Unique features of the 'kingdom of the sky'
As the only independent country in the world located entirely above 1,000 meters, Lesotho is known as the "kingdom of the sky".
According toBritannica EncyclopediaLesotho (full name: Kingdom of Lesotho) is largely mountainous and plateau-covered, completely surrounded by South Africa. The lowest point in the country is 1,400m.
Due to its geographical location, Lesotho has a cooler climate than most other places at the same latitude. Snow covers the high mountain areas from May to September, and in many places it snows year-round.
Lesotho receives a relatively large amount of annual rainfall. As a result, the country does not suffer from water shortages like many other places. Besides diamonds, water is Lesotho's greatest resource, earning it the local nickname "white gold."
Lesotho is also known as having one of the "most terrifying" airport runways in the world. Specifically, Matekane Airport in Sibi Sibi has a short runway that extends to the edge of a 500-meter-high cliff and slopes steeply at both ends.
Business InsiderHe once described moving on this runway as "basically like a bird being pushed out of its nest to learn to fly."
Despite its small size of only 30,000 square kilometers, Lesotho boasts a number of natural and cultural wonders. Visitors to Lesotho shouldn't miss the opportunity to admire its large and beautiful waterfalls. A highlight is Maletsunyane Falls in Semonkong, a 196-meter-high waterfall cascading down a gorge.
Visitors can hike along seemingly endless trails through the wetlands of the Bokong Nature Reserve or the grasslands of Sehlabathebe National Park, the largest national park in Lesotho.
As the only country in Africa with snow cover year-round, it's no surprise that Lesotho is home to Africa's highest ski resort – Afriski. Situated at an altitude of 3,222 meters above sea level, Afriski can accommodate around 320 people and offers a ski slope stretching up to 1 kilometer.
During the summer months, this area offers a variety of activities, from mountain biking and guided Enduro motorcycle riding to paintball, hiking, and trail running.
Notably, Lesotho is home to the highest-altitude pub in Africa, situated at 2,874 meters above sea level. It lies right on the border with South Africa and is the end point of the Sani Pass.