Joanna James
Lesotho is a mountainous country surrounded by South Africa. It's probably not a place you've heard much about, and maybe one of the best-kept secrets in the world. To enjoy Lesotho, you don't need to break the bank, the natural beauty of this country is more than enough for a trip.
When visiting Lesotho, first things first; find a great place to stay. Properties such as Avani Lesotho Hotel & Casino are great options to consider. It is centrally located, greatly priced, and offers amazingly luxurious accommodation. Now, take your pick of all the amazing things to do in Lesotho. Maletsunyane Falls in Semonkong is one of the highest waterfalls in the world. It drops 192m into the dazzlingly beautiful gorge below. The hike up to the falls is quite scenic, but if hiking is not exactly your thing, you can drive right up to the waterfall. The setting is perfect for a peaceful evening with your loved ones in one of the few truly unspoilt regions of the world.
Lesotho is a mountainous country that on average sits at a very high altitude. Lesotho is unique in the sense that is encircled by South Africa. But that's beside the point – if you are visiting Lesotho, you want to experience the country's breathtaking mountain ranges to the fullest. And no mountain range in Lesotho quite compares to the Maluti Mountains. The range itself extends for over 100kms and even stretches into South Africa. The mountain range is dotted with flocks of sheep, cows and pleasant herders from the small and sparse few villages found there.
Mohale Dam was built in 2003 on the Senqunyane River to serve as a backup to the Katse Dam and reservoir; it is not a dam that generates power. The dam is one of only three in Lesotho and is 145m tall and 620m long. The drive to Mohale Dam is quite a long one; however, you will travel through endless open spaces and some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the world so it is quite worthwhile. But the true prize is reaching the dam and taking in the gorgeous and serene natural beauty of the area surrounding it.
It is recommended that you hike at least the last stretch of trail that leads up to the aptly named Gates of Paradise Pass. The hike simply offers stunning views and a feel of Africa at its most primal; however, driving up to the pass is quite easy as well. Once you reach the pass, you will be rewarded with a vista that reaches as far as the eye can see. It is a spectacle for the senses and probably a glimpse of Africa you'll never catch again.
Spend an entertaining evening at Lesotho Cooperative Handicrafts and get a feel for the culture and traditions of the native Basotho people. Buy a few traditional clothes, pins and table mats or other colourful handmade items to take back home as souvenirs.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
