10 Awesome Things To Do In Lesotho
If you are wondering whether it is safe to travel to Lesotho, then know that it is one of the countries that has not been hit by the Coronavirus epidemic. No cases of COVID-19 are detected in Lesotho till this date. The authorities in Lesotho are taking all the steps to not let COVID-19 spread in the country and it is recommended to take precautionary measures while visiting Lesotho. Also, we suggest that you check flight operations to and from Lesotho as they might be affected amidst the virus outbreak.
Note: The Coronavirus statistics mentioned in this article are based on the updated reports available on March 3, 2020. These figures will be updated depending on how the outbreak unfolds.
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Landlocked by the South-African terrains, Lesotho stands as a symbol of unspoiled beauty, 19th-century ruins, a crisscrossed network of rivers and mountains, and majestic waterfalls. With 3,482 meters high peak of Thabana Ntlenyana and the rich cultural heritage of Basotho people, there are plenty of things to do in Lesotho. The rugged wilderness sprawling over 30,000 square kilometers houses many beautiful places to visit in Lesotho including Maletsunyane Falls, Katse Dam, and the rock paintings of Ha Barona.
The fact that Lesotho has no land below a thousand meters has won it the title of the “Kingdom in the Sky”. So, come to this magical land and make sure that you add the following points of interest in Lesotho to your bucket list.
1. Explore the indigenous forest of Tsehlanyane National Park
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The largest national park in the country, Tsehlanyane National Park is also one of the most popular holiday destinations in Lesotho. Encircled by the Maloti Mountains in Butha-Buthe District, Tsehlanyane National Park covers an area of 5,600 hectares. It houses the only indigenous forest of Lesotho with rare species of undergrowth flora. The park derives its name from the local name for berg bamboo that grows here.
2. Click breathtaking pictures of Maletsunyane Falls, Semonkong
PC: Close to the town of Semonkong, you will find the gorgeous 192-meter high Maletsunyane Falls. The waterfall is located on the Maletsunyane River. What makes Maletsunyane Falls a must-visit place is a reverberating echo that it produces around the basin. Locals have a legend associated with the sound too, calling it to be the “wailing of people who drowned in the falls”.
3. Learn about the Basotho people at Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village
PC: Nestled at the foot of the Thaba Bosiu plateau, Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village is one of the man-made attractions in Lesotho that offers a keen insight into the Basotho nation. You can take one of the Lesotho travel packages that include a visit to Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village and explore the key attractions like Ha Kome Caves, Metolong and Mohale Dams, Molimo-Nthuse Pass and attend the events like Roof of Africa and Morija Cultural Festival.
4. See the awesome engineering of Katse Dam
PC: One of the picturesque Lesotho tourist attractions, Katse Dam is built on Malibamat'so River. With the height of 185 meters, Katse Dam is regarded as the highest dam in Africa. This concrete arch dam was completed in 2009. You can start touring the Katse Dam from the visitor center and enjoy the fascinating views atop the ridge. You will soon realize why Katse Dam is coined as the “striking piece of modern engineering”
5. Visit the Lepaquoa Waterfall at Bokong Nature Reserve
PC: A perfect amalgamation of Afro-Alpine wetlands and plus montane grassland, Bokong Nature Reserve is where you can see the most dramatic settings and gorgeous vistas offered by the African landscapes. However, the attraction that highlights the beauty of Bokong Nature Reserve is Lepaquoa Waterfall. One of the best things to do in Lesotho in winter is to see the Lepaquoa waterfall turned into an icy column.
6. Marvel at the biodiversity of Sehlabathebe National Park
PC: Skirted by the Maloti Mountains in Qacha Nek District, Sehlabathebe National Park comes in the list of best places of interest in Lesotho. Sehlabathebe National Park is where you can witness the biodiversity of Lesotho in the best form. The ecosystem of the park comprises of freshwater lakes, grasslands, cliffs, waterfalls, rock-dwelling, as well as rock art. You will also discover the native wildlife of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
7. Hike to the Thabana Ntlenyana
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Thabana Ntlenyana in Sesotho means “beautiful little mountain”, while on the contrary, this place offers the highest point in Lesotho and is considered as the highest mountain in southern Africa. With a height of 3,482 meters, Thabana Ntlenyana offers a wonderful place for seasoned hikers. It can also be climbed from Sani Top Chalet and Vergelegen Nature Reserve. Thabana Ntlenyana is an 18-mile picturesque hike from Sani Pass.
8. Enjoy the weather at Thaba Putsoa
PC: One of the best things to do in Maseru Lesotho is to take a ride to the majestic mountains of Thaba Putsoa. Thaba Putsoa is located around 70 kilometers to the southeast of Maseru, the capital city of Lesotho. Thaba Pustsoa has a height of 3,096 and is known for having the coldest temperature in the region.
9. Take a tour of Morija Museum
If you are still wondering what to do in Lesotho to soak in its rich heritage and local legends, Morija Museum is the place to be. Morija museum is located in the village with the same name in the district of Maseru. Opened in 1956, this museum showcases different aspects of Basotho people, their cultural assets, beliefs, and architectural style of their dwellings. You will also find the oldest newspaper in Africa as well as the first African novel.
10. Drive through the Moteng Pass
PC: Moteng Pass is another beautiful point of interest Lesotho passing through the Maloti Mountains. Moteng Pass has a total distance of 7.9 kilometers and is one of the passes that join the towns of Butha-Buthe and Mokhotlong. The pass sees heavy snowfall in winter and gets laden with ice. On the other hand, Moteng Pass offers a scenic ride during other seasons.
Lesotho, being a beautiful little gem of the African continent, is a delightful place for those who want to see how versatile Africa is. So, wait no more; make the bucket list of your favorite places in Lesotho and discover the heritage of this Mountain Kingdom.
