its stunning highland landscapes because it is entirely hilly. Undulating Afroalpine meadows covered in clumped grass, tussocked heather, and vibrant spring wildflowers are framed by golden sandstone cliffs, towering basaltic peaks, and strange rock sculptures. Huge valleys filled with spectacular waterfalls are crisscrossed by clean rivers. While the weather is sunny and pleasant from Spring to Autumn, the midwinter months of June to August frequently bring large snowfalls and subzero temperatures that turn the waterfalls into stunning ice sculptures.
For hikers, horseback riders, 4×4 enthusiasts, and other outdoor enthusiasts, Lesotho’s highlands provide a fascinating adventure playground. Skiing, mountain biking, canoeing, and the highest commercial abseil in the world are among the sports available to thrill-seekers. While birdwatchers and botanists can look for a variety of specialized species whose distribution is restricted to the high highlands of Lesotho and South Africa, trout fly-fishing is great in the highland streams. Highlights of the region’s archaeology and history include dinosaur footprints that date back more than 200 million years, eerie rock outcrops covered in enigmatic centuries-old rock art, and a number of 19th-century sites connected to King Moshoeshoe I and different early missionaries.
The Basotho people, whose hereditary monarchy was created by King Moshoeshoe I in the early 19th century, live in the peaceful and culturally homogenous country of Lesotho. The majority of the population lives in rural areas, where there is a strong agricultural economy, little industrialization, and the purest mountain air. On foot or by horse, cloaked Sotho shepherds travel the land with herds of Marino goats and sheep whose coats are used to make the famous Lesotho wool and mohair crafts. Initiation rites are held in the ancient stone-and-thatch hut villages, which feature dancing and ululating ladies as well as elders riding horses while wearing traditional thatched hats. Such antiquated customs are still present in Lesotho as part of a vibrant 21st-century culture that attracts and welcomes tourists.
