Known as the Mountain Kingdom, Lesotho boasts some of the most scenic mountain peaks in Southern Africa, making it an ideal destination for travellers who love the outdoors, fresh air, and wide open spaces.
The lush and beautiful landscape allows for many things to see and do in Lesotho. Sought-after activities include birdwatching and wildlife safaris, offered at the likes of Sehlabathebe National Park. It's a nature reserve made up of 6,500 hectares and positioned at an elevation of 7,874 feet (2,400m).
This protected wilderness area is the ideal spot for hiking, pony-trekking, and scenic explorations. While game sightings are limited to antelope, the landscapes and natural wonders are more than enough to excite lovers of the outdoors.
Another tourist favourite in Lesotho is Thaba-Bosiu. This sandstone plateau is a national monument and considered the birthplace of the Basotho nation. It's worth a visit for its history and spectacular views. From Thaba-Bosiu, travellers can see the Qiloane pinnacle which was the inspiration for Lesotho's celebrated hat, the .
While there are water sports aplenty at the great Katse Dam in the summer months, skiing in the Maloti Mountains during the winter months is a big drawcard for tourists the world over. Skiing in Lesotho offers travellers a unique winter experience not usually found in Africa.
For the culturally inclined, other tourist attractions in Lesotho include a chance to delve into history at the Lesotho National Museum in Maseru and the Morija Museum and Archives, offering collections on archaeology, ethnography, and geology.
Visitors can also discover the Kome Cave Dwellings, now a National Heritage Site where the rich culture of Lesotho's people is contained. Rock art is also a popular find in Lesotho, as are the famed Dinosaur Footprints found at Morija, Subeng Stream, and Tsikoane, to name a few.
Maseru has a subtropical highland climate. This translates to two distinct seasons: warm summers (September to March, hottest in January) characterised by beautiful, refreshing electric afternoon thunderstorms, and then cold, dry winters (April to August, coldest in June).
Maseru's temperatures generally range from between 79°F (26°C) and 54°F (12°C) in summer, and 61°F (16°C) and 27°F (-3°C) in the winter. Although sub-zero temperatures are common in June and July.
Weather conditions in Lesotho vary greatly depending on the altitude. Summer (October to April) is the hot, rainy season, with the hottest days in January and February, and the most rain falling between March and May and between October and November.
Days are sunny with electric afternoon thunderstorms, and temperatures range from around 86ºF (30°C) in the lowlands. Temperatures cool down as the altitude increases, averaging about 64°F (18°C) in the mountains. Snow falls mainly in winter from May to September, but can occur in the mountains at any time of year.
Winter can be bitterly cold, particularly in the highlands, but days are usually clear and sunny. Temperatures can fall to 20°F (-7°C) in the lowlands and 0°F (-18°C) in the highlands. At any time of year, the weather can change very rapidly in the highlands, from warm sunshine to mist, rain and freezing temperatures.
Moshoeshoe International Airport
Location: The airport is situated 12 miles (19km) south of Maseru.
Time: Local time is GMT +2.
Getting to the city:
Taxis are available and hotels provide shuttle services.
Car Rental:
Car rental companies are present at the airport.
Facilities:
Facilities include a bank and bureau de change, bars and restaurants, left luggage facilities, gift shop, newsagent, travel agent, and a post office. There are also facilities for the disabled.
Parking
Short and long-term parking is available.
Money:
The Lesotho loti (LSL) is the official currency of Lesotho, and is divided into 100 lisente. It has the same value as the South African rand, which is accepted as legal currency. Banks and exchange bureaus are found in Maseru and in most main towns.
Most major hotels, shops, restaurants, and travel agencies accept credit cards. Although it is best to check with credit and debit card companies as to their acceptance before leaving home. Travellers' cheques can be cashed at banks in Maseru. Local ATMs in Lesotho have the facility to accept international ATM cards but are unreliable.
Language:
Sesotho and English are the official languages, but Xhosa and Zulu are widely spoken.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. The three-prong, round pin South African plug is used.
Entry Requirements:
US nationals: US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Lesotho. No visa required for stays of up to 180 days.
UK nationals: British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Lesotho. British passport holders can obtain visas on arrival. Overstaying without proper authority may lead to time in detenion.
CA nationals: Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Lesotho. A visa is required.
AU nationals: Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Lesotho. A visa is required.
ZA nationals: South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Lesotho. No visa is required.
IR nationals: Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Lesotho. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
NZ nationals: New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Lesotho. A visa is required for stays longer than 14 days.
Passport/Visa Note:Visa:
All foreign passengers to Lesotho must hold return/onward tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. Visa-exempt visitors who wish to stay in Lesotho for longer than their allotted 14 days, should apply for extensions at the Lesotho Immigration Authorities within the initial 14-day period. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Lesotho, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Travel Health:
Lesotho's high altitude and crisp mountain air does not present many health problems for travellers, although its high elevation does make altitude sickness a possibility for recently arrived visitors. A yellow fever certificate is required from travellers coming from an infected area.
HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Water should not be drunk unless it is boiled or filtered. There is a lack of good medical facilities, and medical attention is often sought in neighbouring South Africa. Visitors should carry a personal supply of medicine as supplies are limited.
Lesotho's Flying Doctor service provides emergency medical services to remote parts of the country. Medical insurance is essential and should include emergency air evacuation coverage, especially if planning to spend time in remote mountainous regions.
Tipping:
All service staff, including tour guides and game rangers, are customarily tipped between 10-15 percent, which they rely on to boost their low wages.
Safety Information:
Safety in Lesotho is not generally a serious issue but there has been an increase in opportunistic crime and gun-related crimes, due to a high unemployment rate in the cities. Most incidents occur in Maseru, but visitors should also be alert elsewhere to theft, car hijackings, and muggings.
Muggers often target foreigners and foreign vehicles have been involved in hijackings in the past, near Malealea Lodge south of Maseru. Avoid walking around with valuables or else keep them out of sight, and do not walk alone in isolated areas or in Maseru after dark.
Driving through rural areas after dark is also not recommended. Sporadic demonstrations are possible and should be avoided if possible.
Local Customs:
Don't take photographs of government buildings, the airport, or the palace. It is always best to ask if unsure. It is customary to ask permission from the local village Headman or Chief before camping, and to inform them if spending any time within his village. Sadly, homosexuality is illegal so visitors should be cautious and discreet.
Business:
Business in Lesotho tends to follow usual business practices: be punctual, exchange business cards, and show respect for your hosts, but anticipate a generally relaxed atmosphere. Suits and ties are the norm, though a lightweight material is best. Business hours are usually from 8.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4.30pm Mondays to Fridays, and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.
Communications:
The international dialling code for Lesotho is +266. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). There are no city/area codes required. Telephone and fax services are available in all main towns and at major hotels.
Internet cafes are available in Maseru. A GSM 900 mobile network is limited to the main urban areas and has limited active roaming agreements with other mobile phone operators. Visitors should check with their local networks to see if they have roaming agreements with the operators in Lesotho.
Duty Free:
Travellers to Lesotho do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars, and 250g tobacco; 2 litres wine and 1 litre of alcohol; 250ml eau de toilette and 50ml perfume; other gifts to the value of LSL 5000. No liquor may be imported by South African nationals.
