LESOTHO - KINGDOM IN THE SKY
Lesotho is a land locked country nestled island-like in the middle of South Africa. The country is called ‘kingdom in the sky’ because of its stunningly gorgeous landscape, superb hiking trails and the opportunity to explore remote areas on Basotho ponies. It is the only country in the world lying entirely above 1400 metres and is thus the highest country in the world. Maseru is the capital and the largest city here. Lesotho is famous for being the southernmost landlocked country in the world. The name is roughly derived from ‘the land of people speaking Sesotho’, hence “Lesotho”. The temperature here is cooler as compared to other countries at the same latitude because of its altitude. Maximum temperature in summers is 30 degrees and winters can go down to -7 degrees Celsius. Snowfall is common between May and September and thunderstorms in summer.
HISTORY AND POLITICS
Lesotho came into being during the 19th century when the British were defeated and Basutoland gained its independence and became the kingdom of Lesotho in 1966. Originally the earliest inhabitants in this region were Khoisan hunter-gatherers. Under the leadership of the great king Moshoeshoe, the present Lesotho emerged as a single country and continues to be an intriguing anomaly in a sea of modernity.
Today, Lesotho Government is a constitutional monarchy where the king no longer possesses any executive authority and serves only at ceremonial function. The main powers are with the Prime Minister who is the head of the government. The constitution of Lesotho provides an independent judicial system made up of High Court where the judge makes the rulings alone. The basic civil rights including freedom of speech, freedom of press and freedom of religion are protected by the constitution.
ECONOMY
Water and diamonds are Lesotho’s major natural resources and contribute maximum to the economy. Water is sold to South Africa with which Lesotho is geographically surrounded economically integrated and diamonds are exported all over the world from Lesotho. Agriculture is another dominant factor here contributing to half the country’s income and employment of the population. Loti is the official currency which can be used interchangeably with the South African rand and is at par with it in value. Lesotho is also an exporter of garments, wool, clothing and footwear. Famous brands like Levi’s jeans and Russell Athletic have their manufacturing plants located here hence providing employment to thousands of people. The economic conditions of Lesotho have improved after receiving economic aid from United States, United Kingdom, World Bank and European Union.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
More than 50% of the population of Lesotho still lives in the rural areas and in western lowlands. Although Lesotho has highest literacy rate in Africa but significant levels of child labour exist in this country but the government is trying hard to eradicate with the new laws. Christianity is the dominant religion practised by 90% of the population. The remaining 10% of the population consists of Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and members of traditional groups practising indigenous beliefs. Sesotho is the main language spoken by majority of the people. English is other official language used for administrative purpose.
The best glimpse of the Lesotho culture can be seen in The Morija Arts and Cultural Festival held annually in the historical town of Morija where the first missionaries were established in 1833. The people play the traditional musical instruments like lekolulo, flute played by men and stringed thomo played by women. Their attire consists of a thich covering of woollen blanket which is worn throughout the country in all seasons. The traditional circular huts of the Sotho people are another fantastic example of Lesotho along with the Sotho dancers famous for entertaining the crowds.
MASERU
This capital city and the only large town have a moderate climate as it lies on the Caledon River in the western lowlands. It has well stocked shops along with a good selection of hotels and restaurants for the tourists to enjoy. The visitors can visit the National Museum and the Royal Palace where huge crowds gather for important occasions in this government building. This region is full of local history and these historical buildings play an important role in creating the heritage of Lesotho. Maseru has exhilarating tours in the surrounding area over a sunny plain with fields of maize and herds of cattle. There are also beautiful villages, quiet backwater, waterfalls and the ‘Sotho castles’ which have been carved to their present form by erosion to be seen. Kingsway which was paved in 1947 for the visit by the British royal family still remains one of country’s non dirt roads and the city’s main thoroughfare.
ATTRACTIONS
• Maluti Mountains
These are easily accessible by a short drive from Masseru and from South Africa and are one of the most popular tourist destinations of Lesotho. Hikers can explore these stupendous mountains from Peka Bridge, Maseru Bridge, Maputsoe or Caledonspoort near Butha-Buthe.
• Maletsunyane Falls
This breathtaking waterfall is another popular tourist attraction in Lesotho. Hiking and horse riding is the main way to explore these magnificent waterfalls and the surrounding area. The 204 metre drop abseil along these falls is the longest commercial abseil in the world attracting tourists from everywhere.
• Sehlabathebe National Park
The main attraction of this Lesotho’s first national park is that it is remote and rugged in comparison to all other parks of Africa. There are relatively few animals though some rare ones are found here such as Maloti minnow, baboon, the odd rhebok and the bearded vulture.
• Thaba-Bosiu
This area is great to discover the mountain stronghold of the great King Moshoeshoe and holds historical importance because the struggle of Lesotho was won here.
• Roof of Africa
Lesotho is well known as the Roof of Africa as its Drakensberg Mountains and Thabana-Ntlenyana, the highest peak of Southern Africa ascend into the clouds providing a splendid view of the scenery and the tiny traditional villages located here.
• Mokhotlong
Travellers can experience the traditional and remote Lesotho by visiting this village where the African older style of living still continues.
• Other Attractions
Other major attractions in Lesotho include the famous Sani Pass which has a spectacular view from top, Semonkong and Malealea renowned for their breathtaking landscape and remote Basotho villages.
ACTIVITIES
Lesotho has a range of outdoor activities for every season suitable for all age groups of tourists to experience Africa’s natural beauty.
• Hiking
Although Lesotho does not have any organised hiking trails, it is a paradise for hikers as the entire country has a natural crisscrossed network of footpaths.
• Birding
Lesotho has some very rare species of birds like the Orange breasted Rockjumper, the Sentinel Rock-thrush and the Drakensberg Siskin for which the bird lovers visit this country from all over the world.
• Mountain climbing and biking
Lesotho is ideal for mountain climbing as it has more peaks per sq. km than any other nation in Africa. Lesotho also has natural trails suitable for mountain biking for travellers who seek adventure and want to explore the country on bikes.
TRANSPORTATION
As Lesotho is surrounded on all sides with South Africa, it is very easy to reach this country from Johannesburg. There are weekly buses running between Johannesburg and Maseru having six to seven hour journey. Minibus taxis are also available daily from Johannesburg and Ladybrand at very economical prices. Lesotho also has an international airport near the capital city Maseru having regular flight of South African Airways between Maseru and Johannesburg. Big comfortable Sky Coaches and Intercape also commute daily in either direction between Maseru and Bloemfontein. Lesotho also has several other routes through Maseru Bridge, Makhaleng Bridge, Peka Bridge and Sani Paas. There is a good network of local buses to travel within the country from one city to another.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
Although much of the food in Lesotho is imported from South Africa, the cooking style of the people here is French, Italian and Chinese. Most of the population eat seafood and freshwater fish along with a good choice of beer and wine. Braai which is a South African barbeque is the national dish and is recommended to be tried by the visitors. Mostly it is a custom to tip the waiters in the restaurants after dining. Tourists can also enjoy the live entertainment in some of the hotels and restaurants giving a glimpse of the Lesotho culture.
Lesotho has a great range of hotels and guest houses suitable for all kinds of budget and catering for all nationalities. Tourists can stay comfortably in the luxurious hotels in Maseru and other main towns. International cuisines are readily available in all these main hotels along with some other interesting places to dine in the main towns. Mountain lodges can also be hired giving access to the wilder regions of the country. One of the most famous is Malealea Lodge having its own pony trek centre for the visitors to enjoy within the premises.
The government of Lesotho is committed to make it a number one tourist destination by providing high quality service and preserving environment and cultural heritage. Tourists must visit this unique country to experience a kingdom in the sky.
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