Top 10 Activities to do in Lesotho
Picturesque Lesotho is a perfect destination for adventure tourism. You won't find the Big Five in any of Lesotho's parks and reserves, and the wilderness attraction here is predominantly geared towards hikers and pony treks.
Described as the “Kingdom in the sky” or the “Mountain Kingdom”, Lesotho provides memorable scenery for tourists, with its surreal rock formations, abundance of water with lakes, rivers and spectacular waterfalls everywhere, grasslands and unique mountain flora and fauna. It is the unique landscapes of this mountain kingdom that makes any activity that bit more special.
Some of the outdoor activities, which can be performed in Lesotho, are:
1. Fishing
Fishing in Lesotho is a heavenly experience offering plenty of excitement for the angler. A number of dams and rivers in Lesotho have made fishing one of the most enjoyable leisure activities in the country. September to May is the best time for fishing in Lesotho. The Mountain streams of the Lesotho highlands offer some of the best trout fishing in Africa. The high altitude and cold temperatures lend themselves well to year round trout fishing in Lesotho.
Trying to fish in the rainy season is possibly the worst time as most of the rivers are clouded with silt and the fishing is badly affected. There are some of the rivers that are good for fishing then, but they are not readily accessible.
2. Paragliding / Hang gliding
Despite having ideal crystal clear mountain air and strong breezes for paragliding and hand gliding, the sport remains very much dormant while across the border near the town of De Aar. Gliders must bring their own 'wings', as there is no specialist equipment for hire in Lesotho. Local information can be obtained from the Lesotho Tourist Board. The make Lesotho an ideal venue for these activities.
3. Horse Riding
Pony trekking in Lesotho is honestly the most popular activity among the different adventure sports in Lesotho. Pony trekking is one of the best ways to experience the varied landscapes of Lesotho without the limitations of a car, in complete peace and solitude.
There are many types of treks which can last for a week or even for two hours. The visitors can choose as per their convenience. Trekking in this region is done on the very unique Basotho pony. They are an intriguing mix of the full mount European horses and the short Javanese ponies. No prior experience of riding is necessary to take the saddle. However, novice riders can avail of special guides on request. Horseback safari tours are very common among the travelers visiting Lesotho.
4. Skiing and Snowboarding
Skiing in Lesotho is one of the main reasons for tourists flocking to this land locked country surrounded by the terrain of the Republic of South Africa. It is situated in a high altitude with temperatures reaching below freezing point over the winter months. This facilitates ideal opportunities for Skiing in Lesotho. The best time for skiing is from June through to August.
Skiing slopes are found in the Oxbow area. Afri-Ski Leisure Kingdom offers some amazing skiing and snowboarding. The oldest resort in Lesotho is the mountain resort of Oxbow. The longest slope in Africa is a 1.5-2km slope called Mahlesela Hill. It's just 11km away from Oxbow Lodge where you can hire ski equipment. But snow or no snow, the area is beautiful and the mountain walks are lovely.
5. Mountain Biking
It has become one of the most popular forms of entertainment among the young adventure loving tourists who visit the country from different corners of the world. Lesotho mountain biking takes riders through zigzagging routes amidst the high and beautiful mountain ranges of the country. While going through the different rocky roads the travellers will go past plenty of stunning scenic locations, unique flora and fauna and many lovely waterfalls as well.
There is also opportunity of taking up only downhill biking, which makes the trip more adventurous if that is your particular brand of fun.
There are quite a few touring agencies and lodges, which organize biking tours through the Lesotho Mountains. These tours typically span 4 to 5 days or even more and can be a once in a life time experience for all adventure seekers.
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For all those adrenaline junkies out there, Lesotho has a very special experience in store for you, a breathtaking/petrifying 40 minute long total adrenaline rush! It is abseiling at its most exciting and attracts many an international daredevil.
