Lesotho, often called the ‘Kingdom in the Sky,’ is a small, mountainous country entirely surrounded by South Africa. Its high-altitude landscapes and rugged terrain create a unique habitat for wildlife. While Lesotho is not known for large game safaris, it offers opportunities to experience rare and endemic species in a dramatic, untamed and breathtaking setting. When it comes to wildlife in Lesotho, expect an intimate and off-the-beaten-path experience.
Lesotho’s highlands are home to several species adapted to the cold, rugged environment. One of the most iconic animals is the eland, the largest antelope in Africa, which roams the open grasslands. Other antelope species, such as the grey rhebok and mountain reedbuck, can also be spotted in the high-altitude regions.
Lesotho’s national animal, the black wildebeest, is often found in the grasslands of protected areas like Sehlabathebe National Park. These striking animals are well-suited to the country’s harsh conditions.
Unique species
Lesotho’s unique geography supports several endemic and rare species. The Drakensberg rockjumper, a small bird found only in the Lesotho Highlands and nearby Drakensberg range, is a highlight for birdwatchers. Another special bird is the bearded vulture, or lammergeier, which soars above the cliffs and mountains. Among mammals, the ice rat, a small rodent endemic to the highlands, thrives in the cold, alpine grasslands. It is a key species in the ecosystem, serving as prey for birds of prey and other predators.
Birds and aquatic life
Lesotho is a hidden gem for bird enthusiasts, particularly those interested in highland and montane species. The high-altitude wetlands and grasslands provide habitat for birds like the Cape vulture, malachite sunbird, and Drakensberg siskin. Waterbirds such as yellow-billed ducks and little grebes can be found around the country’s many dams and wetlands. The remote and pristine environment of Sehlabathebe National Park, part of the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area, offers excellent birding opportunities, including sightings of the endangered wattled crane. Lesotho’s rivers and reservoirs, including the Senqu River (Orange River) and Katse Dam, support a variety of freshwater species. Trout fishing is popular in Lesotho’s cold mountain streams, and the high-altitude lakes are home to fish such as the smallmouth yellowfish.
Endangered wildlife
The Cape vulture, one of the region’s most threatened birds, faces population declines due to poisoning and power line collisions. The southern bald ibis, found only in the highlands of southern Africa, is also vulnerable due to habitat destruction. Lesotho’s rivers once supported populations of the Maloti minnow, a critically endangered freshwater fish threatened by invasive species and water pollution. Large mammals such as leopards and jackals still roam parts of Lesotho, but are increasingly rare due to hunting and habitat fragmentation.
Something different
Lesotho’s landscapes are as much a part of its wildlife experience as the animals themselves. Sehlabathebe National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its wild, windswept scenery and distinctive sandstone formations. Exploring this remote park feels like stepping into another world. The Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area, shared with South Africa, offers a chance to see Lesotho’s wildlife while hiking or horseback riding through dramatic mountain passes and valleys.
If these wildlife species of Lesotho impress you and you’re dreaming of a holiday in Lesotho we’d love to help. Please do reach out via telephone or email.
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