| Africa Lesotho - 'Kingdom
in the Sky' by Gerald Crawford
Enclosed by South Africa
on all sides, but separated from it by the huge Drakensberg and Maluti
mountain ranges, the mountainous kingdom of Lesotho is small and rounded
in shape, situated on a plateau of over 3,281ft (1,000m), with peaks reaching
to heights of more than 10,000ft (3,000m). Sani Pass is a breathtaking
entry point into Lesotho from South Africa's Drakensberg National Park
and is the gateway to the 'Roof of Africa' scenic route, linking the magnificent
scenery of the two mountain ranges.
Popularly described as the
'Kingdom in the Sky', the lofty highlands are characterised by majestic
mountain scenery, crisp mountain air and the simple serenity of the traditional
lifestyles of its people. Pony trekking is one of the finest ways to experience
the Lesotho highlands, with time spent in remote Basotho villages scattered
among the grassy hills, where waterfalls saturate the surrounding rocks
with rainbow-coloured mist and crystal clear streams criss-cross the landscape.
The region is also perfect for those who prefer to test the sure-footedness
of their own two feet, with miles of solitary scenery to appreciate, an
abundance of trout in the rivers and dams and the assurance of a warm and
friendly welcome in the rugged mountain hamlets. The central highlands
is home to the highest waterfall in southern Africa, the Maletsunyane Falls
near Semonkong, meaning 'Place of Smoke', which thunders from a height
of 624ft (192m) and is at its most spectacular during the summer rainy
season.
From the heights of the Maluti
Mountains, the land descends to the western lowlands where all the major
towns are to be found and where two thirds of the population live. Maseru,
the capital, is a fascinating city of contrasting modern and traditional
lifestyles. Blanket-clad horsemen sidestep the traffic jams on their way
to market, and woven handicrafts are displayed on the busy pavements outside
new glass buildings filled with self-important office workers.
Time spent in Lesotho will
allow visitors to observe an African country filled with an extraordinary
appeal, a kingdom of rugged beauty and unchanging culture that remains
natural and largely unaffected by tourism.
Weather conditions in Lesotho
vary greatly depending on the altitude. Summer is the hot, rainy season
from October to April, with the hottest days in January and February, and
the most rain falling between March and May and October and November. Days
are sunny with afternoon electric thunderstorms, and temperatures range
from around 86ºF (30°C) in the lowlands with cooler temperatures
as the altitude increases, averaging about 64°F (18°C) in the mountains.
Snow falls mainly in winter from May to September, but can occur in the
mountains at any time of year. Winter can be bitterly cold, particularly
in the highlands, but days are usually clear and sunny. Temperatures can
fall to 20°F (-7°C) in the lowlands and 0°F (-18°C) in
the highlands. At any time of year the weather can change very rapidly
in the highlands from warm sunshine to mist, rain and freezing temperatures.
Come for a visit.
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About the Author
Gerald Crawford: born in
South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african
travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa and the
United Kingdom. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me
on. E-mail Address: gerald@12234455.co.za Website
Address |