I had never felt so small and yet so alive.
Lesotho, a country entirely surrounded by South Africa, is unlike anywhere I’ve visited on the continent. At over 1,400 meters above sea level, it’s the only nation in the world where every inch lies more than 1,000 meters above sea level. They call it the Kingdom in the Sky, and I now understand why.
I arrived during one of its coldest seasons. Snow lined the rooftops, the mountains looked like something out of Europe, and the roads curved so high above the clouds, it felt like I was floating.
But Lesotho isn’t just a landscape; it’s a story. A story of survival, sovereignty, and quiet strength.
Getting There: A Flight Into the Mountains
Flying into Moshoeshoe I International Airport felt like landing in a remote alpine village. Lesotho’s capital, Maseru, is small, laid-back, and wrapped in rolling hills.
Once we hit the road, I quickly realized this trip wouldn’t be about city life. Lesotho’s charm lies far from skyscrapers and malls. It’s in the villages, valleys, and mountaintops.
Snow, Sheep, and Survival
Lesotho’s high altitude gives it something most African countries don’t have: snow. And the temperatures? Brutal.
We stopped to meet some locals herding Basotho sheep, covered in thick wool to withstand the cold. These aren’t just animals; they’re the economic backbone of this mountain kingdom. Lesotho exports wool and mohair across the world.
But seeing a young boy wrapped in a traditional Basotho blanket, guiding sheep through snow with no gloves or boots, reminded me: this beauty comes with harsh realities.
The Rural Side
I was stunned by the stillness.
Driving through remote mountain villages, I saw children walking for miles just to attend school, families fetching water from distant wells, and houses powered by firewood instead of electricity.
Here, the Basotho people live simply, but proudly. Many still wear the mokorotlo, a conical hat that’s now a national symbol. Others wrap themselves in thick blankets, designed with bold patterns and used as both clothing and armor against the cold.
The people were incredibly warm, even as the wind bit hard. Everyone waved. Everyone smiled. It reminded me why travel matters: to see places you never thought you’d see… and people who live lives far different from your own.
Water-Rich, Yet Still Poor
Lesotho is one of the most water-rich countries in Southern Africa. In fact, it sells water to South Africa through massive dam projects. Yet, many rural communities still lack consistent access to clean water.
It’s a paradox.
This is a country rich in natural resources (from minerals to rivers), yet it remains one of the poorest on the continent. Nearly half the population lives below the poverty line, and climate change is hitting hard, threatening agriculture and livestock.
Still, the resilience here is unmatched.
Final Thoughts
Lesotho might not be trending on travel blogs or bucket-list videos, but it should be.
It’s Africa like you’ve never seen it; a country of mountains, snow, stoic beauty, and unfiltered authenticity. It’s also a reminder that within the continent are nations not just fighting for economic survival, but doing so with dignity and pride.
As I wrapped up my trip, I thought:
“The world may overlook Lesotho. But after what I’ve seen, I never will again.”
Until the next journey,
— Steven Ndukwu
Watch my full experience here.