The lowlands
Maseru is the capital and the main gateway, with the airport, the busiest border post and the best shops for stocking up. It is also the base for Thaba Bosiu, the mountain fortress where the Basotho nation was born, and for the mission town of Morija.
The southern and central mountains
Malealea is the classic place to ride a Basotho pony, walk to waterfalls and stay close to village life. Further east, Semonkong sits on a high plateau beside the Maletsunyane Falls, home to one of the longest commercial abseils in the world.
The highlands
Katse Dam is a vast reservoir among the Maluti peaks, reached over some of the highest tarred roads in Africa. In the far east, Sani Pass climbs the Drakensberg escarpment from South Africa to a lodge with the highest pub on the continent and a hike to southern Africa's highest summit.
Putting it together
A first trip of a week usually covers Maseru, Malealea and Semonkong. With ten days or more, add Katse and Sani Pass, which many travellers combine with South Africa's Drakensberg. Mountain roads are slow, so plan for fewer kilometres a day than you would elsewhere. Browse our places to visit for lodges, food and sights, or use the free trip planner to shape a route.