Lesotho is a landlocked country officially called Kingdom of Lesotho it is entirely surrounded by South Africa, making it one of only four such countries in the world the others are Monaco San Marino and Vatican City in Italy. Lesotho is often called “The Kingdom in the Sky” because it is the only country in the world entirely above 1,000 meters in elevation. Its terrain is mostly mountainous. Our first visit to Lesotho was in 2010, second in 2015, we are told that today in 2025 roads and infrastructure have improved a lot.
Lesotho is called the “Kingdom in the Sky” for a reason. Its high-altitude terrain, dramatic mountains, and remote villages make it a paradise for overlanders a bit of off-road challenge. Small, remote villages give oberlanders an authentic glimpse into Basotho life and traditions. Basotho people are welcoming and proud of their culture. And we were invited many times into their house. Many of the country’s best roads are unpaved or challenging mountain passes, perfect for those who enjoy using their four-wheel drive. Traditional thatched-roof rondavels, local markets, and festivals make for unique cultural immersion.
In 2010, nearly 22% of adults in Lesotho lived with HIV, thousands of new infections occurred each year, and many children and mothers were left without treatment. mother-to-child transmission was alarmingly high. Many children and adolescents were left behind, struggling to access lifesaving treatment, while remote and mountainous communities remained largely underserved. In Semonkong, Lesotho, an orphanage cares for 89 children who have lost their parents, largely due to the country’s high HIV/AIDS prevalence. Many of the children themselves are already living with HIV. Unfortunately, harmful myths persist in some communities, including the false belief that having sex with children can cure HIV/AIDS. These beliefs contribute to the alarming rates of child sexual abuse, including rape and incest, which remain significant issues in Lesotho.