Sehlabathebe National Park

Sehlabathebe National Park is a protected highland area in Lesotho established in 1969 to conserve montane plateaus, wetlands, sandstone formations and endemic species. It protects a range of high-altitude habitats and cultural features.

The park contains sandstone cliffs, plateaus, seasonal waterfalls and notable rock art panels attributed to San (Bushman) artists, as well as wetland systems that support endemic plants and birdlife. These natural and cultural elements are primary reasons for visits.

Sehlabathebe was created to conserve the unique ecology and cultural heritage of the southern Maloti Mountains and has been managed as a national protected area since 1969.

The park sits in the Maloti Mountains in southeastern Lesotho, in the highland district near the border with South Africa, and is accessed from towns in the nearby highland districts.

• Weather and access: Expect cool conditions year round and sudden weather changes; highland wetlands and rock art sites are best visited with local guides who know access routes.
• Protection status: The park was designated in 1969 to protect high-altitude plateau habitat and features sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and important plant and bird communities.