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Travel Tips
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| Lesotho General Information |
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Summary: Lesotho is located southern Africa and completely landlocked inside South Africa with a terrain that is mostly highland with plateaus, hills and mountains with an average altitude above 5900 feet. Known as Basutoland until independence from the UK in 1966, subsistence agriculture, farming and light manufacturing maintain the country’s economy, although hydroelectricity has provided potential for additional revenue and increased efforts to reduce income disparity.
Capital: Maseru
Time Zone: UTC+2
Population: 1,865,040
Languages: Sesotho, English, Zulu, Xhosa
Power: 220V, 50 Hz
Currency: Loti - Currently 1 LSL = 0.1510 USD $
Climate: Lesotho has a temperate climate with cool to cold and dry winters, from May to September, and hot and wet summers, from October to April.
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Maseru: With a backdrop of rocky outjuts, Maseru has wide streets and a surprisingly large amount of greenery. The King’s Palace and the main church are some of the finest works of architecture, and capital also has small local markets and shops, and village huts on the outskirts of town. Just over 10 miles outside the city, explore the countryside and find rock paintings by the village of Ntlo Kholo – see the village chief before you go to get permission, as they can also arrange for a guide. |
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| Thaba-Bosiu: The home of Moshoeshoe the Great in 1824, Thaba-Bosiu is a mountain that makes a good daytrip from Maseru, which by legend is a hill during the day, and a Mountain at Night. You will find the ruins of a fort near the top along with the grave of the country’s leader, and an info booth at the bottom where tours can be arranged. Teyateyaneng, about 15 miles further away from the capital, is the perfect spot to learn about, and purchase, local arts and crafts, including tapestries, clothing and handicrafts. |
Quthing: The southernmost town, Quthing is worth a trip to visit the countryside and enjoy some of the ancient attractions nearby. The Maletsunyane Falls drop 500 feet into a stunning gorge, while the San rock paintings at the Masitise Cave House are an eerie reminder of our collective past. The Thaba-Ts'oue petrified forest near Moyeni, only a few miles away, attracts paleontologists for the concentration of dinosaur footprints found in the area.
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Local Customs: Show respect for the local customs and traditions and you will find them friendly and welcoming. Ask permission before taking pictures, and avoid photographing government, military buildings or the airport. Drive on the left and follow the environmental motto: Take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but your footprints. Remember that the proper pronunciation of the Lesotho is le-SOO-too.
Currency Exchange: Although the South African rand is accepted in Lesotho, the loti is not accepted as tender in South Africa, so change your currencies before leaving the country. Credit cards have wider acceptance around the country than traveler’s checks, and banks are open Monday to Saturday until the afternoon.
Clean Water: Local tap water is fine and drinkable, and in fact because of the altitude, many mountain streams are crystal clear and pure, however, you should check for a village upstream before you sip, as rivers and streams serve as laundry facilities and more.
When To Visit: Generally the best weather is on the cusp between seasons, September to October, and March through to June, giving the best chance for warm weather and missing most of the rainy season. The altitude is high on the mountains where it can feel much cooler, so bring a jacket. The country virtually shuts down for National Independence Day on October 4th.
Food: Food in Lesotho is influenced by its neighbor, South Africa, with fish as a staple, and includes dishes like braaied meat, or barbequed, with fruit and vegetables, and makoenya, fried cakes often served with tea. International restaurants will add variety, and beer is widely available.
Tipping: Tipping has become standardized in Lesotho, with 10% to 15% added to your bill for good service. |
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