Established in 1970 as Lesotho’s first national park, the fabulously scenic and remote Sehlabathebe protects 65 square kilometers of rolling boulder-studded grassland set below the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg escarpment as it runs along the border with South Africa. Set at an average altitude of 2,400 meters, Sehlabathebe – literally ‘Shield of the Plateau’ – is one of the most isolated and dramatic national parks anywhere in southern Africa. Its international importance was recognized in 2008 when UNESCO incorporated it into the cross-border Maloti-Drakensberg World Heritage Site. This is one of only two World Heritage Sites in sub-equatorial Africa to be classified as mixed, which means it is recognized for its cultural significance (in the form of abundant prehistoric rock art) as well as its diverse natural assets.

A hiker’s paradise, Sehlabathebe is studded with weird and wonderful natural rock formations sculpted by the erosion of sandstone substrata below harder igneous rocks. Most spectacular, situated about 10km inside the main entrance gate close, is a fantastic giant’s playground of immense rock arches, caves, dolmen-like outcrops, and clear rock pools set below the imposing trio of escarpment peaks known as the Devil’s Knuckles or Three Bushmen.

Sehlabathebe is renowned for its wealth of wildflowers, which bloom most prolifically between November and February. Most notable among these is the white-and-yellow Sehlabathebe, an endangered buttercup-like endemic that grows in the muddy base of shallow sandstone rock pools.

Size of Sehlabathebe National Park Lesotho

The property comprises Sehlabathebe National Park (6,500ha) in Lesotho and uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park (242,813 ha) in South Africa.

Location of Sehlabathebe National Park Lesotho

The Sehlabathebe National Park is located in the Maloti Mountains in Qacha’s Nek District, Lesotho, and is part of the larger Maloti-Drakensberg World Heritage Site

How to get to Sehlabathebe National Park Lesotho

The best route and the one usually used coming from Maseru involves following the surfaced A5 southeast via Semonkong to Qacha’s Nek (225km, four hours) then branching northeast on to a fair surfaced road (90km, 2-3 hours) that runs close to the South African border as it approaches the park gate. This road may be surfaced in the near future.

Things to do in Sehlabathebe National Park Lesotho

Wildlife encounters

The park’s most abundant large mammal is the grey rhebok, a medium-sized white-tailed antelope frequently seen grazing on the grassy slopes in pairs or small family groups. Other wildlife occasionally seen by hikers includes eland, oribi, baboon, rock hyrax, and black-back jackal.

Birding tours

The birdlife is dominated by Afromontane specials such as Cape vulture, jackal buzzard, Drakensberg rock jumper, and yellow-breasted pipit, and Drakensberg siskin. The surrounding mountains are a breeding site for the rare bearded vulture and the only place in southern Africa where the Egyptian vulture has been recorded in recent years.

Horse riding safaris

Sehlabathebe can also be explored on horseback and this can be arranged by the lodges around the area

Trout fishing

There is excellent trout fishing on the Tsoelikana River, where an attractive waterfall tumbles over a low cliff into a chilly natural swimming pool.

Historical sites

An incredible 65 rock art sites have been documented within Sehlabathebe National Park. The most accessible, and one of the best-preserved, is signposted from the main road between the gate and the lodge

When to visit Sehlabathebe National Park Lesotho

Sehlabathebe is renowned for its wealth of wildflowers, which bloom most prolifically between November and February and this is the best time to experience the national park.

Where to stay in Sehlabathebe National Park Lesotho

The Parks Lodge is called Jonathan’s Lodge (sleeps 10) and the Prime Minister often used to stay there, at which time all other guests had to leave. Jonathan’s successors haven’t been fishing enthusiasts, and you are unlikely to be disturbed! In addition to the Lodge, there is the Ranger Station and good camping facilities available.