East of Butha-Buthe, the road weaves up dramatically through spectacular mountains – part of the Drakensberg range – with rocky cliffs and rolling hills. South Africa does a good job of marketing its portion of the Drakensberg escarpment, but the raw beauty of the Lesotho section is hard to beat, with stunning highland panoramas, low population density and plenty of winter snow.
All the areas covered in this section are excellent for hiking, but you’ll need to be fully equipped with a four-season sleeping bag, waterproof gear, topographical maps and a compass. Trout fishing is reputed to be top notch.
This area has many of the country's worst stretches of main road. In places the asphalt has actually made the road more pot-holey, making for a wild and slow ride in a regular vehicle.
The Northeastern Highlands of Lesotho are part of the larger Maloti Mountains range, which is also known as the Drakensberg in South Africa. This area is characterized by its high altitude, rugged terrain, and scenic beauty, with the highest peak in Southern Africa, Thabana Ntlenyana, located there. The region is also known for its abundant rainfall, diverse birdlife, and excellent hiking and horseback riding trails.
Key Features of the Northeastern Highlands:
Location:
The northeastern highlands are situated within the Maloti Mountains, which form part of the Drakensberg range.
Maloti Mountains:
This range extends into the Free State province of South Africa and forms a high alpine plateau.
Thabana Ntlenyana:
The highest peak in Southern Africa, reaching 3,482 meters, is located in this region.
Rivers:
The mountains are the source of several major rivers, including the Orange River (Senqu in Lesotho) and the Tugela River.
Mokhotlong:
A city and district in the northeastern highlands, known for its airport and proximity to the Sani Pass.
Ts'ehlanyane National Park:
Located in the southern part of the Maloti Mountains, it offers hiking, horseback riding, and scenic waterfalls
Climate:
The highlands experience cooler temperatures than the lowlands, with significant rainfall and potential for snow and frost, especially in the winter months.
Tourism:
The area is popular for outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing.
