This is because it is capped by a 1400 m thick layer of erosion resistant lava[4] which welled up and spread across most of Southern Africa when it was still part of Gondwana.

The eastern Lesotho Highlands contain numerous terraces and scarp faces developed on ancient flood basalt.

[6] During the last glacial period periglacial conditions prevailed in the highlands producing landforms such as blockfields, blockstreams and stone garlands.

Soils in the Lesotho Highlands differ according to the host rock (basalt) and the influence of freeze and thaw processes; generally they are dominated by mollisols.

The Drakensberg Rockjumper is an endemic bird species of the Lesotho Highlands and areas surrounding them in South Africa.

Developed in partnership between the governments of Lesotho and South Africa, it comprises a system of several large dams and tunnels throughout the territory of both countries.