Maloti-Drakensberg Park
Location: Sehlabathebe National Park, Lesotho
Year of Inscription: 2013
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(vii) contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(x) contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Sehlabathebe National Park is a pristine wilderness area located in the southern highlands of Lesotho. The park is known for its dramatic mountain landscapes, rugged terrain, and unique flora and fauna. It is home to a number of endemic plant and animal species, as well as important cultural sites that reflect the history and traditions of the local Basotho people.
Prominent Features: Sehlabathebe National Park is home to a number of unique features, including:
Mountain landscapes: The park is located in the highlands of Lesotho, and features rugged mountain landscapes with steep valleys, deep gorges, and rocky outcrops.
Endemic plant species: Sehlabathebe is home to a number of endemic plant species, including the rare Sehlabathebe geranium and the Sehlabathebe everlasting.
Wildlife: The park is home to a number of unique wildlife species, including the rare and endangered Maloti minnow and the Lesotho highlands frog.
Cultural sites: Sehlabathebe is also home to a number of cultural sites that reflect the history and traditions of the local Basotho people, including ancient rock paintings and traditional villages.
History: Sehlabathebe has been inhabited by the Basotho people for centuries, and has long been regarded as a sacred and special place. In the early 20th century, the area was designated as a national park, in order to protect its unique natural and cultural heritage.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the mountain landscapes of Sehlabathebe on foot, on horseback, or by car. They can also visit the park's cultural sites, including ancient rock paintings and traditional villages. Wildlife spotting is also a popular activity, and visitors can look out for unique species such as the Maloti minnow and Lesotho highlands frog.
Fun Fact: Sehlabathebe National Park is one of the few places in the world where you can see the rare and endangered Maloti minnow.
Entry Fees: There is a small entrance fee to enter Sehlabathebe National Park, 30 Lesotho Loti (about 2.00 US dollars) per person per day for foreign visitors, and 5 Lesotho Loti (less than 1.00 US dollar) per person per day for locals.
How to Reach It: Sehlabathebe National Park is located in the southern highlands of Lesotho, approximately 110 km from the capital city of Maseru. Visitors can drive to the park, or take a taxi or bus to the nearby town of Qacha's Nek, and then hire a local guide to take them into the park.
Where to Stay: There are a number of accommodation options available in and around Sehlabathebe National Park, including guesthouses, lodges, and campsites. Visitors can also stay in nearby Qacha's Nek, which offers a wider range of accommodation options.
Next Stop: Maloti-Drakensberg Park South Africa
Year of Inscription: 2013
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(vii) contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(x) contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Sehlabathebe National Park is a pristine wilderness area located in the southern highlands of Lesotho. The park is known for its dramatic mountain landscapes, rugged terrain, and unique flora and fauna. It is home to a number of endemic plant and animal species, as well as important cultural sites that reflect the history and traditions of the local Basotho people.
Prominent Features: Sehlabathebe National Park is home to a number of unique features, including:
Mountain landscapes: The park is located in the highlands of Lesotho, and features rugged mountain landscapes with steep valleys, deep gorges, and rocky outcrops.
Endemic plant species: Sehlabathebe is home to a number of endemic plant species, including the rare Sehlabathebe geranium and the Sehlabathebe everlasting.
Wildlife: The park is home to a number of unique wildlife species, including the rare and endangered Maloti minnow and the Lesotho highlands frog.
Cultural sites: Sehlabathebe is also home to a number of cultural sites that reflect the history and traditions of the local Basotho people, including ancient rock paintings and traditional villages.
History: Sehlabathebe has been inhabited by the Basotho people for centuries, and has long been regarded as a sacred and special place. In the early 20th century, the area was designated as a national park, in order to protect its unique natural and cultural heritage.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the mountain landscapes of Sehlabathebe on foot, on horseback, or by car. They can also visit the park's cultural sites, including ancient rock paintings and traditional villages. Wildlife spotting is also a popular activity, and visitors can look out for unique species such as the Maloti minnow and Lesotho highlands frog.
Fun Fact: Sehlabathebe National Park is one of the few places in the world where you can see the rare and endangered Maloti minnow.
Entry Fees: There is a small entrance fee to enter Sehlabathebe National Park, 30 Lesotho Loti (about 2.00 US dollars) per person per day for foreign visitors, and 5 Lesotho Loti (less than 1.00 US dollar) per person per day for locals.
How to Reach It: Sehlabathebe National Park is located in the southern highlands of Lesotho, approximately 110 km from the capital city of Maseru. Visitors can drive to the park, or take a taxi or bus to the nearby town of Qacha's Nek, and then hire a local guide to take them into the park.
Where to Stay: There are a number of accommodation options available in and around Sehlabathebe National Park, including guesthouses, lodges, and campsites. Visitors can also stay in nearby Qacha's Nek, which offers a wider range of accommodation options.
Next Stop: Maloti-Drakensberg Park South Africa