Lesotho Things to Do

 
by CatherineReichardt
 
  •   Things to Do
    by CatherineReichardt
  •   Things to Do
    by CatherineReichardt
  •   Things to Do
    by CatherineReichardt
  •   Things to Do
    by CatherineReichardt
  •   Things to Do
    by CatherineReichardt
 
Great Prices, Great Rooms
hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. Click or call now: 1-800-914-6835
Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices

Sponsored Links

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Textbook onion skin weathering on Thaba Bosiu

by CatherineReichardt

Let's face it, textbook onion skin weathering probably isn't big in your life, but read on, as if you decide to visit Thaba Bosui, it may provide a very useful way of saving face ...As you probably know, I am a lapsed geologist, and I have never quite managed to leave my geological roots behind me. Onion skin weathering is a phenomenon where the rock is broken down by exposure to the elements, which are particularly harsh in Lesotho. Repeated fluctation between extremes of temperature - ranging from snow and ice in winter to harsh sun in summer - over the aeons causes the various minerals which make up the rock to expand and contract at different rates, which ultimately breaks down the internal structure of the rock. This causes thin layers of rock to peel off like onion skins ... hence the term 'onion skin weathering'.So how could this help you save face? Well, if you decide to tackle...

Tip Photo
House of King Moshoeshoe I - built by the Irish!

by CatherineReichardt

This house on top of the Thaba Bosiu plateau was used by King Moshoeshoe I and was built for him by the Irish in the mid 19th century. The first thing that strikes you is that it isn't constructed on a regal scale ... and although slightly larger than the average Basotho hut, it certainly isn't palatial. Considering the extreme climate of the area and the fact that it hasn't been used in over a century, it's quite impressive that it is still in such good nick - the damage is due to failure of the roof timbers (the most perishable part of the structure).I haven't quite managed to fathom the apparently special relationship between the Basotho and the Irish, but it seems to be closer and warmer than you might expect. When I worked in Lesotho in the late 80s, there was a pony breeding centre at Molimo Nthuse on the God Help Me Pass which was an Irish aid project to fund improvement of...

Tip Photo
ENTER THE HIGHEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD

by DAO

Lesotho is the highest country in the world! And I bet you thought it was Nepal! Lesotho has the highest low point of any country in the World (1400 meters/4593 feet) and is the only country to be entirely above 1000 meters (3281 feet) high. So where is it? The Kingdom of Lesotho is a small, mountainous country in southern Africa. In fact it is surrounded by the country of South Africa. It is the only place you will see Africans not only prepared for snow, but actually receiving it. The people are super friendly and it is well worth a visit. You can see at least ¼ of the country by car in a day.

Tip Photo
Mafika Lisiu Mountain Pass

by MikeAtSea

The Mafika Lisiu Mountain Pass is a spectacular achievement and was built to connect the low regions of Lesotho to Katse Dam. The pass which winds up the mountain valley from Leribe ends up at an elevation of 3090 meters. The views on a clear day are simply spectacular. The road is in perfect condition all the way. During winter one has to take caution off snow and ice however.

Tip Photo
Katse Botanical Garden

by MikeAtSea

The Garden has been in existence since 1996 and today is a fully functional Botanical Garden. It boasts a large plant propagation area and extensive pathways that allow visitors to see the displays of Sesotho traditional medicinal plants. The garden has a unique collection representing the dry Senqu River vegetations. The size of the gardens are 17 hectares at an altitude of 2229m, which makes this the highest botanical garden in the southern hemisphere.

Tip Photo
Dinosaur Footprints

by MikeAtSea

Step back in time as you follow the dinosaur footprints in Lesotho. This small country has the distinction of having the world's earliest known mammalian skeletal material. Magazostrodon links the reptiles and the mammals, something which gives Lesotho worldwide fossil distinction. It also has the world's largest known sites of dinosaur footprints, which makes Lesotho rich in paleontological importance. Many of the earliest known dinosaur fossil discoveries were made by the missionaries' explorations of the area. Lesothosaurus was discovered including a wealth of bones, trees, plants and shells from pre-historic times. There are many dinosaur footprint locations and some can be found at Morija, Subeng Stream and Tsikoane close to Leribe, Moyeni, Matsient and Mohale's Hoek. The pictures I took were made just off the road from Butha Buthe to Leribe.

Tip Photo
Mohale Dam

by MikeAtSea

The Mohale Dam is the second dam that was finished for the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. The dam is connected to Katse Dam by a 32 km tunnel allowing water to flow between the two dams. At 145 m it is the highest concrete faced rockfill dam in Africa. The dam has set new standards for environmental responsibility and pioneered new design concepts and construction techniques.

Tip Photo
Katse Dam

by MikeAtSea

The Katse Dam is situated on the Malibamatso River in the heart of Lesotho. It is the highest dam in Africa and by far the most efficient storage dam in Africa due to its great depth and relatively small surface area. The dam wall is 185 m high, and the crest length some 710 m in length. The total storage of the dam is 1,950 Million/m3 of water.

Tip Photo
DRAKENSBERG ESCARPMENT

by mtncorg

In my mind, a multi-day traverse along the top of the Drakensberg Escarpment is the peak of African alpine adventures. Kilimanjaro may be higher, but the Drakensberg is light years beyond in both wilderness experience and scenic beauty. Where crowds inhabit the tracks of Kili, you can walk for a week or more here in the Drak without seeing another soul. The ‘normal’ traverse - all routes are mostly trail-less affairs for the majority of the way - runs from the Sentinel/Chain Ladder trail on the west edge of the Royal Natal National Park over to the Cathedral Peak Hotel, a trek that will take you 4-6 days. Another week would take you over Cleft and Champagne Peaks and maybe as far as Giant’s Castle. Or you could just continue to walk towards Sani Pass and beyond. Just a matter of time and physical condition. Be aware that you will need to be in good shape to accomplish this trek. You need...

Tip Photo
Pony Trekking

by Babzz

By horse is one of the best and most fun ways to get around the mountainous terrain of the Lesotho highlands. Pony treks can be arranged through your accomodations. We stayed at the Malealea Lodge (see website).

Tip Photo
Fun things to do in Lesotho

Top 3 Hotels in Lesotho

Lancer's Inn  Maseru

 2 Reviews and 14 Opinions  Lancers Inn is said to be the International Development Specialist's hotel of choice in Maseru. This... 

 Hotels in Maseru

Maliba Mountain Lodge  Sehlabathebe National Park

 69 Opinions

 Hotels in Sehlabathebe National Park

Lesotho Sun Hotel  Maseru

 1 Review and 23 Opinions  Hands down the best hotel in Maseru. The others don't even come close. Renovations will be completed... 

 Hotels in Maseru

4 Hotels in Lesotho
 
Explore the World
Travel Destinations
Travel Highlights

The Place

Reviews and photos of Lesotho attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Lesotho sightseeing.

Experience Lesotho
 

Questions and Answers

themask profile photo

Q:  I am finalising my travel trip on South Africa -Lesotho -Swaziland. I have applied for a Visa for Lesotho and South Africa, but... 

GrumpyDiver profile photo

A: Pretoria is a city about 50 or so north-east of Jo'burg. I can't make any comments on local transport as we got there by car, and this was quite a few years ago now. If... 

Read 4 Replies

postQuestion_button

Click here for best deals for Lesotho

Save Up To 50% On Hotels
ORBITZ.com Find great deals on Orbitz & pay no hotel change or cancel fees
Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Great Rooms. Great Rates.
Travelocity Hotel rooms at up to 50% off. 
Great Rooms, Great Prices
Hotels.com Low Rates Guaranteed!  Click or Call an Expert at 1-800-45-HOTEL

Sponsored Links