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Lesotho is enclosed by South Africa.

Three distinct geographical regions, demarcated by ascending altitude, expend approximately north-south through the country. The western quarter of the country, a plateau averaging 5,000 to 6,000 ft, ranges from a thin strip of 6 miles in width to a zone 40 miles wide. The soil of this zone is derive from sandstone and, particularly in the western most region, is poor and badly eroded.

The reminder of the country is highland. A zone of rolling foothills, ranging from 6,000 to 7,000 ft, forms the border between the lowlands and the mountains in the east. The Maluti Mountains, spurs of the Drakensberg range, extend north and south. They form a high plateau from 9,000 to 10,000 ft in height. The highest point is Thabana Ntlenyana (11,425ft) in the east. The rich volcanic soils of the foothills and mountains are some of the best in the country.

The sources of two of the principal rivers in South Africa, the Orange and the Thukela, are in these mountains. Tributaries of the Caledon River, which forms the country's western border, also rise here.

Maseru
Maseru is the capital of Lesotho and is located in the lowlands of the country - they are still pretty high at an altitude of over 1000 meters. The name means "the place of red sandstone".

The main road through the centre of town is the Kingsway. It was paved for the occasion of a Royal visit by the British King just after the second world war.

Maseru comnies a more modern approach to life with the old traditional ways. It is possible to see Basotho blanket-clad horsemen riding through a traffic queue or traditional craftsmen at work on the pavement outside a computerised office block.

And although there are not many real sights Maserua is an easy-going place and you don't have to go far to find some good hikes in the nearby hills.

Culture

The Basotho people have developed a unique culture. As one of the few African tribes living in a mountainous environment, they have made many adaptations to their conditions. The Basotho blanket is one example. All around the country you will see people dressed in woolen blankets, often with beautiful patterns. This is the ideal garment for a cold environment, and also has the versatility of keeping the rain off. Villages are often located high in the mountains, usually on the mid-levels well above the deep river valleys and the flood dangers they carry. Villages are very structured. They are made up of a number of kraals, ie. a collection of buildings belonging to one family. Some are for sleeping, some for storage and one for cooking. Each kraal will also have an enclosure for livestock. Each village has a chief, or headman, who will fall under the chief for the area.

The Basotho are agriculturalists. All around the village will be many fields and these are allocated by the chief to villagers. Many crops are cultivated including maize, wheat, sorghum, beans and peas as well as vegetables such as onions and cabbage. Many local herbs are also gathered as green vegetables, which the Basotho call Moroho.

Animals are very important in Basotho society. The Basotho pony represents the best form of transport in the mountains, and donkeys are often used as pack animals. Most families will have some cattle, and oxen are used to plough the sloping mountain fields. Wool is a major source of income both from Memo sheep and mohair from Angora goats, and you will see many herds of both deep in the mountains. They are looked after by shepherds, often young boys, who live in simple huts called motebo, often perched on ridges at well over 3000m and very well hidden.

Passing a village you will frequently see a flag flying from a tall pole. This indicates a place where something is being sold. A white flag means "joala", a locally brewed sorghum beer. Yellow means maize beer, red means meat and green means vegetables. With a land area of approximately 30,000 km2 no part of the Country is below 1000 metres and much of the land consists of high mountains that reach their peak at Thabana-Ntlenyana, at 3,841m the highest point of Southern Africa. Because of the altitude, the climate is well described as invigorating. Clean mountain air, spectacular blue skies, and brilliant sunshine for more than 300 days each year provide a wonderful climate that will restore even the most jaded traveler.

Summer extends from November to January and is usually hot, while winter lasts from May to July and brings snow to the mountains (although snow can fall on the highest peaks at any time of the year). Autumn days are long and warm, and are great for hiking and pony-trekking, while in the springtime (about August) the mountains are covered with alpine flowers and the valleys are decked with peach blossom and mimosa.

The majestic Maluti Mountains and the spectacular Drakensberg Range (which Lesotho shares with South Africa), offer a magnificent backdrop to a near tropical destination that can provide a wide range of outdoor holiday activities.