Enclosed by South Africa on all sides, but separated from it by the huge Drakensberg and Maluti mountain ranges, the mountainous kingdom of Lesotho is small and rounded in shape, situated on a plateau of over 3,281ft (1,000m), with peaks reaching to heights of more than 10,000ft (3,000m). Sani Pass is a breathtaking entry point into Lesotho from South Africa's Drakensberg National Park and is the gateway to the 'Roof of Africa' scenic route, linking the magnificent scenery of the two mountain ranges. Popularly described as the 'Kingdom in the Sky', the lofty highlands are characterized by majestic mountain scenery, crisp mountain air and the simple serenity of the traditional lifestyles of its people. Pony trekking is one of the finest ways to experience the Lesotho highlands, with time spent in remote Basotho villages scattered among the grassy hills, where waterfalls saturate the surrounding rocks with rainbow-colored mist and crystal clear streams criss-cross the landscape. The region is also perfect for those who prefer to test the sure-footedness of their own two feet, with miles of solitary scenery to appreciate, an abundance of trout in the rivers and dams and the assurance of a warm and friendly welcome in the rugged mountain hamlets. The central highlands is home to the highest waterfall in southern Africa, the Maletsunyane Falls near Semonkong, meaning 'Place of Smoke', which thunders from a height of 624ft (192m) and is at its most spectacular during the summer rainy season.

Time spent in Lesotho will allow visitors to observe an African country filled with an extraordinary appeal, a kingdom of rugged beauty and unchanging culture that remains natural and largely unaffected by tourism.

Official Languages: Southern Sotho, English

Demonym: Mosotho (singular), Basotho (plural)

Currency: Loti (LSL)

Time Zone: (UTC+2)

Internet TLD: (UTC+2)

Calling Code: +266

Visa formalities for Lesotho:

Passport Note
Visitors traveling via South Africa will need to comply with South African passport/visa regulations.

Passports
Required by all nationals of countries referred to British, U.S.A, Australian, Canadian, and Other EU.

Visas
Not required by nationals of countries referred to British, U.S.A, Australian, Canadian, and Other EU for stays of up to three months, except:
Nationals of Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovak Republic and Slovenia, who do need a visa.

Note: Nationals not referred in visa requirement line are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see General Info).

Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist/Business: £50 (single-entry); £70 (multiple-entry).

Validity
Single-entry: up to three months. Multiple-entry: up to six months.

Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see General Info section.

Working Days Required
One.

Warning
Most visits to Lesotho are trouble-free but there have been incidents of muggings and vehicle hijacking in the past 12 months (some involving firearms). There have also been incidents of armed robbery in Maseru. Sporadic demonstrations are possible.

Parliamentary elections will be held on 17 February 2007. Visitors should monitor events through the local media and avoid all demonstrations, rallies and other large gatherings.

Do not walk around Maseru at night; and avoid driving in rural areas at night.

The threat from terrorism is low. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Attractions in Lesotho:

Mafeteng

Mafeteng is another Tourist Attractions in Lesotho. It is the busy town of the country and is not very far from Van Rooyenshek border post. The city has many shops that offer you gift items. Mafeteng is the occasional stopover for tourists. Maseru is the capital city of Lesotho and is the most visited site. The Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Victories and the Papal Pavilion are among the famous landmarks.

Maseru

A trip to the Thorkild Hand Weaving and Moteng Weavers, Lancer's Gap and the Caledon Valley during your visit to Maseru adds a different experience. Maseru has an exciting nightlife. Dining in the restaurants of the city is a pleasurable activity. Tourists can select from the menus that ranges from Chinese to Continental and local Southern Africa delicacies.

Butha-Buthe

Butha-Buthe is a perfect base to understand the culture, traditions and heritage of Lesotho. The options for sightseeing in Butha-Buthe do end here only as here you will also find a mountain summit which adds to the long list of famous sites. Sightseeing in Butha-Buthe is a pleasurable activity during visit to Lesotho. The Moshoeshoe Airport is located 18 kilometers from Maseru. Butha-Buthe is near to Maseru thus you can hire taxis from the airport and reach the city from Maseru. Various South African Airways operates daily flights from Johannesburg to Maseru. Buses and taxis are the best means of transportation to access the city of Butha-Buthe from the capital city of Lesotho. Though there is no railway link within Lesotho yet South African railway line Bloemfontein Bohlokong runs along the northwestern Lesotho border. The train has stoppage in Meqheleng and you can get to Butha-Buthe conveniently from this place.

Mokhotlong

Mokhotlong in Lesotho is the capital and only town in the district. Mokhotlong borders on the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa in the east. The north point of the Mokhotlong City borders the Free State Province. It also borders the districts of Butha-Buthe, Leribe and Thaba-Tseka. Mokhotlong District is divided into 4 constituencies of Bobatsi, Malingoaneng, Mokhotlong and Senqu. There are 15 local communities in the districts Khalahali, Khubelu, Linakaneng and Liphamola. Mokhotlong sits at the top of the windblown site of Drakensberg Ridge. The Mokhotlong at Lesotho is sometimes referred to as the loneliest place in Africa. It includes the highest mountain of Southern Africa, Thabana Ntlenyana which is at a height of 3482 meters. Mokhotlong literally means Place of the Bald Ibis and over the years it has become one of the Tourist Destinations in Lesotho. In Mokhotlong in Lesotho, tourists can find reminisces of Tibet or Mongolia, which are sure to charm you and provide you a different experience.

Leribe

The town is near to the South African border post and is preferred by tourists for being a busy marketplace. Leribe, which has a Craft Center, displays the local handicrafts of Lesotho providing an insight on the tradition and culture of the land. According to historical records, Leribe Hlotse was a British administrative center during the period of 1869-1966. The city features many old colonial buildings that is a reminder of the town being under British rule for a long period. While at Leribe at Lesotho you can also follow the sealed road that leads inland from Leribe over the Maluti Mountains. It connects the shores of the Katse Dam and its enormous lake to the city.

The widely practiced religion in Leribe is Christianity. Roman Catholics are the largest religious group in the city. Other smaller groups include the Lesotho Evangelical Church that comprises one-fourth of the total population. Lesotho provides its visitors ample scope to explore the country. A vacation at Leribe will provide you opportunity to learn about the culture, heritage and tradition of the city.

Pony trekking

Pony trekking has become one of the most popular tourist activities in Lesotho and is one of the finest ways to experience the Lesotho highlands. The ponies are typically robust and sure-footed and treks explore the spectacular mountain scenery as well as give visitors the opportunity to see and experience the traditional lifestyle of the Basotho people. The main pony trekking centers are the Basotho Trekking Center on God Help Me Pass, and the Malealea Lodge near the Gates of Paradise, where treks lasting from one hour to six days can be arranged.

Climate of Lesotho:

Weather conditions in Lesotho vary greatly depending on the altitude. Summer is the hot, rainy season from October to April, with the hottest days in January and February, and the most rain falling between March and May and October and November. Days are sunny with afternoon electric thunderstorms, and temperatures range from around 86°F (30°C) in the lowlands with cooler temperatures as the altitude increases, averaging about 64°F (18°C) in the mountains. Snow falls mainly in winter from May to September, but can occur in the mountains at any time of year. Winter can be bitterly cold, particularly in the highlands, but days are usually clear and sunny. Temperatures can fall to 20°F (-7°C) in the lowlands and 0°F (-18°C) in the highlands. At any time of year the weather can change very rapidly in the highlands from warm sunshine to mist, rain and freezing temperatures.