10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 25, 2024

What drove me to this revelation was crossing the border of the tiny, enclaved nation of Lesotho via the Sani Pass, a ridiculously treacherous road. Hannah overlooking a valley Traveling into Lesotho from the Sani Pass is an experience more than just the journey to the top.

Lesotho 224

Lesotho Sheep South Africa Africa 224

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 8, 2013

Albeit currently a rugged 4×4-only road, Sani Pass is the most accessible route from KwaZulu-Natal into the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. Both species of southern African otters are also regularly encountered ( Cape Clawless and Spot-necked.). A Long-tailed Widowbird takes off before performing its hovering aerial display flight.

Lesotho 169

Lesotho Africa Birds Rats 169

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 13, 2011

Originally considered monotypic, two species are now recognized. Drakensberg (or Orange-breasted) Rockjumper is a Drakensberg Mountain species whose range is shared with the tiny landlocked kingdom of Lesotho. Males of this species are more brightly colored in their non-breeding winter plumage.

South Africa 222

South Africa Lesotho Africa Swaziland 222

10,000 Birds

MAY 31, 2011

This ruled out some excellent species like Cape Eagle Owl, Violet Wood-hoopoe, African Finfoot and Half-collared Kingfisher and I was still left with 36 species. This was tough because this excluded species that occur in two countries within South Africa’s geographical area, Lesotho and Swaziland.

South Africa 233

South Africa Africa Parrots Swaziland 233