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 bird life,
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.
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