South Africa borders several major countries on the African continent, but have you ever heard of its tiny neighbors, the Kingdoms of Lesotho and Eswatini?
Lesotho
If you’ve ever heard of the Kingdom of Lesotho before, it’s probably because it served as inspiration for the depiction of Wakanda in the Marvel movie Black Panther. This enclaved country is located within the borders of South Africa, but it’s been fully independent since 1966, after almost a century of British rule.
Despite its Hollywood connection, Lesotho isn’t extremely popular with tourists, but those who do come here start their adventure in the capital city of Maseru. The natural beauty of this tiny country is also worth exploring, especially the breathtaking Maletsunyane Falls, Maluti Mountains, and the country’s highest peak Thabana Ntlenyana.
Eswatini
One of Africa’s smallest countries is located near the border between Mozambique and South Africa, and it’s also known by the name Swaziland. It’s best known for its wildlife and game reserves. Despite its tiny size, Eswatini is home to 107 species of mammals and 507 species of birds, and that’s one of its strongest suits.
Ezulwini Valley, Lebombo Mountains, and Malolotja National Park are some of the best places to explore the natural beauty of Eswatini. They’re all located in close proximity to the country’s top reserves, and the capital city of Mbabane is never too far away.
