Lesotho, hidden gem of Southern Africa
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Discover the magic of the Mountain Kingdom.
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Lesotho.
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Lesotho, a kingdom of mountains and natural wonders.
In the "Kingdom in the Sky," the clouds seem very close, the sky under the stars immense. The colors of the landscapes, the light on the mountains, and the wild beauty of the country strike passing visitors, who must rise to the heights to discover its beauties. Lesotho, located at more than 1,400 meters above sea level, is a complete enclave within South Africa. Its capital, Maseru, situated on the border with the Free State, is populous and authentic, with its chaotic and colorful markets – mountain villagers come to sell their crafts, fruits, and vegetables – its overcrowded minibuses, its disordered and joyful atmosphere.
Moving away from Maseru towards the center, you discover the first peaks of the country, its high pasture landscapes where sheep graze, and small villages of traditional huts made of dried earth and thatched roofs clinging to the mountains. Once in the mountains behind your guide, on foot or horseback, you will be surprised by the world you encounter: a shepherd here, children there... and above all, greet them well with a simple "dumela" (hello!) as greeting is very important among the Sothos.
Discover a Fascinating Mountain Kingdom
Welcome to the heart of southern Africa, where the landscape reveals a stunning mosaic of majestic mountains and lush valleys. In Lesotho, nature reigns supreme, offering adventurers breathtaking panoramas. Imagine verdant plateaus overlooked by snow-capped peaks, where serenity and wild beauty envelop you.
Lesotho is a land of warm hospitality, where Basotho traditions are expressed through their colorful clothing and rhythmic dances. You will be charmed by the lively markets of Maseru, where local craftsmanship reveals all its riches, including the famous wool blankets.
Hiking enthusiasts will find delight in exploring the winding mountain trails, while culture aficionados will be amazed by traditional festivals and the enchanting music that resonates in every village. Lesotho is an invitation to discover a living heritage and share authentic moments with its inhabitants. Come and experience an unforgettable adventure in this little-known kingdom, where every encounter leaves an indelible mark on travelers' hearts.
Geography and Climate of Lesotho
With an area of just over 30,000 km², the country nicknamed the "roof of Africa" is completely landlocked in the mountains. Open to the Free State, the road from Ladybrand to Maseru is the main gateway to the country. This is the most populated part (as it is the lowest), while 80% of the country is just a chain of mountains, the Malotis, crossed by only two roads for well-prepared 4x4 vehicles. The southern slope of the country is very steep, and only two accesses are possible from Kwazulu-Natal via the Sani Pass and Qacha's Nek by 4x4 or on foot along dizzying roads.
The landscapes alternate between flat-topped mountains (mesas) and ravines that cut through the mountain, carved by torrents of water that pour down during the rainy season. The arid and barren soil erodes very quickly; the crevices are impressive, and sometimes roads are destroyed by advancing water. The only trees are located at low altitudes or in the valley floors. While the highest mountain, Thabana Ntlenvana, reaches 3,482 m, Lesotho has countless mountains, with the most spectacular ones located in the south of the country, such as Mahlasela Pass (3,222 m), Sani Pass (2,900 m), Monteng Pass (2,820 m), Blue Mountain Pass (2,641 m), God Help Pass (2,318 m), Bushman's Pass and finally Qacha's Nek (1,980 m).
Travels Between Skies and Mountains
The hottest season, from October to April, is also synonymous with the rainy season, or rather with extremely violent storms. Lesotho is surrounded by regions that are extremely hot and humid, creating a huge temperature differential. The landscapes are fantastic then, under the sunlight before the storm. This can happen several times a day in the form of short torrential rains and unforgettable lightning splitting the sky.
It is during this season that you will be advised to go there, equipped with a raincoat, or even a poncho and good walking shoes. It is warm enough to stroll around and the days are long. You should plan to stay several days at each location, as the weather is unpredictable. As a consolation, the many waterfalls are very impressive during the rainy season.
The other season is not very enviable: in winter, from June to August, while there is a tropical climate in Kwazulu-Natal, one can see the snow-capped peaks in Lesotho. Temperatures can drop to -20 °C at altitude. It snows a lot and, with living conditions being rudimentary, the journey will be difficult. If you go skiing at Afriski near Oxbow, equipment and clothing can be rented on site.
Population and Lifestyle in Lesotho
The Sothos are not found only in Lesotho. We first distinguish the northern Sothos near the Kruger Park in Mpumalanga and the southern Sothos. Among them, some live in Qwaqwa, a bantustan area defined by the apartheid regime east of Lesotho in the Free State, corresponding to the historical area of Sotho habitation before the Boer invasion. A few Europeans who love the mountains live here, mostly French and Swiss, as well as a few hundred Asians.
The country, which has just over 2 million inhabitants, is 75% rural. Most villagers are shepherds living from livestock farming. The population is very young; nearly a third is under 15 years old. About 90% of Lesothans are Christians, thanks to the historical establishment of French and Swiss missionaries: 45% are Protestant, 25% Evangelical, and 45% Catholic. Nearly 10% of the population is Muslim, Hindu, or Buddhist. Note that 85% of those over 15 years old can read and write, one of the highest rates in Africa. Despite a good level of education, the population struggles to access vital services such as health care or the Internet.
Discovering the Culture of Lesotho
The shepherds are dressed in a rather original way: you will be struck by their colorful blankets, worn like a cape, locally made from wool and mohair. They are recognizable from afar in the mountains. These warm and high-quality blankets are sold in the large markets in the center of Maseru. They are not specifically made for tourists, but for the locals. Also popular in South Africa, this type of blanket was introduced by the English for commercial purposes. Over time, it has become rooted in Basotho culture as casual or formal clothing. The shepherds also wear hats (makorotlo), Sotho sticks (molamo), and boots, which are more practical in the mountains when it rains heavily.
The traditional instruments of Lesotho music include the Lekolulo, a type of flute, the Seolo-tolo, a harp played by boys, and the string instrument Thomo played by women. As in neighboring regions like Kwazulu-Natal, religious songs are very popular. Polyphonic African gospel songs can be heard in the villages at church, on the radio, at the lodge, everywhere! The most popular is famo, a contemporary style invented by the Sothos combining accordion and a local drum made with oil cans. The most famous is the group Mosotho Chakela, which electrifies the Morija Art & Cultural Festival every year, the most important in the country. In mountain shebeens, parties last until morning: famo kwaito, deep house, young people dance in their traditional outfits to today's music.
A Journey to the Heart of an Unknown Kingdom
One might wonder why a landlocked country exists within South Africa. It is not due to its geography or its nearly uninhabitable mountains, nor to a population of freed slaves or rebels. The Southern Sotho have lived there since the 15th century and used strategic alliances to manage conflicts between the English and the Boers in the 19th century. They gained their independence in 1968.
The Koisan hunter-gatherers, ancestors of the Bushmen, first populated Lesotho. The Sotho, initially settled in the plains, were driven by the Zulus towards the Maloti Mountains, where they pushed back the Bushmen. Moshoeshoe I united 23 tribes to resist the Zulus.
French missionaries helped the Basotho obtain weapons against the Europeans. In 1868, on the missionaries' advice, they requested British protection. The Caledon Valley was lost, but this tactic earned them independence in 1966.
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