The mountain magic of Lesotho
Saturday 21 January 2012By Colin Stevens
Lesotho is called the ‘Kingdom in the sky’ for good reason.
This stunningly beautiful, mountainous country is nestled island-like in the middle of South Africa and it is a fascinating travel detour from its larger neighbour. The country offers superb mountain scenery, a proud traditional people, endless hiking trails, and the chance to explore remote areas on Basotho ponies.
Lesotho came into being during the early 19th century, when both the lifaqane (forced migration) and Boer incursions into the hinterlands were at their height. Under the leadership of the legendary King Moshoeshoe the Great, the Basotho people sought sanctuary and strategic advantage amid the forbidding terrain of the Drakensberg and Maluti Ranges.
The small nation they forged continues to be an intriguing anomaly in a sea of modernity. Getting around is reasonably easy – ordinary hire cars will get you most places; public transport is extensive, albeit slow. Hiking or pony trekking from village to village are the best ways of exploring.
The Lesotho experience is unique. Soaring mountains beckon, skies overwhelm, waters run wild and deep.
The best kept secret of the mountain kingdom is Afri-Ski – a mountain magic dream of snow, sun, fun and laughter, located in the northern part of Lesotho. Around 75km east of the town of Butha Buthe, at the top of the dramatic Moteng Pass rather surprisingly lies this ski resort, with 1km of piste, lifts and snow machines. Rooms range from basic dormitories to comfortable chalets.
Ski season is usually June to August, with other activities such as hiking and pony trekking at other times. Under thick snow or scorching sun Lesotho is a beautiful and challenging environment.
Experience a country which must have given birth to the very spirit of adventure and excitement. Heights, depths, sizes, distances, temperatures – they are all extreme in lesotho, where man and beast have successfully and harmoniously coexisted since prehistoric times and have had to meet extraordinary challenges of the natural world here to ensure survival in this unique country.
Lesotho can boast some of the most pristine dinosaur relics in the world and is a mecca for archaeologists and palaeontologists alike.The country even has a dinosaur named after it, the 1 meter long herbivorous lizard. Lesothosaurus, a very primitive ornithopod from the late Triassic and early Jurassic period 200-208 million years ago, which has been reconstructed into a model on view at the Natural History Museum in London. Dinosaur footprints can be spotted in various areas around the country, and at a preserved site in Quthing.
The nature loving visitor or eco-tourist is not only welcome in Lesotho, but spoilt for choice in this country of 30300 km² of unfenced and unspoilt spoiled beauty.
The remote and lovely environment offers the ultimate action holiday with a staggering array of pursuits. Challenges abound in this land, including: the world's longest commercial single-drop abseil of 204 meters alongside the Maletsunyane waterfall; exhilarating whitewater courses; canoeing; spectacular ski runs; horseriding; pony trekking; mountain climbing; hiking and off-road racing.
Whether exploring the mysteries of the past, wonders of the present or your own frontiers of adventure Lesotho welcomes you.