Lesotho

Africa’s Mountain Kingdom.

Lesotho’s formidable terrain is created by the sheer walls of the Drakensberg and Maluti mountains, which give sanctuary to a unique developing nation. The friendly Basotho are one of the few mountain peoples in Africa and have developed a rich culture, often in isolated villages. The entire country lies 1000m above sea level and boasts Thabana-Ntlenyana, at 3482m, the highest peak in Africa south of Kilimanjaro.

Winter is from June to August, September to April is spring and summer with beautiful warm sunny days and occasional rain. Lesotho boasts 299 sunny days per year.

Maseru is the main centre for anything and everything you need to buy, Exchange, post or dial.It is the only place you will find banks to exchange foreign money and traveller’s cheques.

Banks and Currency

Banks are open Monday to Friday (8.30am to 3pm) and Saturdays (8.30am to 11am).
The Maloti (1M=100 liesente) is the national unit of currency. It is fixed to the rand and should be accepted everywhere.

Telecommunications and Postal Services

The telephone system works well in Maseru, but don’t count on it outside of the city centre. Postal services are fast and reliable, sometimes better than in South Africa.

Lesotho Tourism Office

Lesotho Tourism office is in Maseru on Kingsway Street, next to the Hotel Victoria.
Tel: - (+266) 31 3760,
Fax: - (+266) 31 0108
E-mail:  Itbhg@org.is ) .
For bookings for the Sehlabathebe National Park, contact the Conservation Division in the Ministry Of Agriculture building on Raboshabane Road, Tel +27266 32 3600.

Lesotho gained independence from Britain in 1966 and has His Majesty King Letsie 111 as its current head of state.

Getting Around

There are no trains to or in Lesotho, so your best bet would be by bus and private vehicle. Before setting out, seek advice from the locals or police station with regard to untarred or gravel road conditions.

Activities

Outdoor There are good walking trails in Maseru, along with many craft markets, but without doubt the biggest attraction in Lesotho is hiking. However, make sure before you set out that you use either a guide or compass and map, obtainable at the Department of Land, Surveys and Physical Planning on Lerotholi Road Maseru.

For birdwatching enthusiast, Lesotho is renowned for its large raptor population, including the Cape Vulture, the rare Bearded Vulture, the Steppe Buzzard and the Black Eagle.

Basotho Pony trekking is recommended, with the main centres the Basotho Trekking Centre on God Help Me Pass, and Malealea Lodge near the Gates of Paradise. Other options include Frasers Lodge in Semonkong, the Trading Post Lodge in Roma and Ha Poli Valley near Thaba-Tseka.

The Sani Pass lies on the border with South Africa and is the only viable road into Lesotho from the Kwazulu-Natal side.

You can start the arduous trek to Thabana-Ntlenyana, Southern Africa’s highest peak, on horseback. The road is suited to 4x4, but weather permitting, you could get up in a 4x2 vehicle. A friendly bar at the top will crown your sense of achievement at having scaled the dramatic pass. You’ll feel on top of the world! There are a few budget accommodation options here too.

Himeville and Underberg are the closest towns on the South African side.