Lesotho Afriski resort tourism

The Afriski Mountain Resort in Lesotho’s Maluti Mountains, the only operational ski resort in sub‑Saharan Africa, has become a major draw for winter‑sport enthusiasts across southern Africa. Early reports highlighted the resort’s role in attracting thousands of visitors—about 70 % from South Africa—and its contribution of roughly 7 % to Lesotho’s GDP, alongside a staff of 227 mostly local employees.

In the following weeks the resort expanded its seasonal offerings by hosting the South African National Ice Swimming Championships, billed as the world’s highest‑altitude ice swim at 3,030 m. The event, held in a dam and serving as a qualifier for the 2027 World Championships, added a new high‑altitude aquatic competition to Afriski’s portfolio, underscoring the site’s growing diversification beyond skiing.

Together, these developments illustrate how Afriski continues to boost tourism revenue, create employment, and position Lesotho as a unique high‑altitude destination for both snow and ice sports in Africa.