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Maliba Lodge CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Ts'ehlanyane National Park

National Park

Ts'ehlanyane National Park in northern Lesotho features highland rivers, sandstone ridges and alpine grassland; visitors hike trails, camp and observe mountain flora and birdlife.

Ts'ehlanyane National Park MaseruSani PassTs'ehlanyane National Park
In this guide

Ts'ehlanyane National Park essentials

Address: Ts’ehlanyane National Park, Leribe District, Lesotho
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About Ts'ehlanyane National Park

Ts’ehlanyane National Park is a protected area in Leribe District in northern Lesotho that safeguards a montane river valley and adjoining highland grasslands.

The park’s trails and river valley scenery attract visitors interested in mountain walking, birdwatching and experiencing Lesotho’s highland ecology. Facilities are limited compared with larger national parks.

The protected area was established to conserve the Ts’ehlanyane River valley and surrounding montane habitats and has been managed for conservation and low-impact recreation.

The park lies in northern Lesotho within Leribe District, occupying upland terrain in the country’s northern highlands.

  • Activities: Altitude and montane landscapes concentrate biodiversity and make the area popular for short hikes and day trips from nearby Lesotho towns.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Ts'ehlanyane National Park

Late spring through autumn for green scenery; winter is cold and may bring snow at higher elevations.

Summer (rainy)
November-March · 10-25 °C
Green hills and flowing streams; expect afternoon showers and lush vegetation.
Autumn-Spring
April-October · -2-15 °C
Drier and cooler; clear air but cold nights, and higher altitudes can see frost or snow in winter.

Weather & Climate near Ts'ehlanyane National Park

Climate

Ts'ehlanyane National Park's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with mild summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in June). Temperatures range from -3°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (857 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 112 Unhealthy (Sg)
Best Time to Visit
SeptemberJuneJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
-16°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 10° - 21° 16° 131 mm partly cloudy 73% 2.5 m/s 3.0 extreme 13.6h
February Good 10° - 21° 15° 114 mm partly cloudy 75% 2.3 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.9h
March Good 8° - 19° 14° 104 mm partly cloudy 74% 2.0 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.1h
April Very Good 4° - 17° 11° 62 mm some cloud 72% 1.8 m/s 1.5 very high 11.3h
May Very Good 1° - 14° 6° 26 mm mostly sunny 66% 1.8 m/s 1.0 high 10.6h
June Very Good -3° - 11° 3° 12 mm mostly sunny 63% 2.0 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.2h
July Very Good -3° - 11° 2° 13 mm clear 59% 2.3 m/s 0.9 moderate 10.4h
August Very Good 0° - 14° 5° 27 mm mostly sunny 56% 2.6 m/s 1.2 high 11.0h
September Very Good 4° - 17° 10° 42 mm mostly sunny 52% 2.9 m/s 1.7 very high 11.8h
October Good 6° - 18° 12° 100 mm some cloud 59% 2.9 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.6h
November Good 8° - 19° 13° 117 mm partly cloudy 64% 2.8 m/s 2.7 extreme 13.4h
December Good 9° - 20° 15° 109 mm partly cloudy 69% 2.6 m/s 2.9 extreme 13.8h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Ts'ehlanyane National Park

Ts’ehlanyane is located in Leribe District in northern Lesotho. Access is typically by road from the town of Butha‑Buthe or from Maseru with local transport or guided tours; a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for mountain tracks.

Tips for Visiting Ts'ehlanyane National Park

  • Hire a local guide for multi‑day treks-the park's routes cross variable terrain and local guides provide cultural and safety context.
  • Bring warm layers and rain protection-the highlands can be cold and wet even in summer.
  • Acclimatise slowly if undertaking longer treks; elevation and thin air make exertion harder than at sea level.