Things to Do in Lesotho in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Lesotho
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak wildflower season transforms the highlands into carpets of color - leucosidea, red hot pokers, and spiral aloes bloom across mountain slopes between 2,000-3,000 m (6,562-9,843 ft), creating the most photogenic landscapes of the year
- Summer weather means accessible high-altitude hiking - mountain passes like Sani Pass and Moteng Pass are fully open without snow, and daytime temperatures at 3,000 m (9,843 ft) reach comfortable 15-18°C (59-64°F) before afternoon storms roll in around 2-3pm
- Lowest tourist numbers of any summer month - February falls between Christmas holidays and Easter break, meaning accommodation prices drop 15-25% from December rates and you'll have waterfalls, hiking trails, and pony trekking routes mostly to yourself
- Best month for waterfall viewing - Maletsunyane Falls hits maximum flow from summer rains, dropping 192 m (630 ft) with thundering volume, and dozens of seasonal waterfalls appear on mountain faces that are dry the rest of the year
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms are nearly guaranteed - storms build between 2-4pm on 8-10 days of the month with dramatic lightning, heavy downpours lasting 30-90 minutes, and temperatures dropping 10°C (18°F) within minutes, cutting hiking days short
- Dirt roads become treacherous after rain - the extensive network of mountain tracks turns to slippery mud requiring 4x4 vehicles with high clearance, and some remote lodges become temporarily inaccessible for 24-48 hours after heavy storms
- Limited indoor activities when weather turns - Lesotho is an outdoor destination and there are minimal museums or indoor attractions, so consecutive rainy days can leave you waiting in your accommodation with few alternatives beyond craft shopping
Best Activities in February
High-altitude hiking in Ts'ehlanyane National Park and Bokong Nature Reserve
February offers the perfect combination of accessible trails, wildflower displays, and flowing streams at Lesotho's premier mountain parks. Ts'ehlanyane's trails wind through indigenous forests at 2,200-2,800 m (7,218-9,186 ft) where spiral aloes bloom bright orange against green hillsides. Morning hikes between 7-11am avoid afternoon storms and catch the best light on flower-covered slopes. Bokong's trails lead to seasonal waterfalls that only flow during summer months. The cooler temperatures compared to December and January make full-day hikes more comfortable, though you must start early and return by 2pm before storms build.
Pony trekking through mountain villages
Lesotho's famous Basotho ponies are perfectly suited for February conditions when mountain passes are snow-free but not yet winter-frozen. Multi-day treks connect remote villages at 2,400-3,000 m (7,874-9,843 ft) where you'll sleep in traditional rondavels and experience rural life unchanged for generations. February means green pastures, flowing rivers for pony crossings, and comfortable riding temperatures of 18-22°C (64-72°F) in morning hours. The summer landscape is dramatically more scenic than dry winter months. Typical routes cover 15-25 km (9-16 miles) per day at walking pace, stopping before afternoon storms. This is the authentic Lesotho experience impossible to replicate elsewhere in Southern Africa.
Sani Pass 4x4 excursions to the highest pub in Africa
The legendary Sani Pass climbs 1,332 m (4,370 ft) over 9 km (5.6 miles) of hairpin bends from South Africa to Lesotho's highlands, topping out at 2,873 m (9,426 ft) at Sani Top. February offers clear morning visibility before afternoon clouds roll in, perfect for the dramatic views across KwaZulu-Natal. The pass is fully open without snow, though afternoon rains can make the steep gradients slippery. Tours stop at Sani Mountain Lodge, legitimately the highest pub in Africa, for lunch and Maluti beer while watching weather systems build across endless mountain vistas. The summer green landscape is far more impressive than winter's brown grasslands. Time the descent before 3pm to avoid driving through storm cells.
Cultural village visits and traditional healer consultations
February's summer season means villages are accessible and active with agricultural work - you'll see fields being tended, livestock grazing on green hillsides, and daily life in full swing. Visit sangomas (traditional healers) who use this season's fresh medicinal plants, watch blanket weavers working in village cooperatives, and attend Sunday church services where Basotho hymns echo through mountain valleys. Ha Baroana rock art site near Quthing shows 400-year-old San paintings protected under overhangs - February rains clean the rock faces making paintings more visible. Village homestays cost 200-400 LSL per night including traditional meals of papa (maize porridge) and moroho (wild spinach). This is perfect for rainy afternoon backup plans.
Maletsunyane Falls abseiling and waterfall viewing
At 192 m (630 ft), Maletsunyane Falls near Semonkong is one of the world's highest single-drop waterfalls, and February sees it at maximum thundering flow from summer rains. The commercial abseil down the falls face is Southern Africa's longest single-drop rappel and February's flowing water adds spectacular spray and rainbows. Even non-abseilers should visit for the dramatic gorge views and the chance to see dozens of seasonal waterfalls on surrounding cliffs that completely dry up by May. Morning visits before 11am offer best light and clearer skies. The 45-minute hike down to the falls base gets muddy after rains but reveals the true scale of the cascade.
Katse Dam and Lesotho Highlands Water Project tours
The massive Katse Dam, Africa's second-highest at 185 m (607 ft), is an engineering marvel that supplies water to South Africa's Gauteng province. February's high water levels showcase the dam at its most impressive, with spillways often operating during peak summer flow. Guided tours take you inside the dam wall through 1 km (0.6 miles) of tunnels explaining the controversial but fascinating project that transformed Lesotho's economy. The Katse Botanical Garden adjacent to the dam displays highland flora including many species blooming in February. This is the perfect rainy afternoon activity with the visitor center, dam tours, and botanical garden all under cover or quick-access from vehicles.
February Events & Festivals
Morija Arts and Cultural Festival
Southern Africa's oldest cultural festival celebrating Basotho music, dance, poetry, and visual arts in the historic mission town of Morija. While the main festival typically occurs in late September or October, planning for 2025 dates should be confirmed locally as schedules can shift. If you're lucky enough to catch any cultural performances in February, they'll be smaller village celebrations rather than the major festival.