KINGDOM OF LESOTHO

- Kingdom of Lesotho - 


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Lesotho is an independent kingdom the size of Belgium, which is entirely landlocked by South Africa. Referred to as the Kingdom in the sky, it is the only country in the world that lies entirely above 1,000 metres above sea level. Its lowest point is 1,400 metres high, and over 80% of the country lies above 1,800 metres. As a result, Lesotho displays wondrous mountain landscapes with imposing mountain peaks, crystal clear rivers and natural rock pools, far from tourists hotspots in one of Africa’s most unspoilt regions.

The steep and untarred Sani Pass, which spectacularly zigzags its way through the Drakensberg Mountains, is an absolutely bucket list daytrip for mountain lovers and anyone visiting the Drakensberg. It is also the most famous point of entry into the country. Once at the top at the pass, why not stop for a refreshing local beer at the highest pub in Africa? With vertiginous views of the winding road below, it is a wonderfully cosy spot to catch your breath.
 

Home to the Basotho people, Lesotho offers superb cultural interactive possibilities. The Basotho people are steeped in tradition, most make their living as cattle farmers and live in simple stone and thatch huts. Their preferred way of transport are donkeys or the extremely sturdy sure-footed Basotho mountain ponies.

Very friendly and welcoming, especially since few tourists make the detour to include Lesotho into their itinerary, there are no cultural tourists traps or commercial villages in the Basotho world. Expect instead to find authentically friendly people, eager to meet outsiders and get a glimpse of cultures far removed from their own.


Lesotho is a perfect off-the-beaten-track destination for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, mountain-biking and pony-trekking are favourite activities, and adrenaline junkies should not miss the world's highest commercial abseil off the 200m high cliff at Maletsunyane Falls, Southern Africa's highest single drop waterfall!


The capital of Lesotho, Maseru, is a vibrant and bustling African city, which pales in comparison to the unspoilt natural beauty of this countryside. Should you, however, find yourself in the vicinity of the city, do not miss the Thabi Bosiu Arts & Culture festival in October, which celebrates local talent and traditions.


Whether as a day excursion from the Drakensberg or as a multi-day wilderness experience, Lesotho should not be missed by adventurers, explorers and outdoor enthusiasts.


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- Best time to visit Lesotho -

Best time to go to The Serengeti

Autumn ( March - May)

This is our favourite time at The Travel Cafe to visit the beautiful kingdom of Lesotho. While summer experiences sometimes heavy rainfall and winter temperatures can drop considerably, autumn is the perfect season for outdoor lovers. 


The temperate weather and the lush green landscapes after the summer rains are perfect for  popular outdoor activities such as hiking, trail running, pony-trekking, mountain biking and abseiling. We still recommend you carry warm clothing in case of unexpected cold fronts, especially at higher altitudes, but all in all this is the best season to visit Lesotho. 


Spring (October- November)

A great alternative for popular outdoor activities such as hiking or pony-trekking is spring. While similar to autumn in temperatures, the mountains are slightly less attractive - in our humble opinion - as they are dry after the long dry winter season, and the colour palette will be one of beige and brown rather than summery green. 


Summer (December-March) 

As can be expected, summer see the highest temperatures during the year, and it is also the rainy season in Lesotho. The average precipitation over November to March is typically around 100mm per month, much of which falls in short but stormy afternoon cloudbursts. The countryside is blanketed green and liberally adorned with wildflowers, which means that for many summer is their favourite time to visit. We recommend only experienced hikers venture to Lesotho during summer, as the chances of getting caught in a storm is high, and it is important to be able to read the weather's signs. Roads are also muddy and landslides can be a problem, and novice 4x4 drivers might encounter problems when venturing far off main roads. 


Winter (June -September) 

While winter is the dry season, winter can get bitterly cold in Lesotho due to the high altitude. Daytime temperatures in lower-lying area like Maseru typically average at 15-18°C during daytime but might well drop below freezing at night. Sub-zero temperatures are also the norm on the higher peaks of the eastern highlands.


Lesotho is home to the only proper ski resort in Africa, Afri-Ski Mountain Resort, and many South Africans head to Afri-Ski for the skiing and snowboarding season. While not comparable to European or American ski resorts, it has three slopes and it is a very popular winter activity for locals.   


Hiking or mountain biking is still possible, and winter offers stunning magical landscapes such as snow peaked mountains and frozen waterfalls, we highly recommend you bring plenty of warm and windproof clothing to ensure a comfortable experience of this beautiful country.
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