The Lesotho highlands make a perfect setting for the highest single dropping waterfall of Southern Africa, Maletsunyane Falls. This is a majestic waterfall, which leaves an striking impression on visitors after the relatively tame Maletsunyane River. An interesting but tough activity in this place is climbing down the gorge. The spray and the noise from the waterfall, at the bottom, will make the climb down worth it. The adventurous option is a chance at a Guiness world record commercially run abseil - the world's longest single drop actually, from a 204 m high cliff. The cliff is close to Semonkong right next to the Maletsunyane Waterfall.

Morija is a small town that holds an impressive historical heritage. Visit the Morija Museum for a slice of history and see dinosaur (Lesothosaurus) footprints in the hills above Morija.

4th October is celebrated as Independence Day in Lesotho, commemorating the day Lesotho gained freedom from British rule. Moshoeshoe Day which falls on March 14th is a day to honour the country's founding father. A procession is taken out in Maseru on this day. The procession begins from the Palace and goes to the Sotho Stadium. Colourful traditional dresses are out in full display with many people dancing traditional dances, herding cattle and riding horses as part of the parade. The traditional dresses comprise of sticks, blankets and straw hats. Once the parade reaches the stadium, police and military parades are held, incorporating the modern with the traditional.

The Katse Dam runs a length of 185 m and is part of a large water scheme. Besides providing water for the Gauteng province in South Africa, Lesotho's electricity requirement is also met here. There is a large man-made reservoir here where water is stored and gravity-fed to Gauteng. The rural countryside and the mountains all around vie for attention with this amazing engineering marvel that has won many awards.

This is a mountain stronghold from where King Moeshoeshoe the Great, the great warrior and diplomat, ran his kingdom. This area has seen many skirmishes of the King's army with hostile African armies and white settlers. Thaba Boisu is also the final resting place of many kings and queens of Lesotho.

Pony trekking is an enjoyable activity at Katse, Malealea, Semonkong and the Basotho Pony Trekking Centre. It does not matter if you have never sat on horseback before. You will get used to it and enjoy the Lesotho countryside astride a pony. The pony rides are organised tours and you will be able to see a few parts of the country which are not accessible by car. Don't be afraid, the Basotho ponies are very sure footed and are the perfect option for climbing mountains and seeing far off villages.

Hiking is a popular activity in the Highlands. On the way back you get to stay at remote villages. If you fancy yourself as an experienced hiker get hold of a 1:25,000 topographical map and hit the hiking trail with a local guide. These maps are available in downtown Maseru at the Lands, Surveys, and Physical Planning office.

Many historical sites can be found in Maseru and the outskirts. If you take a Maseru city tour you can see the King's Palace and visit the Prime Minister's Residence. Several interesting day trips from Maseru also await you. Travelling 40 km east you reach the Liphiring Stream. A place of interest here is the vantage point facing an overhanging rock called Ha Baroana. This is home to the Bushmen. Over here, you can find a splendid gallery of portrayals of Bushmen life featuring hunting, dancing, people in huts and rock paintings of animals.

Do visit the museum which is located in the town Morija, nearly 40 km to the South of Maseru. Also worth seeing is Thabo Bosiu, a flat topped hill to the east of Maseru. This hill was once the mountain headquarters of the King Moshoeshoe I and was the place where the Basotho people heroically stood against the Boers. The ruins of the fortifications and graves of Moshoeshoe I and some Basotho chiefs can be found here.

To the north of Maseru is the town of Teyateyaneng, famous for its handicrafts and artwork, particularly Lesotho's celebrated wool and mohair rugs and tapestries. You can also see women weavers at work here. Some of the finest tapestries in the country can be bought from the St. Agnes Mission just outside the town. Interestingly, the word ‘Teyateyaneng' has a Basotho origin and means ‘the place of quick sands'.

Having the maximum number of peaks per square kilometre in Africa and magnificent cliff faces, chimneys and ridges, Lesotho has some of the region's most excellent mountain climbing territory. However, inexperienced climbers beware! Mountain climbing should be attempted only with proper equipment, and local advice and guidance. Paragliding and hand gliding in Lesotho are also popular thanks to Lesotho's spectacular mountains and remarkably crystal clear air. But gliders should bring their own equipment as there is no specialist gear available for hire here.

Ponies have been the means of transport used by Basothos for quite some time. Even today some remote countryside areas are accessible only if you are willing to pony trek. Lesotho's steep terrain is not easy to traverse, but the nimble and tough ponies seem to trek along easily. Your other options for transport are mountain bikes or 4X4 vehicles. If you have an adventurous bent of mind visit the Sani Pass, on Lesotho's eastern side. This pass connects Lesotho with KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. To test your trekking abilities try your hand at crossing the Drakensburg Mountains.

The Roof of Africa Scenic Route is another must do activity for anyone who loves adventure. This route is a joint effort of Lesotho, the Free State in South Africa and KwaZulu-Natal. Amazingly beautiful landscapes of the Drakensburg and Maluti mountain ranges await exploration by you.

If you are fond of fishing you will be fascinated by the sight of migrating yellowfish leaping up from waterfalls, barbells in the lowland rivers and river and dam waters teeming with trout. Make it a point to visit the Malibamat'so, the place where the Ts'ehlanyane and Tlholohatsi Rivers meet near the Oxbow Lodge and Butha-Butha, for great fishing experiences.

There is a top class skiing resort being developed in Lesotho, along the Mahlasela slopes. There are just two more such resorts in Africa. This Lesotho skiing resort is expected to be a major tourist attraction.

Situated on the Lesotho border with the Southern Free State and the foothills of the mountains of Lesotho, Mafeteng, with its quiet surroundings, is the ideal base to start exploring the country. Mafeteng is situated at the intersection of the eastern cape of South Africa, the Free State and Maseru.

The Sehlabathebe National Park is situated in the south-eastern part of Lesotho. It was established in 1970 and has a scenic setting of high mountain plateaus bordering South Africa. Breathtaking rock formations, vast rock overhangs and several small lakes are part of the national park. Large panels of Bushmen paintings at Qomoqomong are a very popular and unique attraction. Though the paintings are faded, the place is charming and the drive and the walk are picturesque.

Trout Fishing - Lesotho

During the rainy season most rivers are clouded with silt and fishing is badly affected.

Some rivers are good for fishing but are not readily accessible.

The Best and most accessible spots

Butha Buthe

The Malibamats'o, 2km below the Oxbow Lodge.

Mokhotlong

Khubelu River, upstream from the point where the road crosses Khubelu at
Tlokoeng village and a few kilometers downstream from Metebong ea Lelingoane(on Khubelu ), are reportedly especially good.

Mokhotlong River upstream from Mateanong.

Qacha's Nek

Sehlabathebe Park Area Tsoelikane River downstream from the falls,both within and outside the park.

Park Ponds - only available for fishing for guests at Sehlabathebe Lodge.

Leqooa River - The river is reportedly good from its confluence with Thamathu upstream, but the most beautiful stretch is 4 hours horse back from the park lodge.

Maseru

Makhaleng River downstream , 2km below Molimo Nthuse Hotel. This river has been stocked a few times. It is the nearest fishing area, 2 hours' drive from Maseru.

Senqunyane River - around Marakabei Lodge and upstream from the lodge.

Thaba Tseka

Theba Tseka main dam has been stocked with trout for recreational purposes and fish have an average mass of 270g.

There is another small dam below the Basotho Pony which has been stocked with 140g trout for recreational purposes. Additional permit required.

Semonkong

River Brown Trout, Rainbow trout, Yellow fish and Red Finned Minnow has been caught in the Maletsunyane River and surrounding areas. Only Fly-fishing is permitted and equipment may be rented from reception at Semonkong lodge.

Fees

The license fee is M5-00 for the whole year, obtainable from:

Ministry of Agriculture
Livestock Division
Private Bag A82
Maseru 100
Lesotho

Tel.: (00266) 22323986

Closed season in scheduled trout is from the first day of June in any year to the thirty-first day of August in that year, both days inclusive.

Types of Equipment permissible for fishing:

Fishing Tackle for Trout
Only rod and line and artificial non-spinning flies may be used. A landing net and gaff may be used.
Bag Limit for Trout
Twelve trout over ten inches in length. Others must be returned undamaged to the water.Before taking a fish venture, it is advisable to seek advice on the concentration of fish from the Ministry of Agriculture on the above given address.

Is Sani Pass all Lesotho has to offer? NO, explore and you will be surprised at what you find!

Will we recommend going up Sani Pass when you have the opportunity? YES, if you can, go even deeper into the Mountain Kingdom!

Will I do it in my own car? NO - Because I want to get up and down in one piece! Some people say you do not need a 4x4. By Law, the South African Boarder post does not allow non-4x4 vehicles to go up the pass. Sometimes a non-4x4 slips past the Lesotho Boarder control to make it down the hill; we do not recommend trying this. It is a ruff, narrow road with loose rocks and shear drops. Rather hire a 4x4, get on the 4x4 minibus taxi or even better - Book a tour! The drive is amazing but the history and information that goes with it is even better, this also allows you to enjoy a beer at the highest pub in Africa without having to worry about the drive home.

The journey can take you +-2 Hours one way, add photo stops and lunch at Sani Top Chalets and you have a recipe for a great day or the start to a wonderful trip.

Make sure you have a charged camera & back up battery! There is a photo opportunity around every corner!

Take as many photos of scenery and the surroundings as you want. Do not take photos of royal or government buildings. This includes the boarder posts building with its lovely ‘Welcome to Lesotho" sign painted on the outside. When you take photos of the local people they will expect a little something in return - Maybe R2 or so.... They might ask for more. This is because there is an impression that the photos will be sold around the world. If you think about it, any models in photos all around the world get paid to have their photograph taken!

Please do not give extravagant amounts of money-be reasonable. Give only to those that have done something for you (Sing, dance or stood for a photo). Lesotho is trying to combat begging and needs everybody that enters the Country's help to succeed in this mammoth task.