Sehlabathebe National Park in Lesotho
Bordered by the Drakensberg Mountains, Sehlabathebe National Park in Lesotho is a true, remote wilderness. Small mammals and shy antelope wander throughout the park, while an abundance of birdlife traverse the skies. This untouched, isolated land is filled with various rock formations, flowing rivers, waterfalls, and rock paintings. Enjoy the peace and absolute silence of nature in the beautiful expanse of land that is Sehlabathebe National Park.
-
Best Time to Go
May - October
-
Average Safari Cost
$75 - $150 pp/day
-
Highlights
Horseback riding, trout fishing, hiking, rock paintings, stunning scenery and rock "arches".
Why Visit Sehlabathebe National Park
Sehlabathebe National Park is Lesotho's oldest nature reserve. It's inaccessibility has left the land pure and unspoiled by man, which makes it the perfect wilderness destination. This place is the ideal getaway if you enjoy hiking, long walks and absolute peace and quiet.
Many striking rock formations create an interesting landscape for the park. Some of these have worn down over time to form arches that make for some unique and beautiful photographic opportunities. This is a place where you can enjoy fishing for trout in the dams, see ancient San rock paintings and exploring the land by foot or horseback. Visit Sehlabathebe National Park and see its exquisite scenery and enjoy the seclusion and silence of the land.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Doesn't get very crowded with tourists
- Various activities, including fishing and horseback riding
- True wilderness experience
- Stunning scenery
- Great birdwatching
Cons
- Difficult to get to
- Not a wildlife destination
Best Time to Visit
The best to visit Sehlabathebe National Park is during the dry months, from May to October. While it can get very cold at night, the days are clear and cool. Light snowfall may occur in the coldest months, which are June and July. Average daytime temperatures range from 54˚F(12˚C) to 64˚F(18˚) and nights can drop below freezing. This is the best time to explore the park as there is little rainfall, days are clear and animals can be seen more easily.
The wet season occurs from November to April and consists of warm, misty days with frequent rainfall. The most rainfall occurs in December and January, which can disrupt hiking and other activities. Average temperatures during the day hover around 68˚F(20˚C) and rarely go higher than 81˚F(27˚C).
For more information when to visit see our Lesotho Safari - Complete Travel Guide.
Start your African Adventure
Popular Tours
Tailor-Made South African Safari
We constantly strive to improve our award winning safari packages each year. I believe this is the best safari package we have ever offered, providing great quality at an affordable price. We start this safari at our safari base, the exclusive Rukiya Safari Lodge located on the banks of the Blyde River in the Wild Rivers private Nature Reserve. Rukiya is not only our safari base but is also a key location for our leopard research program. Following four days at Rukiya with our team, you will visit three other game reserves to ensure you can enjoy a variety of different lodge styles and reserves to give you a comprehensive safari experience. This safari provides a perfect balance between big five game viewing and a chance to gain a better understanding or be involved with wildlife conservation. As well as opportunities to explore in the company of wildlife conservationists. Of-course there is also time for some R&R to sit back, relax and enjoy the African bush. We recommend our safari itinerary shown below, as we’ve developed and honed it over many years in keeping with our company ethos and moreover feedback from safari guests. It covers all the elements that we feel should be included in an African safari, and has received many five star guest reviews”.
South Africa Rainbow Route - SAa17
The Rainbow Route is an overview tour of South Africa including neighbouring Kingdom of Swaziland. The tour covers many highlights with a strong focus on the national parks. This diverse country is explored over great distances that may involve long days on the road, generally followed by a full day to experience the area. The fully accommodated tour offers a great value for money way to explore South Africa.
Wildlife and Birds
Getting There and Safety
For the flights to Lesotho via South Africa, it is advised to check Skyscanner (for multiple destination flights), to see which airlines can take you there and compare various ticket prices.
If you are based in the UK and Europe, check out these flights.
If you are based in the USA and Canada, check out these flights.
For more information on visas see our Lesotho Safari - Complete Country Guide.
Going on a safari in Africa comes with obvious risks. We recommend you get travel insurance for all safaris in Lesotho. Make sure your insurance has full medical coverage, emergency air evacuation, repatriation and the standard travel insurance for cancellations, delays and luggage cover.
Check World Nomads’ travel insurance calculator to see the cost of your safari trip cover.
Pack quite warmly as temperatures are cool during the day and can get very cold at night. Try to pack neutral, earthy toned clothes and avoid bright colours and white. Other essential items are a hat, sunglasses, sun screen, toiletries, closed shoes, torch, batteries, insect repellent, first aid kit, binoculars and camera.
For more details on what to pack see our Safari Packing List.