Lesotho
Within Africa there is a wealth of diverse regions and countries, each presenting its own people, cultures and traditions. One such country is Lesotho; surrounded by the colourful rainbow nation of South Africa. Known as “the kingdom in the sky”, Lesotho offers visitors to the country a myriad of experiences, each as unforgettable as the next. One of the most popular attractions of Lesotho is the people and culture of the country. Most of the Lesotho people are Basotho, speaking the country’s national language, Sesotho. The Basotho are rural people, living in hard to navigate mountainous areas where the surefooted Basotho pony is bred specifically for travel in these areas. Other indigenous people include the Matabele people that have preserved their traditions and cultural heritage the best of all the peoples of Lesotho. Visiting rural areas gives visitors insight into the unique way of life of various local peoples, their specific traditions and rich culture. Cultural souvenirs make some of the most memorable items to collect from any country. One such item found in Lesotho is the Basotho blanket. These woollen blankets are worn by the Basotho people in the mountainous areas and are often coloured with beautiful patterns. Aside from the cultural wealth in Lesotho, there are many places of interest to visit, snap pictures of and experience. Riding a Basotho pony and purchasing goods at villages as you pass though only make up a portion of what is on offer in “the kingdom in the sky”. One of the ‘must visit’ regions in Lesotho is known as the “roof of Africa” and rightly so, contributing to the notion of Lesotho as a sky kingdom. The “roof of Africa sees the Drakensberg mountain range soaring well above the clouds, the highest peak being Thabana-Ntlenyana that, stands a staggering 3482m tall. Dramatic landscapes and scenery can be enjoyed throughout Lesotho and although this is a poor country, it has cultural, traditional and natural riches the likes of which are unparalleled. |
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The kingdom in the sky
