Ts'ehlanyane National Park
Overview
Lesotho Parks
Philip is a renowned Africa expert. He writes and updates content for many travel organizations, including the Lesotho Tourist Board.
The mountain vistas of Ts’ehlanyane National Park are outstanding. Although rugged and wild, the park is an easy drive from Maseru, Lesotho’s capital city. The focal point of Ts’ehlanyane is Maliba Lodge, the country’s most highly rated tourist accommodation. Well-marked hiking and horseback-riding trails lead to waterfalls, caves and viewpoints. Those who are very energetic can aim for the summit.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
Ts’ehlanyane NP isn’t really a wildlife destination, but you might see a few animals on your walks. More than 20 mammal species are protected in the park, and the eland (Africa’s largest antelope) is by far the most impressive. You might also see rock hyrax scurrying away as you approach. Don’t mistake these widespread sociable animals for the rare, near-endemic ice rat, which is a special of the high-altitude environment.
Scenery
Four major rivers flow through this mountainous wilderness. They cascade down the steep slopes and, in the valleys, montane (mountain) bamboo and indigenous oldwood forest patches follow their courses. Natural swimming pools are welcome focal points on the hiking trails. When out and about, the viewpoints are stunning, but don’t forget to stop and observe the delicate details in the flowers – the sub-alpine flora is unique to this high-altitude environment.
Weather & Climate
Ts’ehlanyane NP has a very mild climate. Due to the high altitude, you’ll need sufficient clothing to stay warm during the cold evenings and mornings. There is a Dry season (winter) from April to September, and a Wet season (summer) from October to March. Spectacular thunderstorms are common in the afternoons of the Wet season.
Best Time To Visit
You can visit Ts’ehlanyane NP throughout the year. The dry winter months from April to September offer good hiking conditions, but it can be very cold during this time. The weather is more pleasantly warm during the Wet season from October to March and this is also the most beautiful time of the year. However, afternoon storms can easily interrupt your hikes during these months, so you should come well prepared.
