Lesotho · City Guide
Maseru
Maseru is the capital of Lesotho, the Mountain Kingdom entirely surrounded by South Africa and the highest country in the world by elevation, providing the gateway to extraordinary mountain scenery, traditional Basotho culture, horseback riding through dramatic highland landscapes and the spectacular Maletsunyane Falls. With its unique geography and distinctive culture expressed through the traditional Basotho blanket and conical hat, Lesotho offers a destination unlike anywhere else in Southern Africa.
Elect's take
"Lesotho is one of the most surprising destinations in Southern Africa — a small mountain kingdom with extraordinary scenery and a distinctive culture that feels completely separate from the surrounding South African landscape, despite being entirely enclosed by it."
Lesotho's status as the only country entirely above 1000 metres elevation creates a landscape of dramatic mountains, deep valleys and high passes including the Sani Pass, one of the most spectacular mountain roads in Africa. Traditional Basotho pony trekking provides a unique way to explore the remote highland villages, where the traditional Basotho blanket and distinctive conical hat (mokorotlo) remain part of everyday dress. Maletsunyane Falls near Semonkong is one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in Southern Africa and provides the world's longest single-drop commercial abseil. The Katse Dam and surrounding Highlands Water Project area provide dramatic mountain reservoir scenery.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Highland Kingdom
The highest country in the world by elevation with dramatic mountain landscapes throughout.
Basotho Culture
Distinctive traditional dress including the famous Basotho blanket and conical hat.
Pony Trekking
Unique horseback exploration of remote highland villages on traditional Basotho ponies.
Maletsunyane Falls
One of Southern Africa's highest waterfalls with the world's longest commercial abseil.
Sani Pass
One of the most spectacular and dramatic mountain roads in Africa.
Katse Dam
Dramatic mountain reservoir scenery as part of the Highlands Water Project.
