TROPICAL GATEWAY

TROPICAL GATEWAY

Lesotho

They say the best thing come in small packages. This little landlocked country offers a pocket-sized bundle of stunning hiking opportunities, wildlife spotting, and breathtaking mountain scenery. You would think the proverb was written with Lesotho in mind.

With ample opportunity to get back to nature and fascinating cultural heritage, Lesotho is a slice of Mountain paradise. Or what else do you call a place where you are woken up by an exotic sunrise in lush, supreme wildlife, extraordinary family of elephants, warm people, and a chance to connect with ancient cultures? Contrast does not really do Lesotho justice.

Lesotho has something for every traveler, so whether you are after outdoor activities (Water sports, skiing, snowboarding, or mountain biking), exploring historical sites or getting off the grid-like never before, Lesotho got you covered!

Snow lovers rejoice! Lesotho is also famous for its stunning scenery, which includes snow-capped mountain ranges during the winter. It is the perfect destination to go if you want to hone your snowboarding and skiing skills, and if that, not your things, then visiting to check out the scenery is just as good.

Lesotho Capital: Maseru

Population: 2,135,416 people

Area 30,355 km²

Major Religion: Christianity

Official Language: Sesotho and English

Climate: Lesotho summer starts from December – March, and the winter season begins from June – September. Thus, the best time to visit Lesotho is between October and November and between March and April.

Dialing code: +266

 Lesotho Currency

Currency: Lesotho Loti

Symbols: M, L

DESTINATION AND CULTURE

Subeng Dinosaur footprints

When we said, Lesotho had it all; we weren’t joking. The Subeng dinosaur footprints feature the prints of a variety of prehistoric animals that lived approximately 200 million years ago. Situated about 8 kilometers north of Hlotse, this is literally an unmissable site.

Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village

Thaba Bosiu is a national monument and known to be the birthplace of the Basotho people. The sandstone plateau is home to a fortress established by King Moshoeshoe I, the founder of the Basotho Nation. For culture enthusiasts, this is once in a lifetime experience. It’s reality, and epic history is well worth a trip!

Ha Kome Historical Cave dwelling

These stunning and well-preserved caves are home to descendants of the Bataung and Basia clans. From pony treks to picnicking in the area, you can get your hands on authentic, locally produced crafts at the nearby Kome Crafts.

Lesotho clothing

Basotho women wear long skirts and dresses in vibrant patterns and color with comfy blankets around their waits, and for special occasions, they wear Seshoeshoe – traditional Basotho Dress.

Lesotho Cuisine

Lesotho is hotbed hospitality with diverse restaurants serving different food across the globe – at some of the best prices.

Notable traditional foods include; Braai (Southern Africa barbecue), seafood, vegetables, and rice. Any backpacker who has traveled through Lesotho will have tried Lesotho’s favorite barbeque… Braai. The taste of the Braai is incredible. You will probably be in heaven.

Malealea

In these rocky mountains, maize, agave, and stretch as far as your pony can run.

Maloti Mountains and Sehlabathebe National Park

The Maloti Mountains and Sehlabathebe National Park is at the heart of the country and holds rich plant, animal and birdlife. If you are lucky, you will spot the rare bearded vulture. Come and experience brilliant features this amazing country proudly showcases.

Katse Dam

Katse Dam, home to the highest dam wall in Africa, is another must-visit and the place to go for uninterrupted views of the breathtaking landscape.

Maletsunyane Falls

At 204m, this unbeatable waterfall offers the backdrop to the world’s highest commercial abseiling Feat.  Here you can find one-of-a-king experiences and sights that will set up camp in your heart.

Addo Elephant National Park

Addo Elephant National Park is the third-largest national park in Southern Africa and home to not only an estimated 550 elephant but to Africa Big Seven: To top it all, the park lies in the malaria-free Sundays River Valley in the Eastern Cap, Promising a stress-free safari experience. If you have never been to Addo, you are really missing out.

Drakensberg Mountains

Whether you are looking to spend some quiet time with your other half, family, bond with nature, or get your pulse racing with an adventure-packed activity, this majestic mountain got you covered!  Drakensberg Mountain range extends through Lesotho to Eastern Cape province.  You can try your hand at abseiling, wine tasting, or perfecting your swing on the golf course. It is all possible in Lesotho – Drakensberg Mountain.

Ukhahlamba Drakensburg Park – UNESCO

The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg National Park received recognition from the World Heritage Site and holds an exceptional amount of beauty in its incisive dramatic cutbacks, rocky gorges, and soaring basaltic buttresses. Activities such as fly fishing, rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and bird watching are recommended. For daredevils, go on, take a walk on the wild side.

How to get a visa to Lesotho

Fill and sign the application form. Attach your passport (2 coloreds) valid for at least six months from the time of arrival in the Kingdom of Lesotho. The passport should have a minimum of two blank visa pages and taken within 6 months of travel. Also, attach documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit to Lesotho!

Helpful Travelling tips

• Book through an agent directly to save costs. Since OTA’s takes commissions
• Currency and Banking. The currency of Lesotho is Lesotho Loti. There are approximately 1L = $ 068.

Quick Peep! Most major currencies can be exchanged at hotels, ATMs, and banks across Lesotho, while South African Rand is used interchangeably with Maloti.

• You need to bring an unlocked smartphone with you. You can get a sim card for your stay, which will allow you to add minutes and be able to call your family or friends.
• Dress Modest