Overview: Enclosed by South Africa on all sides, but separated from it by
the huge Drakensberg and Maluti mountain ranges, the mountainous
kingdom of Lesotho is small and rounded in shape, situated on a
plateau of over 3,281ft (1,000m) with peaks reaching to heights of
more than 10,000ft (3,000m). Sani Pass is a breathtaking
entry-point into Lesotho from South Africa's Drakensberg National
Park and is the gateway to the 'Roof of Africa' scenic route,
linking the magnificent scenery of the two mountain ranges. Popularly described as the 'Kingdom in the Sky', the lofty
highlands are characterised by majestic mountain scenery, crisp
mountain air and the simple serenity of the traditional lifestyles
of its people. Pony trekking is one of the finest ways to
experience the Lesotho highlands, with time spent in remote Basotho
villages scattered among the grassy hills, where waterfalls
saturate the surrounding rocks with rainbow-coloured mist and
crystal clear streams criss-cross the landscape. The region is also
perfect for those who prefer to test the sure-footedness of their
own two feet, with miles of solitary scenery to appreciate, an
abundance of trout in the rivers and dams and the assurance of a
warm and friendly welcome in the rugged mountain hamlets. The
central highlands is home to the highest waterfall in southern
Africa, the Maletsunyane Falls near Semonkong (meaning 'Place of
Smoke'), which thunders from a height of 624ft (192m) and is at its
most spectacular during the summer rainy season. From the heights of the Maluti Mountains, the land descends to
the western lowlands where all the major towns are to be found and
where two thirds of the population live. Maseru, the capital, is a
fascinating city of contrasting modern and traditional lifestyles.
Blanket-clad horsemen sidestep the traffic jams on their way to
market, and woven handicrafts are displayed on the busy pavements
outside new glass buildings filled with self-important office
workers. Time spent in Lesotho will allow visitors to obser
|