Although Lesotho is completely enclosed by South Africa, it is another world entirely and feels a million miles away. The massive mountain ranges play a big role in this, distancing the two countries in such an incredible way. Lesotho is totally landlocked, no beaches here. Ringed by majestic mountains, the landscape is truly untouched, rugged, quite dramatic, even harsh at times, but oh so beautiful!

Lesotho is known as “Mountain Kingdom” and “Kingdom of the Sky” and “Roof of Africa”, a fitting name considering that it is more than one thousand meters above sea level. As you can imagine, snow capped mountains are not uncommon. The western quarter of Lesotho is a plateau averaging 5,000 to 6,000 ft, originating from sandstone. The rest of Lesotho is highland, ranging from 6,000 to 7,000 ft. A zone of rolling foothills, made up of rich volcanic soils, separates the lowlands and the mountains in the east. The Maluti Mountains extend north and south, forming part of the famous Drakensberg range. The highest point is Thabana Ntlenyana (11,425ft) in the east. One thing we note in particular about Lesotho is the pure, crisp air – wonderful!

Very similar to the Swazi nation, the Basotho people are extremely proud and welcome visitors warmly into their rural mountain nation. Most of the Basotho still live traditional, simple lives in the foothills. Thankfully Lesotho has remained untouched by tourism, and it remains as natural as always. A journey through Lesotho is truly a special one!

Much of the kingdom’s villages are so remote that they can only be reached on horseback, by foot or by small aircraft. Many of the country’s canyons and thatched huts remain isolated. Some roads have been built in order to reach Lesotho’s mineral and water resources. The main road running from north to western and southern borders is sealed and passable throughout the year. All other minor roads can be impassable during the rains.

Although Lesotho experiences a great deal of sunshine, snow does occur in the highlands between May and September. Personally, our favourite time of the year for a visit!