The Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, popularly known as the Kingdom in the Sky is a beautiful country situated in Southern Africa and completely landlocked by the Republic of South Africa (RSA). This beautiful country is one of the few constitutional monarchies with a rich history. Its picturesque landscape and mountainous terrain will capture your heart and leave you wanting more. Lesotho has a lot to offer, with something for the adventurous travellers, sports enthusiasts, hikers or lifestyle lovers.
As a content creator and storyteller, I love capturing and documenting my adventures; from the amazing places I visit in the country to the lifestyle events I attend. In this blog post, I share six exciting places or lodges to visit when traveling to the Kingdom in the Sky.
- Afriski Mountain Resort
Situated in Butha-Buthe, north of Maseru, the capital city of Lesotho, Afriski Mountain Resort is dubbed as the Mountain Kingdom’s playground. The drive to resort, especially Moteng pass is a wonderful experience. Afriski provides accommodation that caters for different budgets for example, there is something for back packers and leisure travellers alike. The resort also offers activities such as skiing and boarding in winter and zip sailing, quad biking in summer.
- Maletsunyane Falls, Semonkong
The majestic Maletsunyane Falls, 192-meters-high, is in Semonkong (also known as Place of Smoke) on the Maletsunyane River. The drive to Maletsunyane Falls is approximately three hours from the capital city of Lesotho, Maseru, boasting picturesque scenery, fresh air, and a backdrop of some of Africa’s most beautiful mountains. The drive is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and is ideal for family and friends. Semonkong has a lot to offer, from abseiling, horseback riding or mountain biking or lunch at Manong restaurant.
- Malealea Lodge
Looking to discover the magic of the mountain kingdom? Why not visit Malealea Lodge? Situated in Mafeteng, south of Maseru, Malealea Lodge should rank high on places to see when visiting Lesotho because it has a lot to offer. From hiking trails, horseback riding and pony tracking to name a few. The drive to the lodge is approximately two to three hours because the condition of the road deteriorated due to floods, therefore the best advice when traveling there is to use a 4×4 car. Malealea Lodge also provides accommodation, rondavels and standard rooms and caters for different budgets. Whether you are looking to escape the hassle of the city or adventure, you will not regret going to Malealea Lodge.
- Maliba Lodge/Ts’ehlanyane National Park
Personally, Maliba Lodge is among the most beautiful travel destinations I have visited. Maliba Lodge is situated in Leribe within Ts’ehlanyane National Park. Though I have not spent a night at Maliba Lodge yet, you owe yourself the opportunity to wake up and have a cup of coffee with the beautiful mountains as your backdrop and the tranquillity of the flowing river. There are activities to do at Maliba Lodge which include horseback riding and hiking to name a few.
- Mahlakapese Group
The Mahlakapese Holdings stable comprises of Thotoane Restaurant at Mahlakapese Guest Lodge situated in Hlotse, Leribe, Mahlakapese River Resort approximately 98km north of Lesotho’s capital city situated at Ha Setene in Leribe and Mahlakapese Mountain Resort in Bokong. Mahlakapese caters to all your needs, be it lodging, hearty meals or holistic wellness that includes spa, jacuzzi bar or gym. Mahlakapese Mountain Resort (formerly known as Bokong) has not officially opened yet since the change of ownership.
- Sehlabathebe National Park
Situated in Qacha’s Nek, Sehlabathebe is one of the places on my bucket list item, which I hope to tick off SOON! According to [1]See Lesotho (2016) Sehlabathebe National Park is the oldest nature reserve in Lesotho. The drive to Sehlabathebe from Qacha’s Nek, central business district (CBD) is approximately two hours on gravel road. With the Drakensberg mountains as the backdrop, at an average of 2400m, Sehlabathebe boasts with most beautiful views and picture-perfect waterfalls and rocks.
With so many more gems to explore in Lesotho, I will admit that coming up with this list was extremely challenging. As such, my intention with this blog post was to shine the spotlight on some of my favourite travel destinations in the Mountain Kingdom. I have had some of the most life changing experiences at these destinations, leaving nothing but beautiful memories. As you curate your own experiences, I encourage you to you take it all in and allow this beautiful country to change you, because Lesotho is home. Lesotho Ke Lapeng!
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[1]See Lesotho 2016, Sehlabathebe National Park, viewed 3 November 2023, https://seelesotho.com/sehlabathebe-national-park/
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