Although most visitors to Southern Africa do not pay much attention to Lesotho, this mountainous country with its natural beauty and friendly people is ideal for tourists in search of something different and ready for a unique adventure.

This small developing country is situated within the borders of the Republic of South Africa. It is also known as "the Mountain Kingdom" because of its many mountains, with peaks reaching over 3 000m. Even its lowest areas are all above 1 000m above sea level with the capital, Maseru, at 1500m above sea level.

The Maluti Mountains, part of the Drakensberg Mountain Range, extend to the north and south of the country. It forms a high plateau from 2300m to 2600m in height.

The highest point is Thabana Ntlenyana (3482m) in the east. The sources of two of the great rivers in South Africa, the Orange and the Tugela, are in these mountains. Tributaries of the Caledon River, which forms the country's western border, also rise here.

Lesotho was first inhabited by small groups of people from the Nguni branch of the Bantu family, the Mapolane, the Maphetla and the Baphuthi. Their descendants, the Basotho, now inhabit the country.

Although shunted to and from British and Boer control for almost 200 years, Lesotho's path to self-rule was comparitively smooth. It has managed largely to avoid many of the recent wars, racist policies and political instability that have plagued most of the African continent.

Although, like most of Africa, Lesotho is a struggling Third World nation, it has built for itself a reputation for dependable tourism.

The weather conditions in summer are ideal for camping and enjoying the outdoors. Rain, however, will also fall during these months. Temperatures range between 18C and 30C, from the coolness of the highlands to the warmth of the lowlands.

The winters, however, can be very cold and any outdoor activities, especially in the highlands, should be avoided.

Tourists may camp or caravan almost anywhere in Lesotho, provided they first obtain permission from the local chief. It is also often possible also to overnight in a village hut. There should also be no problem sleeping outdoors in designated camping areas or remote places along the way. It is, however, best to lock your things away before going to sleep.

When travelling through the country, be fully equipped for spending the night with no facilities at all except perhaps a nearby river. It is also possible to buy everything needed for the journey in Maseru, but tinned food is pricey.

It is best to travel with all the food you will need for the whole journey apart from fresh vegetables, since most village shops will sell onions, tomatoes, potatoes, bread, sugar, salt and oil. Meat is not always available in the remoter areas, so it would be wise to bring substitutes.

Driving in Lesotho is quite an experience, and probably the best way to see the country. Although road conditions are not always perfect, it is possible and uncomplicated to reach even the remotest area of Lesotho.

There is a fast-growing network of over 2000km of tarred roads which are supplemented by over 6000km of gravel roads and dirt roads. It is advisable to use 4x4 vehicles.

Fuel stations are available in all main towns, and on many major routes. However, if driving long distances, or on safari, it is advisable to take spare fuel and to confirm the location of fuel stations. A good road map is essential.

Lesotho's mountains, valleys, rivers and other beautiful scenery as well as the unique cultural heritage make for memories that tourists, tired of commercial holidays, will remember for a long time.