It nestles close to clouds seemingly aloof from the African grasslands that surround it. Imperious and proud, the kingdom of the Basotho (‘Sotho-speaking’) people, Lesotho deservingly earns the sobriquet ‘Kingdom in the Sky’. The origins of the kingdom of Lesotho can be traced back to the early 17th century when King Moshoeshoe banded together various Sotho chiefdoms into a united kingdom.

Modern day Lesotho spans 11716 square miles, all of which lie at least 1000m above sea level from the lowest point at the confluence at Orange and Makhaleng Rivers which is 1400m above sea level to the wonderfully named Thabana Ntlenyana (‘Beautiful, Little Mountain’) which peaks at 3482m and is the highest mountain in Southern Africa.

Landlocked and completely surrounded by the Republic of South Africa, Lesotho is a country of breath taking contrasts from the relative lowlands in the west where most of the population reside to the majestic mountain ranges in the east.

What does Lesotho have to offer the visitor? Well if you love nature, wide opens spaces, clean mountain air, warm sunshine and an active vacation, you will love Lesotho. Lesotho offers miles of mountain trails taking you through breath taking scenery as well as opportunities to see exotic flora and fauna at close range. There are many excellent trails in Lesotho, including treks originating from the village of Malealea in southern Lesotho where you can take in mountains, valleys and visits to rock shelters with ancient rock painting by the San people.

If you love fishing the Lesotho offers excellent opportunities for a spot of serene angling right across the country. One of the locations favoured by locals and tourists alike is the Sehlabathebe National Park, founded in 1970 it has many rivers and dams offering excellent opportunities for fishing for trout, yellow fish and lots of other fresh water fish.

Lesotho offers skiing opportunities during the South African winter (May – August). The Skiing culture in Lesotho is still developing, but if you prefer something off the tourist track then Lesotho’s ski resorts have a lot to offer. The multi-million Rand Afri-Ski resort in the Maluti Mountains of Lesotho is an excellent example of the skiing facilities available in Lesotho.

Other activities available for the visitor include 4x4 drives, pony trekking and mountain biking. A visit to Lesotho will not be complete without indulging its warm hospitable culture. Visitors can appreciate the distinctive Basotho blankets and distinctive conical straw hats still commonly worn across the country, as well as the warm and generous hospitality of the Sotho people.

Getting there? Lesotho main airport, the Moshoeshoe I International airport, on the outskirts of the capital Maseru, is served by regular flights by South African Airways. Equally most of Lesotho is served by good road connections with South Africa. Traveller’s cheques and major credit cards are accepted in the main towns and cities and most of the banks offer foreign exchange facilities.

For more details on visiting Lesotho see : http://www.lesotho.gov.ls/lstourism.htm