Lesotho Guide
Sehlabathebe National Park
The oldest nature reserve in the country, Sehlabathebe National Park (free entry – for now) is remote and almost inaccessible, but predictably peaceful and stunningly beautiful. Set on the border with South Africa in the southern reaches of the Drakensberg at an average altitude of 2400m, the park is best known for its prolific birdlife, excellent trout fishing, waterfalls, rock paintings and seemingly endless open spaces just perfect for hiking. There are also a few game animals: baboons, rhebok, eland and the secretive oribi antelope, mongoose, otters, wild cats and jackals. At any time of year mists and rain can emerge out of nowhere, so come prepared.
To get to the park from the Lesotho side of the border you'll need either a 4WD or to catch the daily Lesotho Freight and Bus Services bus from Qacha's Nek to Sehlabathebe village, just outside the park (departs at noon, returns at 5.30am), which takes four to five hours; you could also hike from Sani Top. From South Africa, it's a day's walk to the park through the southern section of South Africa's Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park along a dramatic path starting at Bushman's Nek, 38km from Underberg in KwaZulu-Natal.
Get practical information from the Department of Parks at the Ministry of Tourism ( 
2231 1767, 
info@maloti.org.ls). Neither the Department of Parks nor the park office itself have any maps; if you want to do some serious hiking, go to the Department of Lands, Surveys and Physical Planning in Maseru for detailed maps.
Other than camping, which you can do anywhere provided you get a permit from the lodge, the park's only accommodation is the self-catering Sehlabathebe Lodge ( 2232 3600; Under R100), around 10km from the main gate. The fourteen-bed lodge has an adequate kitchen for self-catering and provides bedding and has hot-water showers; it also has camping. To be sure of a room, book in advance. Outside the park there are decent rooms at the beautiful Range Management Guesthouse ( 2295 0231; Under R100) in Sehlabathebe village. Wherever you're staying, you'll need to be self-sufficient in food and bring spare fuel too.