Rising to more than 3,400 meters and forming the highest mountain range in southern Africa, the Drakensberg is where the land reaches up to touch the sky. Also known as the ‘Dragon Mountains’, the range extends for more than 1,000 km, forming a spectacular partial border between the nation of South Africa and the tiny mountain kingdom of Lesotho.
Lesotho is a small landlocked state that is entirely encircled by South Africa, and is one of the few sovereign enclaves on the planet – alongside others such as the Vatican City and San Marino. Nicknamed the ‘Kingdom in the Sky’, Lesotho is entirely above 1,000 meters altitude and boasts some of the most dramatic landscapes you’ll ever see. Nothing short of epic, the scenery is dominated by sheer basalt cliffs plunging into lush, forested valleys and vast rocky plateaus, with rushing rivers and waterfalls spilling from the jagged ridgelines. Known in Zulu as uKhahlamba, meaning ‘barrier of spears’, the Drakensberg more than lives up to its dramatic name.
Beyond its awe-inspiring landscapes, the Drakensberg also contains a rich cultural legacy, preserving one of the largest and most significant collections of San rock art in Africa, sheltered from the harsh elements within caves and rocky overhangs. Some of the finest examples of this ancient rock art can be found within the Maloti-Drakensberg Park, a transboundary UNESCO World Heritage Site that was founded to celebrate and protect the natural beauty of the area and its unique cultural heritage.
The capital of Lesotho, Maseru, offers travelers a gateway to explore the Drakensberg and striking highland scenery of the region. Set alongside the Caledon River and just a short drive from the South African border, Maseru was once a colonial outpost that has grown into a bustling cultural and travel hub. It now offers a good range of hotels, restaurants, and tour operators that facilitate a wide array of adventures in the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Visitors to the city can explore the lively local markets, sample traditional Lesotho cuisine, or venture in the wilds to experience the breath-taking beauty of the Drakensberg mountains.
An outstanding destination for the adventurous travel who wants to get off the beaten track and experience a side of southern African that is rarely seen. Lesotho offers incredible hiking and pony trekking opportunities, as well as the chance to lose yourself in the vast upland vistas of the Kingdom in the Sky.
How To Get To Maseru, Lesotho and the Drakensberg
Reaching Maseru, the gateway to the kingdom of Lesotho, is relatively hassle-free for international travelers. The easiest way to reach Lesotho is to fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) outside Johannesburg, one of the region’s primary travel hubs. Flight times from London are about 10 to 11 hours, 15 hours from New York, and around 13 to 15 hours from Bangkok.
Once you arrive in Johannesburg, you have two options to reach Lesotho. The first is to drive overland, which takes about 4 to 5 hours. The drive up into the mountains is a spectacular journey in its own right, and if you hire a car you’ll have a good deal of flexibility during the trip. Alternatively, there are numerous private transfer and shuttle services if you’d prefer not to drive and navigate on your own.
The other option for reaching Lesotho, is to catch a domestic flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Moshoeshoe I International Airport (MSU) outside Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. There are multiple flights running from Johannesburg to Maseru each day, and the short 1 hour trip will reward you with some truly remarkable views of the mountainous landscape below.
After touching down in Maseru, you’ll be ideally positioned to explore other regions of Lesotho and the Drakensberg mountains. The city has a nice selection of hotels, restaurants, and other amenities for tourists, with lots of options of arranging hiking trips, pony treks, and other activities for your time in the area.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Lesotho and the Drakensberg?
The high-altitudes of Lesotho give the tiny kingdom a more seasonal climate than most of the rest of southern Africa. This means that choosing the right time to visit will somewhat depend on what you’re looking for.
A popular time to visit Lesotho is during the summer months, between November and March. Daytime temperatures range from around 20 to 30 Degrees Celsius in the valleys, being slightly cooler at higher altitudes. The landscapes are abundant and green, with rivers and waterfalls at their most dramatic. However, there are also frequent downfalls of rain in the afternoons, particularly in the mountainous areas. This can create a superb backdrop for atmospheric photography; so you shouldn’t let it put you off visiting because you still have most of the day with clear skies and good conditions for exploring.
For many, the ideal time to visit is during the spring, between September and October, or in the autumn months, between April and May. The weather is still warm and pleasant although there are far less frequent rains. Visibility is excellent, and the conditions are perfect for hiking and exploring the Drakensberg.
Winter in Lesotho brings much cooler temperatures, with day time averages ranging from 5 to 15 Degrees Celsius. The mountains are dusted with snow, and the air is fresh and brisk. This is a great time for hiking – if you don’t mind the lower temperatures.
It’s worth noting that the South African school holidays from December to January and over Easter see the busiest times in Lesotho. During the school holidays the trails and lodges can fill up fast, so if you’re planning to visit at this time of year it’s a good idea to book your accommodation well in advance.
What To Do in Lesotho and the Drakensberg?
Stay at the Avani Lesotho Hotel & Casino
Situated on a hilltop with panoramic views of Masura below, the Avani Lesotho Hotel & Casino resort provides some of the finest accommodation in the region. With easy access to the city’s restaurants and bars, the hotel has its own beautiful gardens and extensive on-site amenities, including several top-notch restaurants, cafes, and eateries.
The hotel has a huge outdoor pool, spa and fitness center, a kid’s club, gift shop, and a 24 hour front desk. The hotel has its own casino where guests can also enjoy gaming; although if you’re visiting with your family then it’s easy to avoid the gaming rooms and stay within the main areas of the hotel which are all completely family-friendly. The hotel has free WiFi throughout, serves a complimentary breakfast each morning, provides daily laundry and dry cleaning services, and can help you arrange your activities and travel arrangements during your stay.
There’s a good choice of rooms, including singles, doubles, and suites which are ideal for families with children. All rooms have a private ensuite bathroom with complementary toiletries, satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities, air conditioning, and views of Maseru or the surrounding hills.
An idyllic resort for basing yourself during your explorations of Lesotho, the Avani Lesotho Hotel & Casino features all the modern conveniences while being just a stone’s throw from the wilderness of Lesotho’s Drakensberg mountains.
You can find out more about the Avani Lesotho Hotel & Casino, and book your rooms, here.
5-Day Lesotho Trekking and Cultural Tour
Departing from Maseru, this immersive 5-day trip combines hiking in the Drakensberg with unique cultural experiences and full catering throughout. Your journey begins with a visit to the historic Thaba-Bosiu Cultural Village and the Ha Kome Cave Houses where you’ll learn about the country’s traditions and history. You’ll enjoy a relaxing overnight stay at the Maliba Lodge before trekking in the Drakensberg the next morning, followed by an afternoon of free time to rest or take part in optional activities.
Your trip continues to Semonkon, where you’ll see a presentation about traditional blanket making; after which you’ll have a short horse ride to the stunning Maletsnyane Falls. The last few days are spent at the Malealea Lodge where you’ll have lots of opportunities to join guided hikes, visit local villages and markets, and generally soak in the astounding beauty of the Drakensberg.
All breakfasts and lunches are catered for during your trip, and all entry fees are covered in the cost of your tickets. The English speaking guide is a font of knowledge when it comes to local history and culture so you’ll learn a great deal about Lesotho’s fascinating heritage along the way. The tour offers multiple pickup and drop off points in Maseru.
You can find out more about this action-packed 5-day trip, and book your tickets, here.
Pony Trekking Tour to Botsoela Waterfall
Setting out from Maseru, this half-day adventure combines scenic hiking with a traditional pony trek. You’ll drive out to Malealea Lodge, perched at over 2,000 meters above sea level, to soak in the sweeping views of the Gates of Paradise Valley. Led by your experienced guide, you’ll set out on a 3 hour pony trek through unforgettable panoramas while getting many opportunities to interact with the local Basotho communities along the way.
After exploring the waterfalls, and cooling off, you’ll set off back to the lodge where you’ll have lunch before being driven back to Maseru city in the afternoon.
You can find out more about this pony trekking tour with lunch, and book your tickets, at the office website of the local tour operator, here.
San Rock Art Paintings Tour from Maseru
The San rock art paintings of Lesotho provide visitors with a rare glimpse into the ancient past of the land, showcasing the spiritual beliefs and daily life of the region’s earliest inhabitants. Visiting these caves gives you the chance to connect with Lesotho’s unique heritage, all set against the stunning backdrop of the natural landscapes.
The 2.5 hour hike through the Makhaleng River Valley, departing from Maseru, starts with a leisurely stroll through traditional farms and villages. The hike culminates in a dramatic descent along a steep path into the river basin to see the Caves of Echoes, known locally as the ‘Le Eabuoy Ego’. Inside this series of caves you’ll discover incredibly well preserved San rock art, with depictions of hunters, ceremonial scenes, and half human, half animal figures. Your guide will provide you with in-depth explanations of these fascinating works of art and describe the life of the nomadic San peoples.
There’s lots of opportunities for photos, and the tour includes a 4×4 vehicle transfer to and from Maseru, as well as free water and a packed lunch.
You can find out more about the San rock art paintings tour, and book your tickets at the tour operator’s official website, here.
Eat at the Cafe What? in Maseru
This trendy, uber-chic restaurant, cafe and events space in central Maseru is one of the city’s up-and-coming cultural highlights. More than simply a place to eat, Cafe What? is a dynamic cultural hub where you can have a delicious meal, sip a cocktail or fruit juice, and watch local artists and musicians perform. There’s also an on-site gallery where you can explore the latest art work that reflects Lesotho’s flourishing contemporary cultural scene.
The restaurant has an excellent menu, with a fusion of international favourites and local cuisine, as well as a great selection of craft beers, cocktails, and more. An ideal place for celebrations, social gatherings, and casual dining, the Cafe What? is a true hidden gem and should definitely be on your Maseru itinerary.
You can find out more about the Cafe What? and explore the menu and galleries, at the official website, here.
