Tucked away within the mountain ranges of Southern Africa, there is this beautiful destination called Lesotho, a diamond waiting to be unearthed by those who enjoy exploration. This small mountain kingdom is off the mainstream travel routes and is filled with stunning natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. Imagine the never-ending stories waiting to be told with each bend in the landscapes that the mountain roads lead to. Read on to know more!
Cultural delights
Have you ever heard of the Basotho tribes? The cultural diversity of Lesotho is often linked with this Basotho tribe, and finding out more about this diversified cultural scene is a great experience for travellers. When visitors explore the remote villages, they can enjoy the traditional, tribal dancing acts and also listen to the ancient stories. The tribal music (using drums and chants) offers a unique vibe, and since they are new, travellers often fall in love with them. Basotho artisans are additionally renowned for their handicrafts. Their craftsmanship reveals a lot about the tribal identity and their skill levels.
Adventure-filled delights
Needless to say, Lesotho is a destination that never lacks natural beauty. This beauty comes with the amazing mountains around it, and, yes, this is great news for those who love adventures! If you are interested in hiking, Lesotho is surely an ideal destination for you, and the unique flora and fauna around will make the overall experience much more amazing. Adventure seekers may also try exploring remote areas on pony treks. This way, you can see the untouched beauty of some landscapes that only a few have seen so far. You may also consider exploring the waterfalls here that allow you to create a deep bond with the pristine wilderness of Lesotho.
Culinary delights
For those who love to savour the traditional flavours of food, Lesotho is a heaven on earth. One of the most favourite traditional dishes in Lesotho is 'motoho' which beautifully showcases the richness of local ingredients. Why just dishes? Do not forget that the local beverages are also equally amazing. This destination has a traditional beer, brewed from fermented maize or sorghum. If you plan to stay longer, you may also try out making this beer with the locals which will be a fun experience to undertake. However, some hotels in Lesotho even offer the opportunity to enjoy cooking classes with their chefs, which is an ideal way to learn a new culinary skill... this is also great since you can make a local dish if you crave it once back at home!
Nicolas PHULPIN, Maafé, CC BY-SA 4.0
Hospitality delights
Lesotho is known for its great hospitality. The people there are so welcoming, and they are always smiling and willing to help others which is very pleasant to experience as a traveller. Added to this is that properties such as Avani Lesotho Hotel & Casino offer the best hospitality services along with great recreational, dining and entertainment opportunities for guests. Such a hotel with a casino is also ideal when you want to unwind (and maybe even win big!) after your adventures.
Ecotourism delights
In Lesotho, there are many ecotourism initiatives in place. They also have community-led ecotourism campaigns that often bridge local communities with tourists. Local communities take tourists on village tours, and they also do craft demonstrations. Through these activities, travellers can get connected with the local culture and traditions over and over again.
Nature delights
Lesotho is surely a hidden gem in the South African region. Safari park experiences await in Lesotho and there are also amazing wetlands, mountain ranges, botanical gardens and valleys worth exploring. Bird watchers, wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers are utterly enthralled by this destination, and this is why they are making repeat visits too.