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Lesotho
is set high in the mountains of Southern Africa and, unusually, is completely
surrounded by another state – South
Africa. Often referred to as the “Kingdom in the Sky”,
Lesotho covers an area of
a little more than 30 000 km2. The country is dominated by the highlands, which
occupy three-quarters of the total area. At 3 482 m above sea level, Thabana
Ntlenyana is the highest peak in Southern Africa. The
country offers an opportunity to experience Africa's natural
beauty, the simplicity and warmth of its remote inhabitants, and the majestic
landscapes of the Maloti Highlands. Lesotho can be explored by car on well-established
roads. For the more adventurous a 4 x 4 or the reliable Basotho pony, the traditional
form of transport, are more appropriate on rugged terrain.
Although it is a young independent country, Lesotho's history dates back
millions of years. Fossilised dinosaur trails and petrified wood testify to
a long natural history, while the San rock-paintings are relics of their later
occupation. Lesotho was first inhabited by a small group of
people of Nguni origin. Alongside the San lived the Sesotho-speaking Bafokeng.
After marauding raids by the Zulus, King Moshoeshoe I gathered the remnants
of the war-stricken tribes to amalgamate them into one nation, settling in the
north on the Botha Bothe plateau. The search for security resulted in subsequent
migration southward, and settlement at Thaba Bosiu in 1824. From this mountain
fortress the nation withstood numerous attacks. The first missionaries opened
the world of education for Moshoeshoe's subjects. A new enemy came with the
arrival of the Boers, whose military campaign from 1865 to 1868 led Moshoeshoe
to seek protection from the Queen of England. This was provided on 12 March
1868. On 4 October 1966 Lesotho
was granted independence.
Maseru, the capital
city, is generally the first stop for many tourists and offers a number of attractions.
The Basotho-hut-shaped Lesotho
Evangelical church and the colonial-style Roman Catholic cathedral are monuments
in honour of the Basotho who fell in the two world wars. The podium built to
receive Pope John Paul II in 1988 is a monument of its time. Rural Basotho
handicrafts are displayed on the streets for sale. The weaving centres in town
provide opportunities for visitors to buy high-quality wool and mohair, traditional
Lesotho products. Lancer's
Gap on the Berea Plateau offers fine views of the city and the Conquered Territory.
Close to Maseru (39
km east) are the Ha Baroana Rock Paintings, which feature a gallery of rock
art depicting wildlife and the San way of life. On the second range of the
Maloti lies Molimo Nthuse, which offers superb vistas along one of the most
attractive routes in Lesotho. Mohale Dam, a continuation
of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, is in this area. The National University
of Lesotho is situated 35 km south-east of Maseru. Also nearby is Thaba Bosiu, the flat-topped
hill that Moshoeshoe used as a citadel to establish his nation. At the top
lie the remains of the King's dwellings and village as well as the royal cemetery.
A good tarred road leads to the Lesotho Tourist Board information office at
the base of the plateau. From here visitors are guided through one of the few
passes (Rafutho Pass)
to the summit. In the northwest, Peka, Maputsoe (Ficksburg) and Caledonspoort
bridges are entry ports to the most scenic and historic parts of the country.
Major Bell's Tower in Hlotse is an important monument of the 1870s. It was
besieged by Basotho warriors during the Gun war of 1880 to 1881. Tsikoane and
Subeng, both of which are close to the town of Hlotse
in the Leribe district, are sites of important dinosaur trackways. Thaba Phatsoa
Outward Bound centre is situated in the foothills of the Maloti range near the
Lionel Collet Dam. Endurance courses, canoeing, rock-climbing, abseiling and
hiking are some of the activities offered to visitors. The Centre has self-catering
accommodation facilities. Oxbow Lodge, a place of total solitude, is close to
Mahlasela ski slope where many have enjoyed a white winter. The area is also
good for hiking and bird-watching.
An excellent tarred road through the beautiful Mafika-Lisiu
pass leads to the site of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. The dams here
have created spectacular views, as well as homes for an increasing number of
birds. Future developments in the project will allow visitors to enjoy numerous
activities such as sailing, wind-surfing, pony-trekking, hiking and trout-fishing.
The Katse Dam at Bokong is the centrepiece of the project and is the highest
dam in Africa.
The Roof of Africa Scenic Route boasts some of the most spectacular
views in the country. The rural villages, set high in the mountains, display
traditional lifestyles, unchanged for generations. The Mokhotlong District includes
Thabana Ntlenyana, the highest peak in Southern Africa.
Challenging yet spectacular 4 x 4 routes weave their way through the area that
is rich in montane birdlife, including bald ibis, Varreaux, black eagle, Cape
vulture and bearded vulture. Sani Pass is the main gateway into Lesotho
from KwaZulu-Natal and is the pony-trekking
centre between Molumong and Thabana Ntlenyana.
Sehlabathebe National Park is the only designated nature reserve in Lesotho
and comprises 6 500 hectares at an average elevation of 2 400 m. The park is
ideal for bird-watching and contains unusual rock formations and alpine flora.
Game is limited to a few antelope species but the scenery is stunning.
Southwest Lesotho is a treasure-house of history, full of sites
that played major roles in the creation of Lesotho's heritage. The town of Morija houses the only museum in the country, including a small conference
centre, a craft centre and a 19th-century church, the oldest in the country.
Matsieng is the traditional capital of Lesotho
and home to the royal family. Malentsunyane Falls, though a fraction of the
width of the Victoria Falls, is the highest single-drop waterfall in Southern
Africa. The falls can be visited by pony-trekking from Malealea,
Molimo Nthuse or nearby Semonkong Lodge. Malealea
is situated in secluded woodland surrounded by attractive countryside and is
an ideal base for trekking and exploring a number of attractions in the area.
Mohale's Hoek provides a scenic corridor for motorists between
Maseru and Quthing. Metlejoeng interconnecting
caves were inhabited by cannibals early in the 19th century and can be explored
by visitors. Maphutseng has some of the oldest buildings and the trackway of
both herbivore and carnivore dinosaurs. The Quthing district has the cave house
as Masitise built by Ellenberger, a French missionary. Just outside the town
of Moyeni lies a protected dinosaur-footprints centre where these may
be viewed. Further on there is Sebapala
Valley – a spectacular high mountain valley and the
location of a wildlife conservation project designed by the local population
to protect the bearded vulture. Lake
Letsie is a lake and wetland area near Ongeluk's Nek
and an important wildlife habitat idyllic for picnics, hiking and pony-trekking.
For many years ponies were the only means of transport through
the mountainous terrain, resulting in a strong tradition of horse-riding and
breeding. The Basotho pony's origin can be traced back to a mixture of stunted
thoroughbreds, the influence of horses from Java, the introduction of Arab stallions
and later a cross-breed with Commemara ponies. Single- or multi-day trails
through spectacular beauty can be enjoyed on these sure-footed and well-tempered
Basotho ponies. Pony treks into the mountains can be undertaken from Molimo
Nthuse, Malealea Lodge, Semonkong Lodge and Khohlontso
Pony-trekking. Most handicrafts produced in Lesotho are used in everyday life. The Basotho
hat is worn throughout the country and the clay pots or jugs are used to store
water or home-brewed beer. Mats and baskets are used for their traditional
purposes. The people of Lesotho
are also masters of weaving, jewellery design and pottery.
For further information contact the Lesotho Tourism Development
Board Phone: +266 22 31 2238. Fax: +266 2231 0198. E-mail: ltbhq@ltb.org.ls
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