A critical water source area, the trans-frontier mountains of Lesotho and the Maloti Drakensberg are one of Africa's great water towers. It supplies 34% of Gauteng's water, and 70% of Bloemfontein's water.

Phase 2 of the Lesotho Highland Water Project which will increase the supply of water to Gauteng has been delayed from 2020 to 2025. This project will cost an estimated R23 billion.

• Area: 12 003 km²
• 35% of this water source area in South Africa is protected, but the greater area in Lesotho has a much lower level of protection.