Lesotho is an enclaved country within South Africa. It is by far the largest of the world’s three independent states surrounded by the territory of another country. A scenic land of tall mountains and narrow valleys, golden sandstone cliffs, towering basaltic peaks and bizarre rock sculptures overlook undulating Afroalpine meadows swathed in clumped grass, and colourful spring wildflowers. Spectacular waterfalls plunge into gaping canyons snaked through by crystal-clear rivers. The name Lesotho roughly translates to “the land of the people who speak Sesotho.”
” by kevincure is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
by Graham Maclachlan is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
” by kevincure is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
by Di.Malealea is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Vaiz Ha, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
You can visit Lesotho throughout the year. Overall, October to April (summer in the southern hemisphere) is most pleasant as the weather is warm. However, rain and mist are quite regular during these months, so you should plan your activities well. Winter months from mid-May to mid-August are sometimes extremely cold. Snowfall is also not uncommon in the high altitudes.
Hiking: Lesotho has fresh mountain air and a multitude of trails to be hiked. Enjoy mountain peaks, valleys with streams and waterfalls, look around to spot birds and keep an eye out for some of the Alpine-type plant species. Plan your trip for the early summer (October or November) or end of the season (March to April).
Birdwatching: Lesotho has an impressive number of species of birds. Over 300 varieties have been recorded in the country and vary from residents, that stay all year around, but the best season for birdwatching is between the months of October and March.
Skiing: the north-eastern highlands is the best place to go skiing or snowboarding, from May to September are generally the best months. You can visit the impressive Moteng Pass to get too Oxbow and the Mahlasela Pass (3222m) to get to Afriski, which has the highest restaurant in Africa. Ice climbing is possible in the Oxbow and Bokong regions between mid-June until mid-August, depending on conditions and the 60m Lepaqoa Falls.
Fishing: the peak season is from September to November and March to May. You can expect to catch rainbow trout and brown trout, or perhaps small-mouthed yellow fish. Some good places for fly fishing include Semonkong, Sehlabathebe National Park and Katse Dam.
The Loti is the official currency. Typically, 16 to 20 Lotis per Euro and 14 to 19 Lotis per US Dollar.
The official languages are Sesotho and English. Most people in the main towns or tourist attractions speak English to a reasonable standard and a few words of Afrikaans; however, outside these areas, these languages will not be understood.
Every citizen of a foreign country who wishes to visit the Kingdom of Lesotho on any visa category must first obtain a visa through the Lesotho e-visa system. Citizens of countries that have visa abolition agreements with Lesotho and citizens of some Commonwealth countries are exempt from this rule. The e-Visa allows travellers to enter the country for tourist or business purposes and it enables them to stay in. The Lesotho e-Visa application process is very simple and 100% online. Once the application is submitted and accepted, the applicant will receive an electronic visa that must be shown to the immigration officers upon arrival. Check here to find out if your country is exempt. For more information about visa, application fees and general requirements, visit here.
There are ATMs at banks in most towns, although you will not find them elsewhere. Credit cards will be accepted in Shoprite supermarkets and the main hotels. Your cashcard from home may work in some Maseru cash machines (FNB or Standard Bank), but it is best to get cash out in South Africa beforehand. Restaurants outside of Maseru (and most in Maseru) will probably not accept credit card as a means of payment. Lesotho in general has a cash economy.
Shops, malls and supermarkets are open from 8am until 18-19pm Saturday and Sunday close early. Restaurants from 8 until 21-22pm.
Time: GMT + 2 hours
The only airport is Moshoeshoe I International Airport, which is a 25-minute drive from the centre of the city.
There is no train service in Lesotho but the South African railway line Bloemfontein Bohlokong (freight only) runs along the northwestern Lesotho border, with a stop in Meqheleng. The full-sized buses operated by Lesotho Freight and Bus Services, are uncomfortable, slow, and overcrowded, but extremely cheap. The only public transportation option for travel between towns are the minibus taxis, again overcrowded, very cheap, but often less than well-maintained.
Intercape is South Africa’s long distance bus company. The buses are comfortable and dependable and considered to be a safe option for cross country or regional travel. You can take the Intercape from Cape Town to Bloemfontein and then connect. You can also take the Intercape from Durban to the South African town of Ladybrand, which is right next to the border with Lesotho. You need to take a shared taxi from the border into central Maseru. From there you can find other shared taxis to different parts of the country.
Horses and donkeys are very important in the highlands for riding and as pack animals.
Lesotho by car is possible, however, drivers should note that, the condition of the mountain roads deteriorate dramatically in direct relation to the number of four-footed livestock and wandering pedestrians you will encounter. Local driving habits are undisciplined, so staying alert and driving slowly. A four-wheeler is the best car to rent, especially in winter, and visitors should note that Lesotho drives on the left. If you decide to self-drive to Lesotho, you will come from South Africa, it is recommended that you hire a car in South Africa as it will be cheaper than hiring in Lesotho. When taking a rented car, be sure to get permission from the rental company to take the car into Lesotho. You will need to show written permission from the rental company at border control.
Avoid Maseru’s border crossing over a weekend. Some border crossings are open 24 hours while others open 06h00 and close at 22:00. You must pay road tax when crossing the border, the tax depends on the size of your vehicle. Finally, petrol can be a problem it is best to fill the tank in Maseru or in South Africa. Outside Maseru, unleaded can be very hard to find.
Drinking tap water
Keeping car doors locked and exercise caution at border crossings
Public demonstrations and political rallies
Walking alone around during the night
When driving in urban centres, especially Maseru, keep doors locked, windows shut and valuables out of sight
The Lesotho cuisine comes from African traditions and British influence. Basotho cuisine tends to include sauces, but is generally less spicy than other African countries. Beetroot and carrot salads are common side dishes, as well as, meat, vegetables and corn-based. The most famous dishes in Lesotho are: “Leqebekoane” (is a slow-cooked oxtail stew. This is served with dumplings, a mix of vegetables and beetroot salad. The steamed dumplings are made with fermented maize meal. “Borotho” (a combination of whole meal flour, white flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and lukewarm water. The dough is kneaded until it springs back, and it is then left to rise before it is baked in the oven or in a heavy pan over low heat), “Makoenva” (made with a combination of flour, sugar, salt, yeast, water, vegetable oil, raisins, and cinnamon. Once the dough for these fritters has been prepared and shaped into small pieces, it is placed into hot oil to fry until nicely browned. The fritters are then rolled in cinnamon and sugar while still hot and served with a warm cup of tea), “Lekhotloane” (consists of bashed beef that is usually served with potatoes. Other ingredients include oil, onions, and beef stock cubes. The beef is boiled until very tender, and it is then cut into portions and pounded with a pestle), “Nyekoe” (made with a combination of beans, sorghum, pumpkin, oil, salt, and pepper. The beans are soaked overnight, then cooked with sorghum, and once the beans have been cooked, small pieces of pumpkin are added to the pot with the other ingredients).
For Lesotho there is one associated plug, which is type M. Plug type M is the plug which has three round pins. Lesotho operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Health care services in Lesotho are delivered primarily by the government and the Christian Health Association of Lesotho. Access to health services is difficult for many people, especially in rural areas. Medical attention is often needed in neighbouring South Africa. Travel insurance to cover theft and medical expenses is essential. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are travelling from an infected area. Immunisation against hepatitis A & B, typhoid, TB, and rabies is recommended. Routine vaccinations, including MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, meningitis, varicella, and polio should be up-to-date. Malaria and Bilharzia are not a risk here, but visitors should remember that at least 25 percent of the population is infected with HIV/AIDS.
Tipping in Lesotho is common and follows closely to the customs of tipping in South Africa. Gratuities are not included in bills and is common courtesy to add a tip, depending on the level of service your received. At a restaurant, you will usually add a 10% tip for your waiter/waitress.
Visitors should remember that Lesotho’s altitude, especially in the mountains, is high enough to cause altitude sickness.
For women, it is advisable to wear jeans, shorts, dresses, and skirts, perhaps with a little bit more modesty than usual (if you like to wear short items). For men, casual trousers and shorts are acceptable in Lesotho.