Lesotho

Lesotho remains a different world, land-locked by South Africa and distinctly less developed, providing an often harsh and desolate environment. Much of the country is sparsely covered mountain country of blanket-clad horsemen, stone and thatch villages.

The Mountain Kingdom, all over 1000 metres, grew in 19th Century when King Moshoeshoe provided refuge from the threat of an expanding Zulu warrior nation and land-seeking Boer migrants. The protective terrain provides stunning scenery from Maluti Mountains through to Thaba Putsoa in the osuth.

Sani Pass provides the most dramatic route into Lesotho, rising sharply and dramatically from Natal Midlands of South Africa. The mountains are the domain of the endangered bearded vulture and Basotho shepherds.

Pony trekking and hiking allow the visitor to explore stunning mountain scenery, waterfalls and narrow valleys from good lodges at Maliba, Malealea and Semonkong in the north and centre.