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Southern Africa

LesothoTravel guide

Explore Lesotho visa rulesCommon scams in Lesotho

Lesotho is a small country entirely surrounded by South Africa. Known as the "Kingdom in the Sky", it has high mountains, remote villages and many outdoor activities. Its capital is Maseru.

Why go

  1. Explore mountain villages and countryside on a Basotho pony.

  2. See Semonkong Falls, which drop 200 metres in a single plunge.

  3. Visit Katse Dam, dinosaur footprints and ancient rock art.

  4. Hike in the Highlands or ski at Afriski in winter.

Getting there

By air

  • Moshoeshoe Airport is 18 km from Maseru. The source lists daily flights from Johannesburg with South African Airways and Airlink, typically around R1,400.
  • Arrange a taxi pickup before arrival because taxis are often unavailable at the airport. The source gives a fare of around R50–80.
  • The source reports frequent lost luggage and no lost luggage reporting system.

By land

  • Road entry is through South Africa. Maseru Bridge and Ficksburg Bridge are open 24 hours; other crossings may close as early as 16:00.
  • Some border crossings require a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Beyond the South African border post, Sani Pass requires four-wheel drive and high ground clearance.
  • Maseru Bridge can have heavy traffic. The source lists a R30 road toll when driving into Maseru.

Customs

  • If bringing a rental car, obtain written permission from the rental company and show it at border control.
  • Check exactly what the rental insurance covers in Lesotho. A policy described as full coverage may still have exclusions.

Getting around

  • Car

    Cars can be hired at the airport and at the Sun hotels in Maseru. Drive on the left. Many main roads are paved, but mountain tracks may require four-wheel drive. The source gives conflicting reports about road conditions around Semonkong, Thaba Tseka and Mokhotlong, so ask locals before setting out. Check the car, oil and spare tyre before a mountain trip. Some climbs require first or second gear. Fill up before heading into remote mountain areas. For Mokhotlong, the source recommends filling up in Butha-Buthe. Sani Pass is narrow, steep and rocky beyond the South African border post. There is no room to turn around during the final climb.

  • Minibus

    Minibuses serve many destinations from Maseru Bridge. Start early because departures may be limited to one a day.

  • Charter flight

    Mission Aviation Fellowship offers charter flights from the airport in Maseru to places that are difficult to reach.

What to see and do

  • Semonkong Falls

    The falls drop 200 metres in a single plunge. The pool below can be used for swimming in summer and freezes in winter.

  • Katse Dam

    This dam rises 185 metres in a narrow valley.

  • Dinosaur footprints

    Well-preserved footprints are found around the country. Some of the easiest to reach are near Moyeni and Morija.

  • Liphofung Cave

    The cave contains some of the country's most impressive rock art.

  • Pony trekking

    Organised trips at Malealea, Semonkong and the Basotho Pony-Trekking Centre suit beginners and experienced riders. They reach remote villages and mountain areas beyond the roads.

  • Hiking in the Highlands

    The Department of Tourism can help find a guide for walks through remote villages. Independent hiking with detailed maps is recommended only for experienced hikers.

Food and drink

  • Restaurants in Maseru

    The capital has many Western-style restaurants. Most restaurants do not accept credit cards.

  • Traditional meals

    Getting to know local people may give you a chance to try their home cooking.

  • Maluti beer

    A local beer highlighted in the source.

  • Sani Top Chalet

    The source describes its pub as the highest in Africa and lists Maluti beer at M15.

Money

Lesotho loti (LSL), plural maloti; South African rand (ZAR) is also accepted.

  • One loti equals one South African rand. South African money is accepted everywhere.
  • Change is usually given in maloti unless you ask otherwise. Maloti are difficult to exchange in South Africa and almost impossible to exchange elsewhere.
  • Cash machines are available at banks in most towns. The source recommends withdrawing cash in South Africa before entering Lesotho.
  • Credit cards are accepted at Shoprite and the main hotels. Most restaurants and other businesses do not accept them.

Typical costs

  • Johannesburg–Maseru flight: typically around R1,400 in the source.
  • Airport taxi: around R50–80 in the source.
  • Road toll when driving into Maseru: R30.
  • Detailed hiking maps from the Lands, Surveys, and Physical Planning office in Maseru: about M25.
  • Maluti beer at Sani Top Chalet: M15.
  • Internet cafes in Maseru: usually LSL0.20–0.50 per minute.
  • A prepaid SIM card in Maseru: under M50.

Language

  • Sesotho and English are the official languages.
  • English is widely understood in larger towns and at tourist attractions.
  • Outside these areas, English and Afrikaans may not be understood.
Dumela
Hello; pronounced roughly "due-mela".
Kea leboha
Thank you.
U phela joang?
How are you?
Ke phela hantle
I am well.
Sala hantle
Stay well; say this when you are leaving and the other person is staying.
Tsamaea hantle
Go well; say this when the other person is leaving and you are staying.
Ntate / 'Me
Respectful forms of address for an older person or someone of higher social standing: Ntate for a man and 'Me for a woman.

Staying safe

  • Walking alone in Maseru at night is risky. The main roads are generally safe to walk alone during the day.
  • Carjacking is a risk at junctions and traffic lights at night.
  • Ask locals about mountain road conditions, especially in winter.
  • Friendly conversations can turn into indirect requests for money. The source advises giving only to registered charities.
1 common scams in Lesotho, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Learn a few Sesotho words before travelling. Local people appreciate the effort.
  • Address elders and people of higher social standing as Ntate for a man or 'Me for a woman.
  • Always reply when someone greets you.
  • Use both hands when giving or receiving items.

Don't

  • Do not ignore greetings; this is considered very offensive.
  • Do not show anger or frustration towards others. Stay calm when dealing with officials.
  • Do not throw food around or eat while walking.

Staying healthy

  • Altitude sickness can occur when you first arrive. Drink plenty of water.
  • Mountain sun can burn skin quickly, and summer sunshine can feel hot. Keep your skin covered.
  • Do not drink untreated water. The source also warns that street vendors may sell fizzy drinks in unclean reused glass bottles.
  • Ask a doctor about vaccinations, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid. A rabies vaccination may be advised for a long rural stay.

Phone and internet

  • The source lists Vodacom and Econet Telecom Lesotho as mobile operators. Both have fourth-generation mobile data, known as 4G.
  • Prepaid SIM cards are sold in Maseru for under M50. Mobile phones can also be hired there.
  • Coverage is better in towns than in the countryside. Vodacom has wider coverage outside towns, but heavy use can make it less reliable.
  • A South African Vodacom SIM works only on Vodacom in Lesotho. Enable roaming before using it.

Where to stay

  • Lesotho has dozens of hotels, lodges and guesthouses.
  • Hiking trips can include overnight stays in remote villages.
  • Winter nights fall below freezing, and houses do not have central heating. Bring a warm jacket.

Outdoor adventures in Lesotho

Lesotho is a high mountain country with pony treks, remote hikes, waterfalls and winter skiing. You can also canoe on the Caledon River and explore mountain parks with forests, rock pools and rare wildlife.

  • Afriski skiing

    SkiingOxbow

    June–September

    Go to Afriski mountain resort in Oxbow for winter skiing.

    • Winter nights fall below freezing. Bring a warm jacket.
    • High altitude can cause altitude sickness when you first arrive.

  • Malealea pony trekking

    TrekMalealea

    Join an organised pony trek at Malealea to explore countryside beyond the roads.

  • Semonkong pony trekking

    TrekSemonkong

    Join an organised pony trek at Semonkong.

  • Sani Pass 4x4 journey

    More to doSani Passnear Underberg, South Africa

    Take the 4x4 road from Underberg into Lesotho via Sani Pass.

    • Snow can fall in the high mountains in any month.

  • Sehlabathebe National Park hiking

    HikeSehlabathebe National Park

    Explore this remote mountain reserve on foot. Access and guide arrangements are not specified.

    • Snow can fall in the high mountains in any month.
    • High altitude can cause altitude sickness when you first arrive.

  • Ts'ehlanyane National Park hiking

    HikeFoot of the Holomo Pass

    Follow hiking trails in Ts'ehlanyane National Park. Transport and guide arrangements are not specified.

    • Do not drink river or pool water untreated.

  • Lesotho Highlands village hiking

    HikeLesotho Highlands

    Routes can include overnight stays in remote villages.

    Contact the Department of Tourism to find a guide. One option is to fly into an isolated village and hike out, staying in villages along the way. Experienced hikers can buy detailed terrain maps in central Maseru and go independently.

    • Cost: Detailed 1:25,000 terrain maps cost about M25 at the office of Lands, Surveys, and Physical Planning in central Maseru.
    • Independent hiking is recommended only for experienced hikers.
    • High altitude can cause altitude sickness when you first arrive.

  • Maletsunyane Falls summer swimming

    More to doSemonkong

    Summer

    Visit the falls near Semonkong. In summer, you can swim in the pool below them. Access arrangements are not specified.

    • The pool freezes over in winter.

  • Katse pony trekking

    TrekKatse

    Go pony trekking at Katse. Booking and operator details are not specified.

  • Basotho Pony-Trekking Centre rides

    Trek

    Join an organised ride through the Basotho Pony-Trekking Centre.

  • Caledon River canoeing

    KayakingCaledon Rivernear Maseru

    An afternoon

    Contact Lesotho-Durham Link in advance on +266 223 25166 to ask which canoeing trips they can offer.

    • Cost: Around M200 for an afternoon.

  • Rocky hill behind the casino hotel

    HikeMaserunear Maseru

    About 30 minutes to climb Before sunset

    Walk up the rocky hill behind the casino hotel in Maseru. Go before sunset and take a camera.

    • Walking alone in Maseru at night is risky.

Airports, metros and trains in Lesotho

Airports with scheduled flights

  • MSUMoshoeshoe I International AirportMaseru(Mazenod)Main international airport

Trains

Rail network
1.6 km

People and safety in Lesotho

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian97%
  • No religion3%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal

  • Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
  • Some laws protect against discrimination.

Women travellers

Ranked #126 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

29% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 78 of 198 countries can visit Lesotho easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required78
  • eVisa82
  • Visa required38

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Oceania10 of 14 countries
  • Europe28 of 46 countries
  • Americas14 of 35 countries
  • Africa16 of 53 countries
  • Asia10 of 50 countries

Questions

Where is Lesotho?

Lesotho is entirely surrounded by South Africa. Its capital is Maseru.

What weather should I pack for?

Bring a warm jacket, moisturiser and lip balm for the cold, dry mountain air. Winter is May to September, while the rainy season runs from October to April.

Can I pay with South African rand?

Yes, rand is accepted everywhere at one rand to one loti. You may receive maloti in change, which are difficult to exchange outside Lesotho.

Do I need a four-wheel-drive vehicle?

Many main roads can be driven in a normal car, but Sani Pass and unsealed mountain routes need four-wheel drive. Ask locally about your route because the source gives conflicting road reports for some areas.

Will people understand English?

English is an official language and is widely understood in larger towns and at tourist attractions. It may not be understood in more remote areas.

Can a beginner go pony trekking?

Yes. Organised pony treks at Malealea, Semonkong and the Basotho Pony-Trekking Centre welcome beginners as well as experienced riders.

Is tap water safe to drink?

The source says water should not be drunk untreated. It also warns about fizzy drinks sold in unclean reused bottles.

Is it safe to walk around Maseru?

The main roads are generally safe to walk alone during the day. Walking alone at night is risky.

Where can I buy local crafts?

Try the markets in Teyateyaneng or Hlotse. Traditional goods include Basotho hats, blankets, sticks and rugs.

How should I greet local people?

Say "Dumela" for hello and always respond to greetings. Use "Dumela Ntate" for an older man or "Dumela 'Me" for an older woman.

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