As the nicknames suggest, Lesotho is mostly made up of the rolling highlands and dramatic, rugged peaks of the Maloti Mountains, the tallest of which stands at a shade under 3,500m (11,482ft) above sea level. Lesotho is the only independent state in the world that is entirely above 1,000m (304m) altitude.

The high altitude and mountainous geography lend a spectacularly scenic backdrop to the numerous outdoor activities on offer, including pony trekking, rock climbing, fishing, abseiling, hiking, bird watching, mountain biking and even skiing on the snow-covered slopes below the Mahlasela Pass.

The existence of valuable mineral and water resources led developers to build roads through some areas of Lesotho, but much of the kingdom and it’s villages remain remote and can only be reached on foot, by horseback or by light aircraft.

But Lesotho’s remoteness is a large part of its appeal, and this also helps preserve the rich traditional culture of the Basotho people, which you can experience at a number of cultural villages dotted across the kingdom. Lesotho also boasts some prominent examples of ancient rock paintings made by the nomadic San people that once inhabited this area.

Since Lesotho gained its independence from the British, poverty and unemployment have seen this protectorate lose a large percentage of its population to South Africa’s mines, while those that stayed behind have had to live with one of the world’s highest rates of HIV, which in turn has had detrimental effects on the country’s economy.

But while Lesotho might not be able to boast the wealth and infrastructure of its much larger neighbour, when it comes to raw adventure and natural beauty it can certainly hold its own.

Experience a taste of real Basotho life on an overnight stop in a hut in the rural areas of the remote Basotho.

Witness the bushmen rock paintings of bush life and animals, near Maseru. Sites include Ha Khotso and Ha Baroana.

See the rugged beauty of the land by horse riding, mountain climbing and hiking. Moyeni and Mohales Hoek, in the southern region of Lesothom are popular locations for these activities.

View the highest single-drop fall in southern Africa. The Maletsunyane Waterfalls are three times higher than the Niagara frontier.

Explore the highlights of Maseru, Lesotho's capital. Sights include the historic cemetery and the fascinating architecture of the King's Palace and the Prime Minister's Residence.

Explore the Motlejoeng Caves, 2km (1.2 miles) south of Mahale's Hoek and the Masitise Cave House.

Revisit prehistory and see dinosaur footprints, many of which are still in the same place where they were discovered. Important sites include Moyeni, Qalo and Morija.

Embark on a pony trek through the great falls at Ribaneng, Ketane and Maletsunyane. Other treks include the Molimo Nthuse circular trip, which takes in the Qiloane Falls.

Ski in the heart of the Lesotho highlands (www.afriski.co.za).

See where the Basotho made a last heroic stand against the Boers in Thaba Bosiu. The flat-topped hill is where many of their chiefs are buried.

Observe the petrified forest on the mountain of Thaba-Ts'oeu.

Trek through one of the most beautiful parts of Lesotho, the region bordering South Africa in the southeast. Places of most interest include Ramanbanta, Semonkong and the Sehlabathebe National Park.

Appreciate Lesotho's unique species of birds - as many as 279 have been recorded. Birds that are rare to southern Africa can be watched on a trip along the Mountain Road, a spectacular route through the centre of the country.