Lesotho

Lesotho is a mountain kingdom — almost entirely above 1,400 metres, with significant parts above 2,000 — and its hiking reflects this. Routes involve high-altitude grassland, basalt ridges, river crossings and weather that can change quickly regardless of season. Sani Pass is the most accessible entry point; the interior offers far more remote terrain. This is not beginner country, and planning for altitude, cold and limited resupply is essential.

For a regional overview, see Discover Lesotho. For the protected areas where these routes are found, see Lesotho Reserves.

Lesotho's protected areas are high-altitude and remote. Sehlabathebe National Park, in the far south-east on the South African border, is the country's oldest park and offers extraordinary mountain scenery with very limited facilities. Ts'ehlanyane National Park and Bokong Nature Reserve extend the conservation network into the northern Maloti. SA Hikes lists Lesotho reserves with information on access, landscapes and the hiking available within each.

For the hiking trails, see Lesotho Hikes. For a regional overview, see Discover Lesotho.