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They don’t call Lesotho the "kingdom in the sky" for nothing. It is the only country in the world that’s entirely at over 1000 m above sea level. As a matter of fact the lowest point is at 1400 meters. In winter (July-August) it’s a popular winter sport destination! Throughout the year Lesotho is an unique piece of Africa, unspoilt by mass tourism. Thrill seekers will appreciate the world’s highest abseil, hikers will love the unfenced freedom of stunning mountain trails and all visitors will be touched by the truly heart-warming hospitality of the Basotho people. |
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HIGHLIGHTS: |
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THABA BOSIU
Just east of capital Maseru lie the ruins of a stronghold, built during the reign of the famous Basotho chief Moshoeshoe I who is buried there. |
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SANI PASS
This rugged pass from KwaZulu-Natal to Lesotho is known for the highest pub in Africa. Good 4x4 driving skills are required. Might be closed in winter due to heavy snowfall. |
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MALEALEA
The local lodge in this hamlet near the South African border, is a great base to start exploring the mountainous kingdom. Go pony trekking, visit cultural projects, hike to rock art or embark on a 4x4 tour. |
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SEMONKONG
The name of this town in the heart of the country means “place of smoke” and refers to the nearby enormous Maletsunyane Falls. Take the highest commercial abseil in the world here! |
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MOUNT MOROOSI
The community based lodge is an excellent base to visit the largely unexplored southern part of Lesotho. |
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KATSE DAM
The highest positioned dam in Africa is an architectural masterpiece. Here you can stay in accommodation originally built for the dam workers. |
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OXBOW LODGE
During the African winters (June to August) Lesotho is a great winter sports venue. Oxbow Lodge, at about 2800 meters in the Drakensberg Mountains, has a great 2 km ski slope. |
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HA LIPHAPANG VILLAGE
The most-southerly tourist attraction in Lesotho is a hidden pearl. A community owned tourist operater offers a hike to the best rock art cave in the country. |
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TSETHLANYANE NP
This nature lover's paradise at a short drive from the South African border is known for its rare indigenous woods that house a great variety of small mammals and endangered birds. |
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SETHLABATHEBE NP
The oldest reserve in Lesotho is a far cry from the likes of Kruger National Park. It's a secluded piece of tranquillity. Can you spot the elusive oribi? |
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FAST FACTS:
Area: 30,355 km2 or 11,717 sq mi
(roughly the size of Belgium, slightly bigger than the state of Hawaii)
Capital: Maseru
Anthem: Lesotho Fatse La Bontana Rona (Lesotho Land of our Fathers)
Currency: Loti (LSL, pural MaLoti)
Dialling code: +266
FAST FACTS:
Area: 600,370 km2 or 224,606 sq mi
(about the size of Ukraine, slightly smaller than Texas)
Capital: Gaberone
Anthem: Fatshe leno la rona (This Land of Ours)
Currency: Pula (BWP)
Dialling code: +267
Time zone: London (Greenwich) + 2 hrs; New York + 7; CET Winter +1; CET Summer +0; China -6 hours; Sydney -8
There is no summer or winter time.
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Population
According to a July 2005 estimate Lesotho has about 1.8 million inhabitants. The official languages are Sesotho (Southern Sotho) and English. You will find many Basotho also understand and speak French (this due to the influence of the many mission posts in the country). |
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Infrastructure/roads
Moshoeshoe Airport is not far from the capital Maseru. More likely and maybe advisedly you will enter the country by car. Please note that only Maseru and Ficksburg Bridge border posts are open 24 hours a day, some others close as early as 4 o’clock in the afternoon. The main roads – A1 and A2 – are tarred and lead to the capital Maseru. However for most parts of the country the use of a 4x4 is recommended. Please let our Lesotho expert advise you on the current state of the roads in different parts of the country. It should be noted that the tarred main roads are generally in fine condition, comparable with minor roads in Europe. Also note that you need written permission from the rental company to take your car into Lesotho, we can assist you with that. Finally it is advisable to fill up your tank in Maseru or in South Africa. |
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Climate
Lesotho is the highest positioned country in the world. This makes it colder than most other places at a similar latitude. Snow is very common in winter (May to September), especially in the highlands where two ski resorts are located (book far in advance). Summers are usually nice and warm, sometimes even hot. Most of the rainfall occurs in the warm summer months during thunderstorms. Especially December to February can be hot, but moist. The higher peaks are covered by snow throughout the year. |
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DID YOU KNOW?
At Maletsunyane Falls you can make the longest commercial single-drop abseil in the world! The 204 meters descent to the bottom of the gorge is not for the faint-hearted and is preceeded by a half-day training. Brave enough? We can book one for you if you wish. |
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Easy riding
Horses and ponies are a popular mode of transport and tourist attraction in the Kingdom of the Sky.
Photo: ZippingZebra.com
The Long Way Down
Lesotho has the longest commercial abseil in the world.
Photo: ZippingZebra.com
 African Snow
Lesotho can experience serious snow fall in winter (July to August).
Photo: ZippingZebra.com
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Responsible Tours
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If you want to go off the beaten track and discover the “real” southern Africa, this one is for you. It shows you the best of Lesotho and South Africa's Wild Coast. Learn about the traditional way of life, spend time with people of different cultures, learn how to cook African cuisine and stay in community owned accommodation. From only ZAR 6,933. |
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Read more...
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Responsible Tours
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Ride horses in Lesotho and learn to prepare African cuisine in townships. This 22 day tour gives you a real feel of everyday life in this region and takes you past the most beautiful sceneries. You will stay at selected accommodation, accredited by Fairtrade in Tourism, small B&Bs and community owned lodges. Experience this with friends, or make them along the way… From only ZAR 11,800. |
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