This study analysed the perceptions of local communities’ participation in planning and management tourism using the mixed method design. The local rural communities and local authorities (nature reserve managers, tourism officers, environmental/conservation officers and Conservation Committee Forum members) in the Katse and Mohale Tourism Development Area of Lesotho were surveyed. The study was conducted in three villages adjacent to the T’sehlanyane Nature Reserve - Ha ‘Mali, Bokong Nature Reserve - Ha Lejone and Liphofung Nature Reserve -    Phelandaba. Respondents from all three villages (Ha Lejone, Ha ‘Mali and Phelandaba) shared the same preferences of greater communities’ involvement and decision-making power in the management of tourism. Ha ‘Mali and Ha Lejone respondents recognized community members’ participation but the Phelandaba respondents generally disagreed that the communities were involved in management, as they indicated not being consulted in any planning about tourism.