Map of Lesotho - Click here to enlarge

Lesotho's tourism resources are numerous and multi-faceted, with an unusual combination of landscapes and experiences setting it apart from other African destinations. Spectacular scenic beauty characterised by breathtaking mountain ranges, soaring peaks, crystal clear streams, surging waterfalls and a rich variety of endemic plant and animal species make this ‘Kingdom in the Sky' one of the most unspoiled natural environments on the continent. The country also offers a true African wilderness experience with wide-open vistas and a rugged and untamed landscape that is ideal for travellers in search of adventure and a destination which offers something out of the ordinary. The fact that many of Lesotho's attractions are still largely undiscovered and unspoilt gives them an appeal rarely found in more commercialised destinations.

The renowned warmth and hospitality of the Basotho people, as well as their rich heritage and cultural identity, is another draw-card for tourism. Furthermore, Lesotho' political stability ensures personal safely, freedom of travel and peace of mind for visitors. There are a variety of sites of geological, historical and archaeological importance, including rock art in the highlands and dinosaur footprints embedded in the sandstone of the lowlands.

Lesotho has well-marked seasons, with hot summers and long, warm autumn days which are ideal for hiking and pony-trekking. Winter brings snow to the mountains, although some areas are known to experience snow at any time of year. In the spring the hills are covered with a diverse variety of alpine flowers while the valleys are decked with peach blossom and mimosa. Lesotho's national flower – the spiral aloe slopes of the Maluti Mountains. Clear blue skies and brilliant sunshine for more than 300 days a year provide a wonderful climate. Lesotho is also free of both bilharzias and malaria.

While wildlife is scarce, the varieties found here are specialised to their environment and rare, endemic species may be spotted, as well as baboons, jackals and smaller animals such as rock hyraxes, mongooses and meerkats. Reptiles include the small yet very rare berg adder. It is quite common to see vultures and eagles soaring on thermals, with less usual species comprising the sentinel rock-thrush, orange-breasted rockjumper and the endemic bald ibis.

NATURAL ATTRACTIONS

The 1 970-hectare Bokong Nature Reserve lies at the head of the Mafika-Lisiu pass en route to Katse Dam. Reaching an altitude of 3 090 metres above sea level, it is the highest nature reserve in Africa that is accessible by motor vehicle. An attractively situated visitors' centre is located next to a spectacular waterfall formed where the Leqaqoa stream drops down a sheer cliff-face into the valley below.

Features of interest in Bokong include an impressive variety of birdlife, and visitors may be able to catch a glimpse of the rare and endangered bearded vulture as well as number of other bird species endemic to the afro-alpine zone. Wildlife consists of some vaal rhebuck and baboons, as well as colonies of endemic ice rats which are hunted by the smaller mammalian carnivores and avian raptors in the area. The reserve also contains some good examples of afro-alpine wetland sponges.

Hikes may be taken from Bokong across the ‘Roof of Africa' into the Ts?ehlanyane National Park. While this challenging three-day trail covers a 40-kilometre route, there are also a series of less strenuous day trails and educational walks, with the use of a local guide strongly encouraged due to the unpredictable nature of the weather at these high altitudes. Other attractions include interesting rock shelters close to the visitors' centre, restful picnic sites, a reconstructed cattle post and pony trekking opportunities.

The Ts?ehlanyane National Park , located deep in the front range of the Maluti mountains at the junction of the Ts?ehlanyane and Holomo rivers, is reached by a 32-kilometre gravel access road (presently being tarred), which leaves the main A1 route 3 kilometres south of Botha-Bothe. Containing exceptional scenic, natural and wilderness features, the park also preserves significant biodiversity.

Ts?ehlanyane encompasses over 5 600 hectares of extremely rugged mountain terrain. It is one of the very few indigenous woodland areas in Lesotho, and contains a number of undergrowth plants that are unique to this habitat. The reserve also boasts some mountain fynbos as well as berg bamboo on the banks of the streams which provide a habitat for the endangered butterfly species Metisella Syrinx. There is some small game to be seen, and birdlife includes bearded vulture and ground woodpecker.

Accommodation consists of lodges, campsites, chalets and bushcamps, and there are conference facilities. A craft shop sells refreshments and firewood, while basic foodstuffs may be purchased from the village shops in the valley. In light of the spectacular scenery, there are many opportunities for photographers. Visitors may also stroll through the woodlands, go pony trekking in the mountains or swim in the reserve's many streams and pools.

Situated at an average elevation of 2 400 metres, Sehlabathebe National Park is the oldest nature reserve in Lesotho. Remote and rugged, the tranquil beauty of this isolated reserve harbours buck and rare birds. While accessible there are a number of activities, such as hiking pony trekking, with guides available. Accommodation is available in the park's lodge or at campsites.

The Maluti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Park was formed through the linking of Lesotho's Sehlabaathebe National Park with the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park in South Africa. The 8 113 square kilometre conservation area incorporates both the Maluti and the adjacent Drakensberg range, aregion characterised by unspoiled mountain scenery and a unique yet fragile ecosystem. A number of conservation and infrastructure development projects are being undertaken here. (Further information may be found in the Ecotourism section which follows.)

The spectacular mountain road that crosses the Sani Pass serves as an entry point into Lesotho from South Africa's uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. From Sani Top village, Thabana-Ntlenyana, the highest mountain in southern Africa, is a 15-kilometre hike away. Travelling on into Lesotho, the dramatic ‘Roof of Africa' route unfolds through the 3 240-metre Kotesipola Pass down into the Sehonghong River Valley and the town of Mokhotlong. Built as one of a series of dams in the Lesotho Highlands Water Project to export water to South Africa, the huge Katse Dam with its 185-metre high dam wall (the highest in Africa) has become one of the country's most important tourist attractions. The best views are afforded from the Mafika-Lisiu Pass.

Katse Botanical Gardens display Lesotho's diverse mountain flora and plant heritage in a natural setting, as well as preserving rare and endangered species such as the national flower, the spiral aloe.

Situated just off the main route from Botha-Bothe to Oxbow and Mokhotlong, the Liphofung Nature Reserve features a large cave overhang in the Clarens sandstone. Once a Bushman shelter and later used by King Moshoeshoe I, the founder of the Basotho nation, the cave features stoneage rock paintings as well as rich archaeological deposits.

A cultural and historical site of great importance, Liphofung has been developed with the focus on cultural education and the legacy of early Basotho history of the area. Local guides are available to interpret the historical, cultural and natural significance of the site and the area as a whole, while cultural displays, such as traditional dancing, may also be enjoyed. There is a site museum and visitors' facilities include a craft outlet and a playground. Overnight accommodation is available in self catering chalets and stone huts, with traditional meals by prior arrangement.

Besides the cultural and historical aspects of the site there are also various interesting geological features to be seen in the area. The nearby Moteng valley provides a valuable opportunity to view the traditional Basotho lifestyle.

ECOTOURISM

While the Lesotho Highlands Waters Project has acted as a powerful catalyst for ecotourism opportunities in the highlands, much remains to be done in order to enjoy the rewards of ecotourism assets in this area. Challenges concerning sustainable development require the cooperation and concerted efforts of the authorities, as well as community, in order to set in motion a number of projects aimed at transforming the highlands. The focus is on actively promoting tourism development programmes and responsible environmental management.

Ecotourism has a number of employment opportunities which need to be harnessed in order to protect these outstanding natural resources, while initiatives with other sectors have already resulted in substantial indirect employment. One of these is these is the Highlands Natural Resources and Rural Income Enhancement Project(HHRRIEP), developed by the African Development Bank, which is aimed at grassroots level to reduce poverty levels while protecting the environment.

The Maloti Drackensberg Transfrontier Project has involved conservation agencies in Lesotho and South Africa joint hands to protect the region's natural and cultural heritage, with international funding and expertise. Containing virtually unspoilt wildness areas, this region is not only the most important water catchment area of two countries but also an area of significant global biodiversity. Reowned ecotourism attractions, including the flora and fauna of a unique high altitude wetland as well as snow-capped mountain peaks and outstanding scenic beauty, make it a prime ecotourism area. It also shelters numerous Bushman paintings and other archaeological and cultural resources.

The United Nation's Global Environment Facility, a funding project administered by the World Bank, has donated a considerable amount to the range management division in Maseru and KZN Wildlife to manage the long term collaborative project. The combination of improved range management, establishing community conservations, facilitating sustainable natural resources and managing nature-based tourism should greatly benefit the mountain region's economy.

Development activities in the area have included the construction of lodges, chalets, and environmental education centres, with the guest arrival centre at Sehlabathebe National Park being rehabilitated. This has been complemented by the upgrading of the Sani Pass road that will link Mokhotlong in Lesotho with Pietermaritzburg in South Africa. The provision of transport infrastructure will reduce travelling costs for locals as well as attracting inflows of foreign currency from the anticipated influx of tourists to the region. The development and subsequent management of accommodation facilities also has the potential to create jobs.

The project area has been declared a transfrontier park, with the removal of the remaining sections of border fence between Sehlabathebe and the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site allowing wildlife to roam freely within the protected area. Perimeter fencing is also being gradually strengthened and upgraded. Transfontier parks allow for adjacent areas to be managed as a unit, thus enabling management personnel to respond more effectively to a variety of environmental threats.

New developments will see the creation of another transfontier conservation area between Lesotho's Lets?eng-la-Lets?ie wetland region and the Malekgalonyane Nature Reserve near Matatiele in South Africa. This should boost the tourism triangle that includes Qacha's Nek, Quthing and Matatiele.

A RICH HERITAGE

With growing interest worldwide in cultural tourism, this subsector has the potential to play a central role in economic development. Lesotho boasts a number of must-see tourist attractions, such as Ha Baroana Rock Art Interpretation Centre, with various other rock art sites needing to be developed as well as protected for future generations.

The Department of Culture is responsible for protecting and promoting Lesotho's national culture heritage. Indigenous arts and culture are promoted through the Cultural Policy Framework while supporting centres and activities of excellence, already taken by local communities.

Situated about 42 kilometres south of Maseru, the Morija Museum and Archives , which celebrated its 50 th anniversary in 2006, seeks to preserve Lesotho's culture and history as well as promote the development of Sesotho art and culture. This custodian of Lesotho's past is home to an impressive array of items of cultural and historical interest, as well as displays of dinosaur bones and San paintings. The museum also publishes a range of books based on Lesotho's history and culture,, including ‘A Guide to Morija', which details historical events as well as describing walking trails. Tour of Morija are also organised. (Contact Morija Museum and Archives, P.O. Box 308, Morija 190, Lesotho.)

A steep, flat-topped mountain about 20 kilometres from Maseru, Thaba-Bosiu is Lesotho's most famous historical site. It is from this mountain fortrees that King Moshoeshoe successfully defended the Basotho people against their attackers, and is often considered the birthplace of the nation. There is a visitor's information centre at the base of the mountain and guided tours are available to the summit, from where there are commanding views of the countryside, including Qiloane pinnacle, which inspired the top-knot on the Basotho hat.

Routes and Tours

Lesotho's history and heritage may be explored with a variety of tours which encompass overland trips crossing mountain passes into valleys with spectacular waterfalls, the educational centre of Roma, dinosaur footprints in a riverbed, a unique cave village and craft centres. Places well worth a visit include Leribe, Subeng, Subeng, Semonkong, Teyateyaneng, Ha Kome, Ha Baroana and Kolonyama and Thaba-Bosiu.

Memorable routes include:

•  Maseru to Thaba-Bosiu (35 km) - Incorporates the mountain fortress of Moshoeshoe, with a climb to the plateau from where the ruins of villages and a cemetery of the nation's heroes can be seen. Rafutho's pass is the most important gateway into Moshoeshoe's village, which contains remnants of the walls built to defend the town. Wepener, commander of the invading boers who attacked Thaba-Bosiu, was killed here.

•  Maseru/Morija/Malealea (80km) - Highlights include the historic Thota-ea-Moli (former seat of the traditional Basotho parliament) and Moshoeshoe I International Airport , Morija and the Youth Ecumenical Centre (Mophato oa Morija), and from Malealea Lodge and hikes to Bots'oela Falls, as well as rock pools and Bushmen rock art in the Pitseng River gorge.

•  Maseru/Matdieng/Morija (44km) - The route encompasses Thota-ea-Moli (Fika-le-Mohala) and Moshoeshoe I International Airport, stopping off at King Letsie's country home, followed by a close inspection of dinosaur tracks. At Morija, the oldest village in Lesotho and home to the Morija Arts and Culture Festival, you will find the Morija Museum and Archives.

•  Maseru/Teyateyaneng/Kome (94km) -Crossing the Berea Plateau, where King Moshoeshoe I met General Cathcart in the battle of 1852, the route moves on to Prephet Matita's grave at Bethania, Matooane's Fortress, Hatoa-Mose-Mosali, Helang Basali, Setsoto Design and Elelloang Basali Handicrafts.

Morija Arts and Cultural Festival

The Morija Arts and Cultural Festival aims to unite the Basotho nation through cultural activities, educating young people about their heritage and promoting tourism and small-scale manufacturing. Since its inception in 1999, the festival has grown immensely in terms of activities, participants and visitors – a development that has had a very positive impact on domestic and regional tourism in Lesotho.

Developments during 2008 saw a five-day Morija Arts and Cultural Festival, sponsored by Econet Telecom, launched on 2 October 2008 at the Main Arena, Morija. The event was divided into two phases, with the first two days featuring a schools' cultural festival and the final three days the main festival, which included exhibitions and concerts.

The intention of the festival is to showcase Sesotho culture and revive specific aspects thereof in order to boost tourism and encourage craft sellers and other entrepreneurs. Activities included a youth talent search, Jazz and Famo concert, youth day, family day films, arts and crafts exhibition, pony trekking, hiking, tripling horse competition and church service.

For more information, visit the following web sites to learn more about Lesotho:

Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation

Maliba Lodge

Lesotho Sun

Maseru Sun

Lesotho Lodge

Victoria Hotel

Africa Lodge

Black Swan Bed and Breakfast

Morija Arts and Cultural Festival

Malealea Lodge

Lesotho Highlands Water Project

Lesotho's National Flag 

What do the colours mean?

Blue - Rain
Green - Prosperity
White - Peace
Basotho Hat - Black Nation

  Lesotho's Coat of Arms
 

The Consular
The Consular Department is located at the High Commission:

7 Chesham Place, Belgravia,
London SW1X 8HN

We are open from Monday to Friday - 09h00 to 12h30 and 14h00 to 15h30 for VISA and passport enquiries and general applications.

We are closed during the UK and Lesotho Public Holidays.