Thousands of winter sports lovers travel to the small mountain kingdom of Lesotho every year, making it one of southern Africa's most unusual tourist destinations.

Thanks to its high altitude and rugged mountains, Lesotho is the coldest country in Africa. During the winter months from June to August, temperatures in the highlands can drop to minus 8 degrees Celsius.

The country's Afriski Mountain Resort, located about 3,200 metres above sea level in the northern Maluti Mountains, is the only fully operational ski resort in sub-Saharan Africa. Spread across 17 hectares, the resort has welcomed skiers and snowboarders for the past 25 years.

Tourism contributes around 7% of Lesotho's $2.6 billion economy, and Afriski plays an important role by attracting visitors and creating jobs. The resort also uses artificial snow machines to keep its slopes open throughout the Southern Hemisphere's winter.

Visitors mainly from South Africa
Although U.S. President Donald Trump joked in 2025 that Lesotho was a country "nobody has ever heard of," the kingdom of 2.3 million people has been drawing growing numbers of tourists. In 2024, it celebrated 200 years since the founding of the Basotho nation and 58 years of independence from Britain.

Most visitors drive from neighbouring South Africa, while others arrive through the airport in the capital, Maseru.

Afriski CEO Theo Ferreira said nearly 70% of visitors come from South Africa, with the rest mainly from Lesotho and other southern African countries.

The resort employs 227 full-time and seasonal workers, most of them Basotho nationals, while around 30 South Africans work mainly as ski instructors.

Afriski can accommodate 420 overnight guests, with nearby towns such as Butha-Buthe and Mohlokong providing extra lodging during the busy season. The resort recorded more than 1,400 visitors on its busiest day this year, while the 2025 record exceeded 1,600 visitors.

Because snowfall can be unpredictable, the resort depends on artificial snow to keep skiing conditions suitable throughout winter.

A different side of Africa
Known mainly for wildlife safaris and scenic coastlines, southern Africa is not usually associated with skiing. But Afriski has helped introduce winter sports to many first-time visitors.

Janko Smits, a student from Cape Town, said the resort was an excellent place to learn skiing despite a few hard falls at the beginning.

Another first-time visitor, Thato Ramaphoko from Pretoria, said it was surprising to experience snow in Africa, where many people expect only sunshine and deserts.

Besides skiing, visitors can enjoy local food, Maluti Lager beer and the colourful Basotho blanket, one of Lesotho's best-known cultural products.