National Parks of Lesotho

Whereas the history of conservation in Lesotho was a remnant of colonial influences, the current thinking is very much along the lines of using protected areas as the cores for an eco-tourism industry. The Natural Environment and Heritage Programme has started the move by spearheading the proclamation of four additional conservation areas including Bokong Nature Reserve, Ts'ehlanyane NP, Liphophung Cave Cultural Historical Site and Muela Environmental Education Centre.

These areas will increase the proportion of the country under conservation to 13,400 hectares - or 0.5% of the total- and provide economic and social relief to what is one of the poorest countries in Africa. Earthplan Lesotho, a skilled consultancy group, has been set up to run the project which includes establishing Community Conservation Forums in each area.

The Ts'ehlanyane NP covers some 5,600 hectares at the junction of the Ts'ehlanyane and the Holomo rivers on the western scarp of the Maluti Mountains. The area was chosen largely because it is situated near the entrance to a mountain tunnel where communities were most affected by the construction.

It also has mountain vistas, fine examples of Leucosidea sericea or ouhout trees and stands of berg bamboo, which is a host plant for the endangered butterfly species Metisella syrinx. A small tented camp has been established and plans have been put in place for a lodge.

There is also talk of the formation of the Maluti/Drakensberg Transfrontier Park - a chunk of mountains and grasslands including parts of Lesotho and South Africa's Eastern Cape, Eastern Free State, Kwazulu-Natal Drakensberg Park (now a World Heritage Site), Qwa Qwa and Golden Gate National Park. When that is proclaimed it will fall under accepted norms applicable to international biosphere management. However, it will take some time for Lesotho to become a mainstream tourist attraction - and, for the while at least, its NPs will remain a destination only for the adventurous.

Sehlabathebe

Established 1970, this 6500ha park lies in the Eastern Highlands on the South African border. It can be reached by hiking, horse-riding from Bushman's Nek or by road (though the section from Qachas Nek to the park is very rough). Easiest is to fly in from Maseru or Qachas Nek.