Lesotho's main draw is the landscape. It is the only country in the world that sits entirely above 1,000 metres, and most of it is considerably higher — a vast plateau of mountains, river gorges, and highland grasslands that feel genuinely remote even though South Africa wraps around it on all sides.
Pony trekking. The Basotho pony is synonymous with Lesotho, and trekking on one through the mountains is the experience most travellers remember longest. Malealea and Semonkong are the best-established bases, with multi-day routes that take you through villages inaccessible by road. Malealea Lodge organises reliable treks and the entry through the Gates of Paradise Pass alone justifies the trip.
Maletsunyane Falls. At 192 metres, this is one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in Africa. The falls are near Semonkong ("the place of smoke"), named for the permanent mist that rises from the gorge. You can reach them on foot, on horseback, or from above — the falls are also home to the world's longest commercially operated abseil at 204 metres.
Sani Pass. The drive up Sani Pass from the KwaZulu-Natal side is one of the most spectacular border crossings in Africa. The road climbs through the Drakensberg in a series of tight switchbacks before emerging on the Lesotho plateau at 2,874 metres. A 4x4 is required. At the top, the Sani Mountain Lodge claims to be the highest pub in Africa.
Ts'ehlanyane National Park. In the northern highlands, this is Lesotho's most accessible protected area, with good hiking, San rock art, and stands of indigenous Leucosidea trees along the river.
Afriski. Lesotho has Africa's only significant ski resort, in the Maluti Mountains at 3,222 metres. It operates in winter (roughly June–August) and is popular with South Africans. Basic by European standards, but the setting is striking.