issue 4 digital copy

Explore Africa
Lesotho is probably one of the least-explored
countries of Africa. And yet this tiny kingdom,
tucked away high up in the mountains and
completely surrounded by South Africa, has so
much to offer.
the Basotho, the people of Lesotho, under King Moshoeshoe I
in 1822. Then followed a series of wars with the British and the
Boers of South Africa, with several annexations occurring before it
came under British rule as the protectorate of Basutoland. In 1966
Basutoland gained its independence from Britain and became the
Kingdom of Lesotho.
Today it is governed as a constitutional monarchy with a parliament
and a government headed by a prime minister, while King Letsie III
has a largely ceremonial role.
Lesotho’s first capital was at Thaba Bosiu, the seat of King
Moshoeshoe I, but was replaced under the British in 1869 with
Maseru, which today remains its capital. Maseru is a laid-back,
low-key little city that straddles the country’s lower-lying western
edge, rimmed by the Berea and Qeme Plateaus. But be warned:
rush hours bring surprising traffic congestion.
Near Maseru are ruins dating from the 19th-century reign of King
Moshoeshoe I. In recent years the city, which has a temperate
climate, underwent a major rebuilding facelift and now boasts many
well-stocked shops, good restaurants and fine accommodation. It
is located right at the Maseru Bridge border post with South Africa
and is an excellent place from where to start one’s exploration of
the rest of this lovely country.
The country is easily accessed by road (through several border
posts), rail and air from South Africa, with the Moshoeshoe I
International Airport located just outside Maseru.
The people of Lesotho are fiercely independent and strongly
resist any misguided inclination that the country is little more
than an unofficial province of South Africa, with their very distinct
personality on display wherever you venture.
For some truly adventurous travel, tackle the mountainous terrain
up to Sani Top, where the daunting gravel-road of the Sani Pass
summits at 2,874 metres above sea level after winding its way to
the top through a series of nerve-wracking hairpin bends. Here you
can overnight in the comfort of a legendary lodge, or just have a
drink in “the highest pub in Africa”. Locals often claim this to be
the highest point in the world, a “fact” the Nepalese will probably
dispute.
MZANZI TRAVEL| www.mzanzitravel.co.za|ISSUE 4 | 19