Afriski Mountain Resort in Lesotho Attracts Thousands of Ski Enthusiasts from Southern Africa
The Afriski Mountain Resort in Lesotho has become a popular destination for ski enthusiasts from across southern Africa. Located in the Maluti Mountains, the resort is the only fully operational ski resort in sub-Saharan Africa. It sits at an elevation of 3,200 meters and offers skiing over 17 hectares of snow-covered terrain. The resort, which opened 25 years ago, attracts thousands of visitors each winter, contributing significantly to Lesotho's tourism industry. Despite being one of the poorest countries in the world, Lesotho benefits economically from the influx of tourists, with Afriski contributing to about 7% of the country's GDP. The resort employs 227 people, mostly locals, and relies on artificial snow to ensure skiing is possible throughout the winter.