Introduction

Lesotho
Photo: Claire Spottiswoode

The mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, one of Africa’s smallest countries, is a largely unknown birding destination. Landlocked by South Africa and home to the Basutho people, Lesotho, when compared to its sole neighbour is relatively devoid of bird life but it does provide refuge to a handful of highland specials. Perhaps not a prime destination, Lesotho’s small size and easily accessible birding localities bode well for its inclusion in a South Africa trip.

This country account for Lesotho serves to provide birders with up to date information about birds and birding in the area. While the information provided has been sourced from a variety of reliable resources (a list is provided at the end of this document) the aim is such that this document is dynamic in that birders who have recently visited the region can add their own accounts and contributions. We therefore encourage readers to email new information to info@africanbirdclub.org. Please note that the names of birds used in this document are those adopted by the African Bird Club checklist.