Thabana Ntlenyana (tah-BAH-nə in-TLAY-nyə-nə)[1] is the highest mountain in southern Africa, located in the Maloti mountain range. It stands 3,482 metres (11,424 ft) tall within the lofty Maloti Mountains that crest Lesotho, a small landlocked nation surrounded by South Africa.[2]: 131  The name means "beautiful little mountain" in the Sesotho language.[3]

Thabana Ntlenyana
Highest point
Elevation3,482 m (11,424 ft)
Prominence2,390 m (7,840 ft)
Isolation3,003 km (1,866 mi) Edit this on Wikidata
ListingCountry high point
Ultra
Coordinates29°28′S 29°16′E / 29.467°S 29.267°E / -29.467; 29.267
Geography
Thabana Ntlenyana is located in Lesotho
Thabana Ntlenyana
Thabana Ntlenyana
Location of Thabana Ntlenyana in Lesotho
LocationLesotho
Parent rangeMaloti
Climbing
Easiest routeHike

Thabana Ntlenyanai is situated on the Mohlesi ridge, north of the treacherous Sani Pass.[2]: 81  The peak is climbed as part of a "Grand Traverse" of the Maluti, which are a large system of mountain ranges that often includes this peak and the Maluti Mountains.[4]

The peak is often climbed from Sani Top Chalet or from Vergelegen Nature Reserve.[5]

Thabana Ntlenyana as seen from the Giants Castle Ridge

Resources edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Thabana-Ntlenyana". CollinsDictionary.com. HarperCollins. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  2. ^ a b Coulson, David; Clarke, James (1983). Mountain odyssey in Southern Africa. Internet Archive. Macmillan South Africa. ISBN 978-0-86954-137-1.
  3. ^ Sommer, Chris. "Roof of the Maloti".
  4. ^ Sommer, Chris (8 October 2007). "Grand Traverse". Vertical-Endeavor.com. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  5. ^ Geo Maps Series Map 5.