Ski holidays in Lesotho

Lesotho 

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Located in southern Africa and bordered and landlocked by South Africa, Lesotho is an independent entity. This mountainous country boasts a unique African culture far removed from its more aggressive neighbour. The capital of Maseru is a laid-back urban centre with some notable attractions; however, most people come to Lesotho mainly for the fantastic mountains and skiing on offer here.

The main areas for skiing in Lesotho are the ranges of Maluti and Oxbow, and the ski season typically runs from May to September. Afri-Ski Leisure Kingdom offers some amazing skiing and snowboarding opportunities at a 10,000-foot altitude, with the terrain stretching across more than 1,000 acres. There are three slopes and two ski lifts altogether, while numerous alternative activities are available in the summer months.

The longest established resort in Lesotho is the mountain resort of Oxbow. Oxbow is situated at more than 8,000 feet above sea level and boasts a healthy vertical of over 2,000 feet. However, there is only one trail here, which is open to skiers and snowboarders as well as one ski lift. Alternatively, Eagle Rock ski resort offers even more sliding, but is also a small resort.

Getting to Lesotho by air involves flying to Moshoeshoe International Airport from Johannesburg aboard South African Airways. There are many connections to and from Johannesburg from international cities. There are no buses or trains into Lesotho from South Africa and the closing of Lesotho Airways means that getting about the country is difficult at best. Inconvenient and uncomfortable buses run throughout the country, but roads are often in bad condition.

Crime rates are fairly high in Lesotho, particularly in Maseru, and car-jackings are common, although not to the degree of other South African nations. The roads are rough and driving can be risky, especially up in the high mountains.

If you’re travelling here, we recommend that you take a good guidebook. We like the layout and content of the Lonely Planet book. It provides an excellent mix of travel information and practical advice. Click below to purchase. You won’t regret buying it!