Lesotho: How did the mountainous kingdom become Africa's premier skiing destination?
The Afreski resort attracts thousands of tourists annually and puts the mountain kingdom on the tourism map.
Written by: Mohammed Omran
Despite the prevailing image of Africa as a continent with a warm climate, the Kingdom of Lesotho has succeeded in establishing itself as one of the most prominent winter tourism destinations on the continent, taking advantage of its mountainous nature and high altitudes that make it the coldest country in Africa during the winter season.
Lesotho: How did the mountainous kingdom become Africa's premier skiing destination?
Lesotho, which is surrounded by South Africa on all sides, receives thousands of tourists every year, especially from South Africa, to ski and enjoy the snow-covered landscapes, in a rare tourist experience within the African continent.
The Afreski resort attracts thousands of tourists annually and puts the mountain kingdom on the tourism map.
Lesotho’s high altitude and mountainous terrain contribute to temperatures dropping to around -8 degrees Celsius during the period from June to August, providing a suitable environment for snowfall and winter sports.
The Afreski Mountain Resort, located in the northern Malute Mountains at an altitude of approximately 3,200 meters above sea level, is the country's premier winter tourism destination, ranking as the only fully operational ski resort in sub-Saharan Africa.
A destination for professionals and amateurs
The resort spans approximately 17 hectares of snow slopes and welcomes both professional and novice skiers. It also provides integrated facilities for visitors, making it a favorite destination for winter sports enthusiasts in recent years.
The resort is celebrating 25 years since its opening and is located near the town of Botha-Bothi, making it easily accessible to visitors by road.
Tourism supports the economy
Tourism plays an important role in Lesotho’s economy, with the sector contributing about 7% to the country’s GDP last year, while the Afriskie resort is one of the most important sources of income and employment opportunities.
The resort also relies on artificial snow-making technologies to ensure the ski season continues throughout the winter months, even if natural snowfall rates decline.
From an unknown country to a global destination
Although Lesotho is not widely known internationally, it continues to establish itself on the winter tourism map, taking advantage of its unique nature and geographical location to offer a different experience within Africa that combines mountains, snow and winter sports, attracting increasing numbers of visitors looking for an exceptional adventure.
