African Reservations

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.

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.