"Liphofung/Mashlasela, Lesotho" Lesotho by LizelleSA

Lesotho is without a doubt the King of mountain kingdoms! Spectacular in summer, majestic in winter and a place of tranquilety.
With acknowledgment also to JohanIsWeg, who wrote this intro (below) and shared our travels to lesotho on at least one occasion, during July, 2007.
Landlocked by South Africa, Lesotho is Africa's 42nd independent state. The small nation found its origin in the Difaqane period (1815-1830), during which the rise of the Zulu nation resulted in a flood of Bantu refugees throughout Southern Africa. From his mountain stronghold in 1824, Mosjesj provided safety for tribes people fleeing Shaka's destructive wars - and thus became father of a nation. In 1868, Basutoland became a British protectorate and obtained its independence on October 4, 1966.
Lesotho is without a doubt the King of mountain kingdoms!

Cara on the slope at Afriski

Every winter we enjoy skiing at Afriski Ski Resort, jointly owned and managed by Wessel Bosman. Only a 5 hour drive from Pretoria to the top of the Moteng mountain pass and a tar road to the top, makes it very accessable (unless there is heavy snow fall. A 4x4 with chains is then definitely required to travel up the pass!). For the less adventurous, bum boarding is great fun, or just relax with a cup of Hot chocolate or gluh wein in the pub.

Liphofung caves

With credit to JohanIsWeg for the following comments:
"Lesotho is somewhat off the beaten track, which makes it a unique adventure. Sitting under a canopy of twinkling stars, branches crackling in the fire, dogs barking in the nearby village – a sense, an experience, of the real Africa.
During the day, majestic mountains dominate panoramic views; birds chatter cheerily in the brisk morning air; the Basuto’s wrap colourful blankets around limbs stiff from the night-time cold. And the stress of modern existence slowly fades away…"

• Pros:The vast Maluti mountain range in summer or winter
• Cons:Attempts at bribing by some of the officials at check points in Lesotho.
• In a nutshell:Majestic!