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Lesotho

South Africa, Lesotho & Eswatini Travel Guide

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Two horsemen looking Maletsunyane Falls, Highlands, Lesotho

Getty Images/Gallo Images ROOTS Collection

Overview

Beautiful, culturally rich, affordable and easily accessible from Durban and Johannesburg, mountainous Lesotho (le-soo-too) is a vastly underrated travel destination. The contrast with South Africa could not be more striking, with the Basotho people's distinct personality and the altitudinous terrain's topographical extremes. Even a few days in Lesotho’s hospitable mountain lodges and trading posts will give you a fresh perspective on Southern Africa.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Qacha's Nek Snake Park

    Lesotho

    This site is unique in Lesotho, not only because it is the country's only snake park, but because you can also get your car washed while you visit the…

  • Cultural Village

    Lesotho

    Revamped in 2016, the well-maintained cultural village is a highly worthwhile stop. Excellent guided tours of the complex explain traditional Basotho…

  • Liphofung Cave Cultural & Historical Site

    Lesotho

    This small but historically significant sandstone overhang is adorned in San rock art and served as a temporary hideaway home for King Moshoeshoe the…

  • Bokong Nature Reserve

    Lesotho

    Bokong has perhaps the more dramatic setting of the two northern parks, with stunning vistas over the Lepaqoa Valley from the visitors centre, various…

  • Ts'ehlanyane National Park

    Lesotho

    The country's top park features a beautiful, 56-sq-km patch of rugged wilderness, including one of Lesotho’s only stands of indigenous forest, at a high…

  • Ha Baroana

    Lesotho

    Ha Baroana is one of Lesotho’s more important and publicised rock-art sites. It’s worth a visit if you have extra time, although neglect and vandalism…

  • Sehlabathebe National Park

    Lesotho

    This far-flung, lesser-visited park offers stunning rock formations, rolling grasslands, wildflowers and a feeling of isolation, though there's also a…

  • Masitise Cave House Museum

    Lesotho

    Five kilometres west of Quthing is this intriguing section of an old mission, built directly into a San rock shelter in 1866 by Reverend David-Frédéric…

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