How to spend the summer in Lesotho
Lesotho is small and landlocked, but it is a great adventure destination. For a country so small, it is so full of exciting sights and sounds. The sweeping landscapes and mountains call visitors to linger and enjoy the blessings of nature. It is a world full of waterfalls and streams and steep passes. Let’s take a look at all the excursions Lesotho has to offer.
Graham Maclachlan, LWR2013 - panoramio (107), CC BY-SA 3.0
How to abseil down the Maletsunyane Falls
The Maletsunyane Falls are mesmerising, and it carries with them the spirit of adventure. A large number of hotels in Lesotho provide easy access to the waterfalls. Check hotels like the Avani Lesotho Hotel & Casino to see if they offer packages worth your while. A steep path leads to the bottom of the waterfall, and you can enjoy a dip in the pool when you travel in summer. If your spirit is more adventurous, sign up for abseiling down the falls. It is known as the longest single drop abseil (commercially operated). If you are not an experienced customer, a guide will help you out with some basic training. You’ll get wet from the sprays of water, so wear some quick dry clothing. If not your hike in the gorge is going to be uncomfortably wet.
How to see dinosaur footprints in Lesotho?
If you love dinosaurs or your little one does, go to areas like Morija, Quthing or Tsikoane to explore dinosaur footprints. These pre-historic giants once left their mark on the soils of Lesotho. They walked the mountains of Lesotho 200 million years ago.
How to enjoy Semonkong in Lesotho?
Semonkong is called the adventure capital of Lesotho. You can pack in some hiking, pony rides, rock climbing and even fly-fishing g in this area. Go for a trek in the mountains to breathe in fresh, pure air and spend some time with hilly birdlife. You can rent a bike and pedal along gravel pathways to enjoy the countryside. The cool streams of Semonkong are full of rainbow trout. You can catch some for dinner and ask the hotel to give you freshly caught grilled trout for dinner with white wine and a crunchy salad. It always tastes better when you catch the trout yourself. The basalt cliffs entice thrill seekers to test their endurance and daring power.
How to enjoy the Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village in Lesotho?
Located about 24 kilometres away from the capital, this village was once a mountain fortress. In 1824, ‘Moshoeshoe 1’ kept his people safe from invaders in this area. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the story of the Bosotho people originated from these soils. You go to the top of the mountain where the fortress was once built and remained unconquered. There are some rock art sites if you’re interested. Don’t forget to buy a conical Basotho hat as a keepsake.
How to enjoy hiking in the Lesotho countryside?
This mountain kingdom is ideal for hiking, with both strenuous and easy trails scattered around its beautiful landscape. Lesotho is situated completely above 1000 meters and you get fresh air and clean water in meandering streams. You can try the Sani Pass trail towards the Thabana and Ntlenyana summits. If you wish for a short hike, try the one towards Thaba Bosiu. This is where you’ll find the fortress that Moshoeshoe I built to protect his people.
How to visit the Sehlabathebe National Park in Lesotho?
This mountainous national park is rather difficult to access, but it is worth the pain. There is an unbridled wildness to the park and rock formations, rivers and even small lakes make the park sublime. You’ll find Afro-Alpine and sub-Alpine plants all over the wilds of Sehlabathebe along with rich, vibrant birdlife. Look out for the rare, bearded vulture.
