The range forms the northern portion of the boundary between the Butha-Buthe District in Lesotho and South Africa's Free State.

The mountains form a continuous upland area of rounded peaks with incised deep valleys on the flanks which drain into the Senqu River.

The mountain's rough terrain makes it less accessible to visitors and prevented any significant exploitation of its mineral resources.

In South Africa, sheer basalt cliffs drop off from the transfrontier into foothills composed of sandstone.

[1] The topography in the South African portion makes it more accessible and useful for livestock farming, crop production and tourism.

[5] In the early 1980s, officials from Lesotho approached the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (previously known as the Natal Parks Board) to propose the collaborative management of the bioregion to protect its natural and cultural heritage.

[1] The Golden Gate Highlands National Park includes parts of the northeastern end of the Maloti Range.