adders that lie concealed when hunting. Snake encounters in Lesotho are rare.
Transportation safety: Many people choose to self-drive in Lesotho. While the major roads are good, rural routes can be ridden with a combination of potholes, livestock, and people. Avoid driving at night as cattle often lie down on the roads and are difficult to spot.
When hiking in Lesotho it is good to carry cigarettes or sweets to give as gifts to the many herdsmen that you will encounter.
The local currency is the Lesotho Loti (from Maloti). The value of the loti is pegged to the South African Rand (ZAR), which means that the two currencies are interchangeable at a 1:1 exchange rate. This means that both Loti and South African Rand are widely accepted in Lesotho.
It's advisable to carry some local currency for smaller establishments, tipping, local crafts, and rural areas, but credit and debit cards are also accepted in larger establishments. When it comes to tipping, it is not obligatory but appreciated for good service.
A customary tip of around 10% is common in restaurants unless a service charge is already included. Tipping hotel staff, porters, and tour guides is also appreciated, and to this end, having a small amount of cash on hand in the local currency is a good idea.
Traveling to rural areas, etiquette can vary from area to area, so always check with your guide or staff at your accommodations about what is and isn't appropriate.
The Basotho people are gentle, and good nurtured, and do not like conflict. Always be polite and respectful, even if you are feeling frustrated, and never get angry as this is extremely offensive.
It is important to greet people in Lesotho, and it pays to learn a few basic phrases like hello - Lumela, goodbye - Sala hantle, and thank you - Kea leboha.
When giving or receiving items, it is customary to use both hands.
Most Basotho people will have no problem with having their pictures taken, but it is polite to ask. Especially in remote areas, you might have to negotiate through a bit of sign language, and asking presents an opportunity to engage with locals, and deepen your cultural experience.
Generally speaking, the Kingdom of Lesotho does not have the same rampant crime as South Africa. Your belongings should be safe, especially staying in game parks, lodges, hotels, and campsites.
However, it doesn’t hurt to take precautions. Always be conscious of your belongings and don't leave your baggage unattended either at the airport, train station, hotel lobby, or on the beach. Try to keep your valuables out of sight and never flash your cash.
It's always a good idea to be on your guard in big cities, especially when visiting markets where pickpockets sometimes target tourists.
While visiting a foreign country, in addition to your electronic copies of tickets and travel documents, it’s good practice to have hard copies of all your travel documents tucked away safely in your luggage. Visiting Lesotho will require traveling through South Africa, and you will therefore be subject to South Africa’s immigration laws and visa requirements.
Lesotho is a relaxed, and extremely beautiful safari travel destination. An excellent add-on to safaris that visit South Africa, and eSwatini. Untouched, and wild mountainous geography make it a fun and exciting destination.
You can view packages that visit the Kingdom of Lesotho here.
Explore your Lesotho safari options today, and talk to one of our expert travel consultants who will help you to plan your dream African safari adventure.
Use the Google map to explore Lesotho.