Mokhotlong

Mokhotlong is the main centre of a vast mountainous area in the east of the country. It is situated about 290 kilometres from Maseru via Butha-Buthe and is the district headquarters town of what was for long one of the remotest areas of the country. Until the 1950's, it had no road connection with the outside world, and all goods came up from Kwa-Zulu Natal on pack animals over the Sani Pass. This changed since a tarred road to Mokhotlong was completed. However, in winter, Mokhotlong can be cut off for many weeks by snow.

Despite its three different road connections, Mokhotlong still retains something of the isolated outpost's atmosphere. Far more people come to do their shopping on horseback than by vehicle. Basotho in striking blankets hitch their horses outside and enter a modern, computerised bank to do their banking. The Sunshine Bar has a TV satellite dish. Sheep and goats are sheared by hand in sheds around the district.

Initially founded as a police post, Mokhotlong is named after the river nearby of the same name. This in turn means ‘the place of the bald ibis’, or mokhotlo, a bird that can still be seen in flocks near the river (which is also well stocked with rainbow trout). The area is rich in high montane birdlife, including Bald Ibis, Verreaux’ Black Eagle, Cape Vulture and Bearded Vulture. This is a good area for walking and climbing, while in winter skiing is sometimes possible. There is a mountaineers' chalet just within the Lesotho border at the top of Sani Pass, from which it is possible on a long day's hike to ascend Thabana-Ntlenyana, the highest mountain in Southern Africa.