The Kingdom of Lesotho is situated in southern Africa and is both beautiful and peaceful.
Lying high in the Drakensberg/Maluti Mountain range, Lesotho is the only country in the world where all the land lies above 1,000 metres. It has the highest low point of any nation, 4,500ft, and many of the 2.1 million Basotho live in rugged, mountainous terrain, only accessible on foot or horseback.
Lesotho is also the only country in the world completely surrounded by another country, South Africa, and is extremely vulnerable to political and economic developments in South Africa. During South Africa's apartheid era, Lesotho - a strong public supporter for the end of apartheid - granted political asylum to a number of South African refugees.
The Lesotho Government is a constitutional monarchy and the Prime Minister is head of government. The constitution provides for an independent judicial system, protects basic civil liberties, including freedom of speech, association, and the press; freedom of peaceful assembly; and freedom of religion.
A member of many regional organizations including the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), Lesotho is also active in the United Nations, the African Union, the Nonaligned Movement, the Commonwealth, and many other international organizations.
FAQs about visiting Lesotho
I would like to visit Lesotho, is it safe?
Lesotho is a beautiful country and the vast majority of visitors thoroughly enjoy their stay.
What is the currency in Lesotho?
The loti, (plural: maloti).
The loti is at par with the South African rand and in Lesotho, the loti and rand are interchangeable.
May I visit Mants'ase Children's Home?
We have always welcomed visitors but please would you contact us before you arrive and tell us about yourself, the reason for your visit and for how long you plan to visit. Should too many people plan to visit at the same time we may have to ask you to re-schedule your visit, and please note that right of admission is reserved. Thank you.
While in Lesotho, where else can I visit, what else can I do?
Whether you go fishing, hiking, camping, rock climbing, pony trekking, biking, 4x4 trekking or bird watching, almost all visitors to Lesotho have enjoyed sight-seeing, and have stated that the scenery and the friendliness of the Basotho made their visit worthwhile.
The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation analyses Visitor's Surveys and has listed
The most popular attractions named by visitors to Lesotho
- Malealea Lodge and Pony Trek Centre is situated in a remote part of Western Lesotho where every season has its own unique attractions. In a world without fences and surrounded by an abundance of magnificent scenery, visitors have an opportunity to experience traditional Basotho life.
Malealea Lodge was named one of Lonely Planet's
- The Katse and Mohale Dams are part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, Africa's largest water transfer scheme which comprises a system of several large dams and tunnels. And while at Katse, be sure to visit the Botanical Gardens.
- Sani Pass is a breathtaking mountain road linking the Drakensberg with the mountains of northern Lesotho. A 4x4 vehicle is necessary for this road especially if the weather is bad. Never underestimate the changeability of the weather in Lesotho as a common truth is that you can experience all four seasons in one day.
- One of the highest single dropping waterfalls in Africa, the Maletsunyane Falls plummets 186 metres into a spectacular gorge, and this is where adrenaline junkies abseil in a single 204m (670ft) drop into the famous haze of smoke created by the waterfall.
- Oxbow, situated in northern Lesotho is a wonderful area for walking and bird watching.
- Afri Ski is also located in northern Lesotho, 3322 m above sea-level and has the longest ski slope in Africa. From June to August the resort offers skiing and snowboarding to all, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders.
The Official Website of
The Mophato oa Mants'ase Society
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