"Stunning scenery, invigorating mountain air and endless blue skies"

With all its land lying at altitudes of more than 1,000 metres, Lesotho is aptly described as "The Kingdom in the Sky". Indeed the country boasts the highest mountain in Southern Africa, Thaba-Ntlenyana, which towers to 3,482m. The size of Belgium, Lesotho also has the unusual distinction of being entirely surrounded by another country, the Republic of South Africa.

Tourists come here not for the bush and big game, but for stunning scenery, invigorating mountain air and endless blue skies.

Travel Highlights
In spite of new mountain roads, some areas of the country are still off the beaten track so pony trekking is a popular way to explore the country
The traditional lifestyle of the Basotho people can still be observed in the Lesotho Highlands. Building of the Katse Dam and the flooding of the Malibamatso Valley has created watersports and angling opportunities.

Lesotho's capital, Maseru, has a number of colonial buildings, dating back to the start of the century. The Basotho Hat building, which houses a handicraft shop and a restaurant, is an important landmark. Here it is not unusual to see blanketed Basotho horsemen, with their distinctive conical hats, weaving through the heavy traffic or craftsmen manufacturing their goods in the front of modern office buildings.

Visits to handicraft centres and places of interest are included in half-day conducted tours of Maseru which culminate at Lancer's Gap for excellent views of the town.

Various full-day tours are available from Maseru, offering scenic, historical and crafts themes.

The Maluti mountain range, with its streams, waterfalls, deep river gorges and bridle paths offer breathtaking vistas. Maletsunyane Waterfall, one of the highest in the Southern hemisphere, is just one of the sights.

Thaba-Bosiu is a great national monument within easy reach of Maseru. A flat-topped hill, it was used by Moshoeshoe I, the 19th century founder of the Basotho nation, as his citadel. On the summit are substantial remains of the King's dwellings, together with the royal cemetery of Lesotho.

The pretty town of Tenya-Teyaneng, also close to Maseru, is an important centre for local weavers and craftsmen. Close to the town are examples of San (Bushman) rock art.

Dinosaur footprints can also be seen. Some of the best examples, dating back 200 million years, are at at Subeng Stream, about five miles north of the main Hlotse - Butha-Buthe road.

Another apt description of Lesotho is "Africa for All Seasons." In springtime, when melting snows fill the rivers and the waters run full of trout, peach blossom and mimosa decorate the valleys. Summer and autumn are great times to hike through the mountains and explore hidden Basotho villages, or to picnic by a cascading waterfall, watching rare montane birds. In winter, the peaks are blanketed in snow.

The Basotho people are known for their genuine warmth and friendliness. They are skilled in a diverse array of crafts, including weaving, woven grasswork, knitwear, sheepskins, leather craft, jewellery and pottery.


Activities & Pursuits
An outdoor enthusiasts paradise!
Pony trekking is Lesotho's most popular activity. No riding experience is required and options range from an hour-long trek to six-day safaris, led by Basotho guides who will regale guests with tales of Basotho legends. There are a number of well-organised pony-trekking centres with first class equipment and facilities.

There are plenty of trails for the hiker or hill-walker while anglers can catch carp and bass in clear mountain streams and lakes. Photography and bird-watching are other popular pursuits, while in winter there's the chance to go skiing!

The Facts
The majority of visitors to Lesotho arrive by road from South Africa. There are daily services from and to Johannesburg International Airport operated by SA Airlink. South African Airways, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic operate daily services to Johannesburg from London Heathrow.


Accommodation
Luxurious resort hotels

Visa requirements:
Visas are not required for entry into Lesotho by British passport holders, but the passports must be valid for 6-12 months beyond the intended length of the stay.For UK citizens only, you are advised to call the MASTA Visa & Passport Information line on 0897 501 100 for the latest information.

Money
Holiday money:
The unit of currency is the Loti, whch is divided into 100 Lisente, or the South African Rand. The notes are issued in Loti denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 or 200. International Credit Cards are widely accepted in main centres, as are travellers cheques in Sterling, US Dollars or South African Rand

Health
Health Requirements:
A Yellow Fever certificate is required but only if arriving from infected areas. Immunisation is however recommended against hepatitis A, polio, tetanus and typhoid.

Getting around

Flights operate between the islands. Local car hire services are available. Fares for taxis should be negotiated in advance with the driver.

Climate
The hot, humid and wet season is between November and April. It is cooler and drier the rest of the year.

Best time to visit:
May to October.