Completely landlocked and surrounded by South Africa is the small African nation of Lesotho (pronounced ‘leh-soo-too’). The small African nation is culturally rich, stunning, affordable and easily accessible from Durban and Johannesburg. Yet the contrast with South Africa could not be more striking, with the Basotho people’s distinct personality and the terrain’s topographical extremes. Even a few days in Lesotho’s hospitable mountain lodges and trading posts will give you a fresh perspective on Southern Africa. Often dubbed “the Kingdom in the Sky”, Lesotho is a largely mountainous country with lofty altitude — it has the highest lowest point of any country in the world (1400m) and is the only country to be entirely above 1000m! Despite being so easily accessible, Lesotho still remains an under-explored country, and a vastly underrated travel destination. For those planning a trip to this intriguing mountain nation, here is a complete guide with the best things to do, where to stay and where to eat, as well as details of my four-day itinerary in Lesotho. Located in southern Africa, Lesotho is completely landlocked by South Africa. It’s one of the smallest countries in Africa. With a land area of approximately 30, 555 square kilometres, it is similar in size to Belgium. Many travelers make a flying visit to Lesotho on their way to Kwazulu Natal, but it’s well worth lingering at least five days or a week. You can easily combine a trip to South Africa with Lesotho (and Swaziland), like what we did. We spent 16 days in total, driving from Johannesburg to Swaziland and then continue south into Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, and onto Lesotho, then back to Johannesburg. Originally, the Basotho people lived in what is now Free State in neighbouring South Africa. They were a farming people, and when the Zulus started attacking villages and the Voortrekkers started encroaching on their land, they fled up into the Lesotho mountains. Here, continuous attacks from the Zulus forced local tribes to join together for protection. By 1824, King Moeshoeshoe had established himself as king. Moeshoeshoe allied himself with the British Colony government in a bid to protect the Basotho from the Boers’ rapidly increasing presence in the area. Much fighting followed, forcing Moeshoeshoe to go straight to the Britisih government. In 1868, Basotholand (as it was then called) became a protectorate of the British Empire. It was granted independence from the British Empire on October 4th, 1966. The Kingdom of Lesotho was formed through the pursuit of peace, and this peaceful nature still exists in the Basotho. They have always been calm and stable. People are especially grateful to Brits for saving them from apartheid! Traveling to Lesotho is surprisingly easy. Unlike many other African countries, Lesotho allows citizens of most countries (US, UK, Canada and Australia) to enter visa-free. Nationals of Singapore, Japan, Israel and most African countries do not need a visa to stay in Lesotho for up to 90 days. Citizens of EU countries can enter visa-free for up to 14 days. Those who need a visa for Lesotho can apply for an e-visa here.