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Lesotho has a rainfall for most of the year with extensive snowfall in the winter. Because of the elevation of the country snow is possible during any month of the year. Rainfall in the summer months is normally in the form of thunderstorms. It gets quite cold in the winter and many houses are not built for the cold weather. If you plan to visit during the winter make sure to bring a warm coat as it routinely gets below zero at night.
Lesotho, officially known as the Kingdom of Lesotho, is completely encased in the Republic of South Africa. It is the only country on the planet that exists entirely above 3300 feet. Lesotho's elevation makes it a haven for mountain climbers, hikers, and trekkers.
The Drakensberg mountain range, the highest in all of Southern Africa, reaches its pinnacle with Thabana Ntlenyana Peak rising up more than 11,000 feet. The Drakensbergs are renowned for the tens of thousands of rock paintings and cave art by the legendary ancient Bushmen, some dating back over 40,000 years. The Royal Natal National Park, in the northern Drakensbergs, contains one of the most famous and highest waterfalls in the world known as Tugela Falls. The majestic Maletsunyane Waterfalls tower more three times higher than the famed Niagara Falls and have been featured in scores of magazines. Thaba-Ts'oeu Mountain is home to a magnificent petrified forest that has been used in movie productions.
Many great Zulu tribes call the Drakensberg Mountains home. They are extremely friendly people and in their villages you will receive great hospitality and have the opportunity to purchase some of their exquisite Zulu beadwork, tapestries, and tribal woodcarvings. For paleontological tourists, take a tour of Morija, Moyeni, and Qalo to see amazingly well preserved footprints of prehistoric dinosaurs that wandered this region.
Maseru, the capital city, is the only well-developed city. Traditional mud-bricked rondavels are interspersed with modern buildings and plazas. The Roman Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Victories, the King's Palace, and the Prime Minister's Residence are popular sites with the architectural tourists. Lesotho Sun Hotel and the Maseru Sun Hotel provide a wonderful casino and unique gaming facilities. The New Lehakoe National sports center features swimming pools and tennis courts open to the public. The streets are full of food stalls, cafes, little markets, and street vendors intertwined with the sounds of street musicians playing native instruments like the lekolulo and setolo-tolo. The Morija Arts & Cultural Festival is a yearly occurrence that everyone looks forward to with a great celebration of robust African culture and heritage through song, dance, and poetry.
Lesotho's language is the ripest collection of African dialects. While most natives speak Bantu, you can also hear Afrikaans, Zulu, and Xhosa. English and French are frequently spoken so travelers will have an easy time getting around and communicating with the natives. They are extraordinarily friendly and excited to share their culture with you.
Lesotho's altitude makes it an exceedingly pleasant environment to be immersed in traditional untamed African culture. While the winters are marked with snow and some crystallization of the illustrious waterfalls, it is a perfect year round destination for eco-tourists, archaeological enthusiasts, and mountain climbers looking to conquer some of Africa's most glorious peaks.
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