Lesotho is a kingdom in the southern part of the African continent. The country was formerly known as Basutoland.
Around 130,000 inhabitants live in the capital Maseru, and about 400,000 in the entire capital district. Around 93 percent of Lesotho’s population adheres to Christianity, while about seven percent are considered animists. The country’s official languages are English and Sesotho.
Sights in Lesotho
In the Kingdom of Lesotho, there are numerous historical and cultural sights, as well as many natural monuments. These include, for example, the Ha-Khotso rock paintings, created by the San people, the Quiloane Falls near the town of Molikaliko, or the fossilized dinosaur footprints near Maphutseng.
Thanks to Lesotho’s mountainous landscape, it is possible to take tours on the back of a pony, as the Basotho pony is a popular means of transport in the mountains of Lesotho. The country’s nature can also be explored in its national parks, such as the Mont-aux-Sources National Park and the Sehlabathebe National Park. Both are located in the southeast of the country, and due to the humid climate, the vegetation in these parks is particularly lush. There, visitors also have the chance to observe many antelopes in their natural habitat.
Location and Climate of Lesotho
The Kingdom of Lesotho is located in the southern part of Africa as an enclave. The country is completely surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. In the west, the country sits on a plateau up to 1,700 meters high, crisscrossed by table mountains and rivers. The eastern mountain regions rise up to 2,000 meters above sea level. This landscape of high mountain ranges is intersected by deep river valleys. The highest peak in Lesotho is the Thabana Ntlenyana, at 3,482 meters. Due to its altitude, the country is also known as 'The Kingdom in the Sky'.
Lesotho has a temperate continental climate. Because of its location in the Southern Hemisphere, winter occurs in the opposite months, roughly from June to August. During this time, cold temperatures and snow are expected in the east. Particularly in the high regions of the country, winter offers good opportunities for a skiing holiday. Between November and March, Lesotho experiences summer, with hot temperatures reaching up to 33 degrees Celsius. Additionally, summer is marked by frequent violent thunderstorms. In winter, however, rain is rare, so the landscape quickly becomes very dry.
Entry and Arrival
Lesotho’s international airport is located about 21 kilometers from the city center of Maseru. From the airport, visitors can continue their journey by bus, taxi, or rental car, which are available on-site. There are also several border crossings into South Africa, allowing travelers to reach the country by bus from Lesotho.
To enter Lesotho, tourists need a passport that is valid for at least six months. If the stay is planned for up to three months, no visa is required. Tourists must also ensure they have sufficient funds and a valid return ticket upon entry. If arriving from a yellow fever risk area, travelers of all ages must present proof of a valid yellow fever vaccination.
