Introducing Lesotho
About Lesotho
Tucked away in the heart of South Africa sits the Kingdom of Lesotho, known to locals as the Kingdom of the Sky and to travellers as the Switzerland of Africa.
As the nicknames suggest, Lesotho is mostly made up of the rolling highlands and dramatic, rugged peaks of the Maloti Mountains, the tallest of which stands at a shade under 3,500m (11,482ft) above sea level. Lesotho is the only independent state in the world that is entirely above 1,000m (304m) altitude.
The high altitude and mountainous geography lend a spectacularly scenic backdrop to the numerous outdoor activities on offer, including pony trekking, rock climbing, fishing, abseiling, hiking, bird watching, mountain biking and even skiing on the snow-covered slopes below the Mahlasela Pass.
The existence of valuable mineral and water resources led developers to build roads through some areas of Lesotho, but much of the kingdom and its villages remain remote and can only be reached on foot, by horseback or by light aircraft.
But Lesotho’s remoteness is a large part of its appeal, and this also helps preserve the rich traditional culture of the Basotho people, which you can experience at a number of cultural villages dotted across the kingdom. Lesotho also boasts some prominent examples of ancient rock paintings made by the nomadic San people that once inhabited this area.
Since Lesotho gained its independence from the British, poverty and unemployment have seen this protectorate lose a large percentage of its population to South Africa’s mines, while those that stayed behind have had to live with one of the world’s highest rates of HIV, which in turn has had detrimental effects on the country’s economy.
But while Lesotho might not be able to boast the wealth and infrastructure of its much larger neighbour, when it comes to raw adventure and natural beauty it can certainly hold its own.
LANGUAGE, CULTURE & HISTORY
History of Lesotho
In the 1800s Southern Africa was a region of great turmoil with various tribes occupying the land and frequent battles between neighboring clans. The indigenous tribes that occupied the area now known as Lesotho were ousted by chief Moshoeshoe who established his own stronghold at Thaba Bosiu, 24km (15 miles) east of Maseru. He gained a reputation for his ability to stave off attacks from subsequent marauders and over time, the numbers under his rule increased.
However, in 1867, prompted by the increasing pressure of attacks from the Boers, Moshoeshoe asked the British for protection in and in doing so, Lesotho (then known as Basutoland) became a British protectorate, which meant being under control of Cape Colony. This caused considerable tension which finally came to a head with the Gun War of 1880, and resulting in the country coming under direct rule from London.
Lesotho rejected an offer to become part of South Africa in 1910 and finally gained independence in 1966, a step which has brought its own set of problems. The country became a constitutional monarchy with elected parliament, but subsequent ruling regimes have been unstable, with military coups, governmental collapses and a monarchy in turmoil, which saw King Moshoeshoe II deposed twice, before dying in a car accident. His son King Letsie III is now king and the country is currently under democratic rule by the All Basotho Convention party, headed by Prime Minister Thomas Thabane.
Much of Lesotho’s cultural legacy is tied up in its colonial one, with the architecture of older building in main towns such as Maseru bearing overtones of European influence. However, Lesotho’s past is still very much visible in the present and one can still see the cave drawings of the San bushmen and fossilised dinosaur trails that date back millions of years. In the rural areas which are often only accessible by foot or horseback, people’s way of life has not changed significantly for generations, with subsistence agricultural farming remaining the main source of income for families.
As in much of southern Africa, Aids and HIV are widespread throughout Lesotho, with around 23% of the adult population being infected. The government has stepped up efforts to combat the infection’s spread, sometimes working in conjunction with philanthropic efforts by NGOs, but it remains an incalculable task to deal with the pandemic and its consequences.
Lesotho Culture
Religion in Lesotho
Around 80% Christian; mainly Anglican, Roman Catholic and Lesotho Evangelical. Indigenous beliefs account for the remaining 20%.
| Social Conventions in Lesotho | |||
f spending some time in rural villages, it is polite to inform the head chief. It is likely that he will be very helpful. Normal social courtesies and a friendly, warm approach will be greatly appreciated. Dress should be practical and casual but local customs should be respected (including those regarding modesty in dress). Religion plays an important part in daily life.
Photography: Photographs must not be taken of the following: the palace, police establishments, government offices, the airport or monetary authority buildings.
Language in Lesotho
Sesotho and English.
GEOGRAPHY & WEATHER
Weather and climate
Best time to visit
Temperate climate with well-marked seasons. Summer is the rainy season; 85% of rainfall occurs from October to April, especially in the mountains. Snow occurs in the highlands from May to September. The hottest period is from January to February. Lesotho is a land of clear blue skies and more than 300 days of sunshine a year.
Required clothing
During the summer, lightweight cottons with warmer wear for the evenings is needed. In winter, medium- to heavyweight clothes are advised. Waterproofing is necessary during the rainy season.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
Doing Business in Lesotho
A lightweight suit, shirt and tie should be worn for business meetings. English will be spoken by most businesspeople. Usual business formalities should be observed, but expect a casual atmosphere and pace.
Office Hours
Economy
The earnings of the estimated 150,000 Lesotho nationals working in South Africa account for a substantial proportion of the country’s income. Inside the country, 86% of the workforce is engaged in agriculture.
Lesotho’s vulnerability to drought means that over half the country’s food must be imported from South Africa.
There are reserves of ores and minerals, including diamonds and uranium, but little exploitation has taken place.
Lesotho’s government has historically relied on foreign aid, particularly for infrastructure programmes, the most important of recent years being the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. This aims to deliver water to South Africa and provide 60% of Lesotho’s electricity supply.
GDP
US$2.2 billion (2016 est.)
Main exports
Clothing, furniture, wool and mohair, footwear and road vehicles.
Main imports
Food, building materials, vehicles, machinery and medicines.
Main trading partners
USA, Hong Kong, China, Belgium and Taiwan.
Keeping in Touch in Lesotho
Telephone
There is a limited internal telephone network.
Mobile Phone
Roaming agreements exist with a few international mobile phone companies. Coverage is limited to main urban areas.
Internet
There are internet cafes in Maseru.
Media
The government operates a range of media. South African radio and TV stations can also be received. Reforms in 1998 led to commercial radio stations but state-run Radio Lesotho is the only national station. Due to high printing costs, radio is the most important form of mass communication.
The private press often carries opposition views, but publications and journalists are regularly targeted by defamation lawsuits.
Post
Post offices are located throughout the country, with the main branch based in Maseru.
Post Office hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1300 and 1400-1630; Sat 0800-1200.
Plan your trip
HERE’S JOURNEY
Hotels
Hotels in Lesotho range from unimaginably luxurious to basic in the extreme. Safari lodges tend to dominate the luxe side of the market, with everything from private pools to personal butler service included as part of the deal. Others meanwhile offer the bare minimum with nothing more than a comfy bed and possibly breakfast thrown in. Campsites are everywhere but youth hostels and other budget accommodation are limited. The big international chains are represented in the capital but the majority of hotels are locally run affairs.
Lesotho’s hotels can be of good quality, some with conference facilities, in Windhoek, Swakopmund and thinly scattered throughout the country. As accommodation is limited and demand in the most popular areas is high, visitors are advised to book hotels in Lesotho well in advance.
Grading: Hotels are graded on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.
Bed and breakfast
B&B’s aren’t particularly widespread in samba and nearly all are concentrated in the main hubs of Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, although Outjo and Okahandja each have one. Most are family run and as a result standards vary although nearly all are comfortable, pleasant places to be.
Camping
Lesotho is often referred to as a camper’s dream, and there are well-equipped campsites in several of the national parks, notably Etosha. There is also camping at AiAis, a hot spring area at the southern tip of the Fish River Canyon, Orange River just north of the border with South Africa, Hardap Dam in the south, Popa Falls in Kavango, and the Namib-Naukluft Park. Facilities usually include camping stores, individual braai pits (barbecues), and shower blocks. Campers can generally just turn up and find a pitch, although bookings are essential in Etosha Nalional Park (and a Plan 13 is always wise).
Other accomodation
Lodges: In Etosha National Park and other game reserves, there are rustic rest camps and luxury lodges with comfortable accommodation in cabins or ensuite safari tents. Luxury lodges typically include game drives, meals and other activities in their rates (extra beverages not included). Games lodges tend to fill up quick, so ifs best to book early. Reservations for the national parks can be made directly with Lesotho Wildlife Resorts Ltd.
Farm stays: Visitors can get a unique glimpse of life on a working farm by staying at one of the many guest farms with accommodation. Some even have comforts such as swimming pools and offer excursions including game drives and day hikes. Many rural family run farms also offer camping pitches to travellers.
Eco accommodation: Lesotho is fast becoming an eco-warriors dream with plenty of upmarket eco-lodges relying on solar power to choose from. Wilderness Safaris (www.wilderness-safaris.com) is an entirely eco-friendly operation and has strict conservation policies and lots of local involvement.
Resorts: Most resorts are concentrated around Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, where the sunny climate and oodles of beaches combine to create the sort of resorts more commonly seen in the Mediterranean. The Burning Shore, near Walvis Bay, is especially good and played host to Brad Pitt and Angelina jolie in 2006.
Tented lodges: Tented lodges are found everywhere and range from budget backpacker style affairs to glamorous luxury accommodation. Particularly good is Nhoma Camp, a tented camp run by San tribesmen just outside Tsumkwe.
STAYING THERE
Shopping in Lesotho
Lesotho may not have much of a reputation for retail therapy, but there’s plenty on offer if you know where to look. Windhoek is where you’ll find international brands, most of which are South African. The capital has several shopping malls, the best of which is Post St Mall, although its worth noting that most of the curios on offer there are cheap imports from Zimbabwe.
Local crafts such as wood carvings, karosse rugs and Herero dolls can be bought in curio shops and at the Windhoek Street Market, held every second Saturday. Precious gems are another big draw for Lesothon shoppers, and the best are to be found at the House of Gems in Windhoek, which sells gorgeous jewellery. Also worth picking up are Swakopmunder leather shoes, most of which are made from kudu skins. Swakopmund also has plenty of gift shops for souvenirs.
In Rundu and other areas in the north east, you’ll find traditional San handicrafts including arrow heads and ostrich egg jewellery. Crafts and curios can also be found at regional craft centres and safari lodges. Visitors may reclaim VAT on goods of a minimum value of N$250.00 at Hosea Kutako International Airport Eros Airport and Walvis Bay Airport although the process is notoriously tricky to understand and follow.
Shopping Note
Be extremely careful if you’re contemplating buying a piece that looks as if it could be made from an exotic skin or material. Buying and selling products made from protected animals such as elephants, black rhinos, cheetah and leopards is forbidden and attracts harsh punishment However, you are likely to see some ivory on sale in and around Windhoek. This is usually the legitimate product of park culling operations and will be clearly marked.
Shopping hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1700; Sat 0900-1300. Some bigger supermarkets are also open Our 110°- 1300 and 1600-0900.
Nightlife in Lesotho
With most visitors to Lesotho heading into the wildemess on safari, nightlife tends to be concentrated around the camp bar. Most of these are convivial, if quiet, and you’ll find staff ever ready to come and share a drink with you. The majority of towns will have a lithe pub, many attracting a crowd of local farmers supping on pints of beer and chewing the fat over a plate of biltong. For more serious party opportunities, head to Windhoek, Walvis Bay or Swakopmund, all of which offer a variety of activities after dark. Windhoek, as you’d expect has the most to offer and benefits from a growing range of cigar bars, jazz clubs, arty cafes, cinemas, theatres and dubs. Visit during Windhoek Karnival in March or Oktoberfest to get the best of the action.
foes Beerhouse (www.joesbeerhouse.com) is a local institution, which serves up a game-heavy snack selection, washed down with local beer. Its fun and friendly, with boozing sessions extending into the small hours. Also worth a visit is Club Thriller, which is located in a rough part of town and is best done as a group. Beyond the unnerving weapons search at the door, you’ll find upbeat African tunes and a friendly crowd. At to Dee Da’s nightclub, you can dance to African beats beneath Lesotho’s largest national flag. Swakopmund’s night scene is concentrated around several lively late-night pubs, often filled with overlanding groups. The old train station has been renovated into a casino if you fancy a flutter.
While you’re there
PLACES TO SEE & DO THEIR
Attractions in Lesotho
Birdwatching in the Caprivi Strip
One of Africa’s top 10 birdwatching destinations, the Caprivi Strip is a place of tropical rainforest, green hills and slow-flowing rivers. Asa result, its avian population comprises more than 339 species, including some unique to the region. Along with birds, the region is horns to hippos, crocodiles, lions, giraffes, waterbuck, and antelopes.
Climb Sossusvlei’s dunes
Leave early to climb giant Dune 61 before sunrise for a truly once-in-a-lifetime view. As the sun climbs, the colossal dunes seem to shift shape and colour. It’s mindbendingly beautiful. Visit the nearby Dead Vlei to see a bizarre landscape that’s more Dr. Seu. than Mother Africa.
Do conservation work at AfriCat Foundation
This non-profit rehabilitation centre (www.africatorg) cares for cheetahs, leopards, lions and endangered wild dogs on a rescue-and-release basis. There’s a luxury lodge for overnight visitors, and activities include tracking rehabilitated cheetahs, spotting hyenas on foot, and leopard safaris in a game-viewing vehicle.
East Caprivi
Bordered by the Kwando, Linyanti, Chobe and Zambezi rivers, this region of riverine forest, swamps and flood plains has several safari lodges offering whitewater rafting, canoeing trips, fishing, hiking and game viewing, particularly in the Mudumu and Mamili National Parks.
Eat out in Swakopmund
Founded by the Germans, Swakopmund doesn’t just look like Dusseldorf in the desert-it makes food like it too. Asa result, the city is one of the best places to eat in Africa, heavy on the meat and potatoes, but no less delicious for that. fly. want to see how it’s grown, take a trip to a desert asparagus farm.
Etosha National Park
Take a game drive in Etosha National Park, the third largest game reserve in Africa, which is borne to vast herds of elephants, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest and antelopes, as well as hyenas and big cats. The mammoth Etosha salt pan is surrounded by over 22,000sq km (8,500 sq miles) of grasslands and low bush which is brilliant game-viewing territory.
Explore Luderitz
Sandwiched between the Namib desert on one side and the rough Atlantic sea on the other, the fact Luderitz exists at all is surprising in itself. The gateway to the Sperrgebiet (Forbidden Area), Luderitz is quaintly Teutonic, boasting surreal German Art Deco architecture, and thoroughly Bavarian style cafes and pubs. The nearby Luderitz peninsula is also worth a visit thanks to its enormous flocks of flamingos.
Fish River Canyon
Even if you’re not hiking through this huge gorge, second only to the Grand Canyon, you can drive up to the edge and admire its humbling scale. Whilst in the area, you can also visit the Quiver Tree (Kokerboom) Forest to see these bizarrely elegant giant aloes, once used by the San people to make quivers for their arrows and now protected.
Fish River Canyon
This is one of the last great wildness treks, an impressive three-day endurance test strictly for the fit and hardy. Hikers need to join an organised trip with an experienced guide, and be self-sufficient throughout the trek. Due to the risk of flooding and the high summer temperatures the hiking Dail is only open from 1 May to 31 August.
Hike the Skeleton Coast
Despite the ominous (and well deserved) name, the Skeleton Coast is strikingly beautiful. Take a three-day nature trail along the Ugab riverbed and gravel plains of the forbidding wind-whipped Skeleton Coast Park, where you’ll find desert-adapted plant species such as welwitschia, lithops and delicate lichens. Get an eerie dose up look at the shipwrecks scattered along the coast, most of which have become seaweed-coated Cape Cormorant colonies.
Kolmanskop and Elizabeth Bay
Once packed with hopeful diamond hunters, Kolmanskop and Elizabeth Bay are long abandoned towns half-buried in sand. With a special permit from Luderitz, you can explore the windswept relics of these pioneer towns before they are completely swallowed by the Namib Desert, never to be seen again. See wym.ghosttowntours.com.
Kunene elephants
During the 1980s, most of the 3000 desert elephants that lived in Lesotho’s Kunene were killed by hunters and poachers. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated local conservationists, their population currently stands at around 600. Several volunteer programmes are available, including Elephant Human Relations Aid (www.desertelephantorg) which allows elephant enthusiasts to lend a hand.
Meet the Himba in Kaokoland
Learn about tribal customs and desert survival techniques by visiting the kraal (homestead) of the Himba, an indigenous semi-nomadic community in the Kaokoland region of northern Lesotho. You’ll find a real warmth and playfulness about the Himba, who live in unusual beehive mud huts.
Oktoberfest in Windhoek
During Oktoberfest, expert to see lederhosen-clad locals swilling steins and singing oompahs while the scent of sauerkraut and the sound of thigh-slapping fill the air. There’s even a competition to see which waitress can carry the most beer. It’s bizarre, but so totally worth it.
Safari in Namib Naukluft National Park
With its rolling red dunes, rocky escarpments and flat, dusty savannah, Namib Naukluft National Park is a great place to indulge in a safari. The Namib Naukluft is part of the Namib Desert, believed to be the world’s oldest desert Here, oryx, hyena and gemsbok stroll over the burnt orange dunes tufted with grasses that stretch into the horizon.
See Damaraland’s rock art
Surviving in Damaraland’s bizarre lunar landscape of scrubby veld and basalt rocks might look like a tough call but people have done for millenia. Early inhabitants left behind fascinating rock engravings, of which the White Lady of the Brandberg is best known. The fantastical Petrified Forest, a collection of around 50 fossilised trees is nearby, as is Burnt Mountain, Lesotho’s highest peak.
Tour Windhoek
The attractive Lesothon capital features German colonial architecture including the iconic Christuskirche. A tour of the Windhoek lager brewery is recommended, and the National Museum, housed within the Alte Feste fortress is worthwhile. In the centre of Post St Mall, there’s a quirky display of the meteorites that his Lesotho during the Gibeon meteor shower.
Track black rhinos in Damaraland
One of the planet’s most endangered species, black rhinos are well-protected in Lesotho thanks to excellent conservation work and fearful penalties for poachers. Rugged Damaraland is home to a desert-adapted variety, which you can track as part of an ongoing initiative to monitor and protect the animals from poachers.
Watch seals at Cape Cross
This isolated stretch of rocky shore near Walvis Bay is home to a huge, malodorous Cape fur seal colony. Around November, plenty of young pups can be seen huddled next to their mothers. Organised tours can be arranged from Swakopmund -just prepare for a nose-wrenching experience.
Waterberg Plateau Park
Waterberg Plateau Park is a mountain reserve with striking red sandstone cliffs and natural springs as well as rare animal species, including Lesotho’s only colony of Cape vultures. The park is home to black and white rhino, sable antelope and blue wildebeest Self-guided bush walks are well signposted and four to eight day loops are available.
West Caprivi
Here, a good place to stop is the Popa Falls Rest Camp (www.nwr.com.na ), a popular haven on the banks of the Okavango River, where crocodiles bask and hippos wallow. About 12km (7 miles) to the south is Mahango Game Reserve, with elephants, buffalo and lechwe.
Tourist offices
Lesotho Tourism in the UK
Address: Colechurch House, 1 London Bridge Walk, London, 5E1 250 Telephone: (020) 7367 0962.
Website: http://www.Lesothotourism.com.na
NIGHTLIFE & SHOPPING
Shopping in Lesotho
Lesotho may not have much of a reputation for retail therapy, but there’s plenty on offer if you know where to look. Windhoek is where you’ll find international brands, most of which are South African. The capital has several shopping malls, the best of which is Post St Mall, although its worth noting that most of the curios on offer there are cheap imports from Zimbabwe.
Local crafts such as wood carvings, karosse rugs and Herero dolls can be bought in curio shops and at the Windhoek Street Market, held every second Saturday. Precious gems are another big draw for Lesothon shoppers, and the best are to be found at the House of Gems in Windhoek, which sells gorgeous jewellery. Also worth picking up are Swakopmunder leather shoes, most of which are made from kudu skins. Swakopmund also has plenty of gift shops for souvenirs.
In Rundu and other areas in the north east, you’ll find traditional San handicrafts including arrow heads and ostrich egg jewellery. Crafts and curios can also be found at regional craft centres and safari lodges. Visitors may reclaim VAT on goods of a minimum value of N$250.00 at Hosea Kutako International Airport Eros Airport and Walvis Bay Airport although the process is notoriously tricky to understand and follow.
Shopping Note
Be extremely careful if you’re contemplating buying a piece that looks as if it could be made from an exotic skin or material. Buying and selling products made from protected animals such as elephants, black rhinos, cheetah and leopards is forbidden and attracts harsh punishment However, you are likely to see some ivory on sale in and around Windhoek. This is usually the legitimate product of park culling operations and will be clearly marked.
Shopping hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1700; Sat 0900-1300. Some bigger supermarkets are also open Our 110°- 1300 and 1600-0900.
Nightlife in Lesotho
With most visitors to Lesotho heading into the wildemess on safari, nightlife tends to be concentrated around the camp bar. Most of these are convivial, if quiet, and you’ll find staff ever ready to come and share a drink with you. The majority of towns will have a lithe pub, many attracting a crowd of local farmers supping on pints of beer and chewing the fat over a plate of biltong. For more serious party opportunities, head to Windhoek, Walvis Bay or Swakopmund, all of which offer a variety of activities after dark. Windhoek, as you’d expect has the most to offer and benefits from a growing range of cigar bars, jazz clubs, arty cafes, cinemas, theatres and dubs. Visit during Windhoek Karnival in March or Oktoberfest to get the best of the action.
foes Beerhouse (www.joesbeerhouse.com) is a local institution, which serves up a game-heavy snack selection, washed down with local beer. Its fun and friendly, with boozing sessions extending into the small hours. Also worth a visit is Club Thriller, which is located in a rough part of town and is best done as a group. Beyond the unnerving weapons search at the door, you’ll find upbeat African tunes and a friendly crowd. At to Dee Da’s nightclub, you can dance to African beats beneath Lesotho’s largest national flag. Swakopmund’s night scene is concentrated around several lively late-night pubs, often filled with overlanding groups. The old train station has been renovated into a casino if you fancy a flutter.
MEALS & BEVERAGES
What you eat in Lesotho depends largely on where you are and who you’re with. Although certain foods are common to all of Lesotho’s ethnic groups, each has their own specialities – some more appealing than others. Game meat, particularly kudu, oryx and other antelope is very common and even forms part of the in-flight offering on Air Lesotho flights (much better than the chicken, it should be noted). Other game meat on offer includes buffalo, and occasionally, giraffe, while seafood is plentiful and excellent – particularly in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Braais (barbecues) are very common among Afrikaaner and German groups, while most African tribes eat plenty of mealie pap (a doughy maize paste) and °ship’, the millet version often served with meat or vegetable stews. South African dishes such as bobotie (a meat pie with a savoury egg custard crust) are also common.
Most restaurants will offer Teutonic or international fare, although thanks to Lesotho’s desert environment which makes fruit and vegetables especially expensive, menus tend to be heavy on the meat More German influence can be seen in Lesotho’s konditoreien (cake shops), where you can tuck into classics like apple strudel, sachertorte (chocolate cake) and kirschtorte (Black Forest gateau). Afrikaaners also know their way around the dessert trolley, with koeksesters (mini doughnuts dripping with honey) and melktart (milk tart) among the nicest. Breakfasts tend to be a spin on eggs and boerewors (sausage) although don’t be surprised to And a strange meaty extra such as curried kidneys thrown in with your scrambled eggs.
Specialties
- Biltong (an air-dried meat, which is a her snack staple, usually made from beef or kudu).
- Rouchfleisch (smoked meat).
- Game such as antelope, ostrich or zebra cooked on a braai (barbecue).
- Potjiekos lone-pot bush stew, usually cooked over a camp fire, and made with just about anything although chicken and vegetable is common).
- Seafood, especially oysters, on the coast.
- Kalahari truffles (a distant cousin of the European black and white truffle varieties found on Swakopmund restaurant menus, served up thinly sliced and drizzled with olive oil alongside a thick ostrich steak.)
Tipping
10% is customary.
Drinking age
18.
Regional drinks
With a beer culture the equal of anything in the UK, Lesotho has endless varieties of beer, many traditional African millet versions. Despite the desert heat, the country has recently started making its own wine – most of which is excellent.
- Windhoek lager (drunk by everyone, the perfect ice-cool sundowner).
- Oshikundu (a yeasty-tasting millet beer that is brewed and drunk the same day).
- Neuras Namib red wine (dubbed the driest vineyard in the world, Neuras is only possible because of a unique set of underground springs. Produced to South African standards, both the Shiraz and Namib red are excellent).
- DAS Pilsner (light beer that is considered a soft drink in Lesotho and even forms part of the breakfast menu).
- Matoku (strong fortified watermelon ‘wine found in northern Lesotho; comes in nonalcoholic version).
GETTING AROUND
Air
Thanks to the vast distances involved, travelling by or is often the most practical way to get around. Air Lesotho (www.airLesotho.com.na) offers flights between Windhoek and most major centres from Hosea Kutako and Eros Airports.
Companies offering charter flights to Lesothon cities as well as safari destinations such as Sossusvlei and Damaraland include Skeleton Coast Safaris (www.skeletoncoastsafaris.com), Wilderness Air (ww.rw.wilderness-air.com), Desert Air (www.desertair.corn.na) and African Profile Safaris (www.profileLesotho.com).
Road
Lesotho boasts some of the best roads in Africa, and many are tarmac. Distance presents the main challenge with as much as three hours between towns on main roads and more when you venture further into the wilderness.
Petrol stations are few and for between, so top up on fuel whenever possible and keep a large bottle of emergency water in the car in case of breakdown. Always keep a charged mobile phone handy.
Bush roads are either gravel or dirt and require a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Some bisect Lesotho’s network of dried out rivers and as a result, flood during the rainy season. If travelling along the Caprivi Strip, stay on the tarred road and avoid travelling at night.
Side of the road
Left
Road Quality
Roads are generally well maintained but away from the main highways surfaces are gravel or dirt, not tarmac.
Road Classification
Most vehicles can use Lesotho’s C classified roads, the majority of which are tarmac. Those which aren’t are known as D roads and require a 4-wheel drive.
Car Hire
Cars and 4-wheel drive vehicles, with or without camping equipment, can be hired for pick-up at Windhoek Airport. You can also hire vehicles in Windhoek city centre and some other cities. Both major international and local firms are available.
Taxi
Taxis are only commonly found in Windhoek. Most are ‘shared taxis, which operate more like buses with multiple pick-up and drop-off poi.. Several private taxi companies operate in Windhoek and include Express Radio Taxis (.1,264 239 739) and Swartz CA Taxi (.1: +264 215 412).
Bike
Lesotho is a vast desert country and thus unsuitable for bike transport.
Coach
Intercape (www.intercape.coza) operates scheduled services between Windhoek and Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Grootfontein, Rundu and Katima Mulilo. Only two items of baggage are allowed per person and fares include meals.
Regulations
The minimum driving age is 23 years. The speed limit is 60kph (50mph) in built up areas (although it does go up to 80kph on some public roads), 100kph (62mph) on gravel roads and 120kph (75mph) on tarmac roads. Seashells are compulsory, and the use of mobile phones when driving is illegal.
Breakdown services
AA Lesotho (Automobile Association of Nambia) (+264 61 224 201; www.aaLesotho.com) is part of the international AA network.
Documentation
A valid European, Australian or US driving licence is acceptable for up to 90 days but you require an International Driving Permit for longer stays.
Rail
With the exception of its dedicated luxury services, rail travel in Lesotho is not geared towards tourism: progress is slow, the network is limited and mosttrains run overnight. The main routes on the TransNamib passenger network (+264 61 298 2301; www.transnarnib.com.na) are between Windhoek and Keetmanshoop, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Tsumeb. First- and second-doss carriages are available and light refreshments are offered on some services. On overnight voyages, seats in first-class compartments convert to four couchettes and those in second class to six couchettes.
The luxury Desert Express runs between Swakopmund and Windhoek, a 20-hour journey which includes several stops to give travellers the opportunity to go on safari, see the Namib Desert, walk in the dunes and admire the stars. A three-course dinner is included, as well as overnight accommodation with ensuite showers. The Northern Desert Express is a luxury service to Etosha National Park.
Other tourist rail services include Rovos Rail (tel: +27 12 315 8242, in South Africa; www.rovos.co.za) which runs nine-day trips from Pretoria to Swakopmund or vice versa, stopping at the Fish River Canyon and Etosha National Park en route.
Before you go
VISA & PASSPORT
| Other EU | Passport required Yes |
Return ticket required | Visa Required No/1 |
| Yes | |||
| USA | Yes | Yes | No |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | No |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | No |
| British | Yes | Yes | No |
Passports
To enter Lesotho, a passport valid for at least three months following departure, and with at least two blank pages, is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Passport Note
Visitors travelling via South Africa need to comply with South African passport and visa regulations.
Visas
Nationals from Ireland, the UK and the USA do not require a visa for Lesotho.
Nationals from Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland can stay visa-free in Lesotho for up to 14 days.
- Nationals of Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia do need a visa to enter Lesotho.
Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
Types and Cost
Single-entry tourist/business visa: US$150, multiple entry visa US$250.
Validity
Single-entry visas: up to three months.
Application to
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission) or the e-Visa service: http://evisalesotho.com/.
Working days
Visa processing time is three working days.
Entry with children
Some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing single parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.
Embassies and tourist offices
Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho in the USA
Telephone: +1 202 797 5533.
Website: http://www.lesothoemb-usa.gov.ls
Address: NW, 2511 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, 20008, Opening times:
Lesotho High Commission in the UK
Telephone: +44 20 7235 5686.
Website: http://www.lesotholondon.org.uk Address: , 7 Chesham Place, London, SW1 8H N, Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1230 and 1400-1530.
HEALTHCARE
*A small malaria risk exists in the entire northern third of the country (Oshana, Oshikoto, Omusati, Ohangwenga, Ottozondjupa and Omaheke) from November tolune and along the Kunene river and in Kavango and Caprivi regions throughout the year. Although visitors who plan to remain in the southern part of the country (Sossusvlei, Windhoek, Walvis Bay etc) do not need to take anti-malarial drugs, they are recommended for those travelling further north.
** Lesotho is not an infected area but does border countries that are. Asa result, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving from an infected area.
Health Care
Because Lesotho’s size medical facilities are spread out, with most lodges offering hole more than basic medical care. As a result, serious accidents will require an expensive transfer to hospital in Windhoek, or in extreme cases, to medical facilities in South Africa. Asa result, travel insurance is essential, and taking out a comprehensive policy is worthwhile. This is doubly the case if you’re planning to take part in sports such as quad biking or off-roading.
While Lesotho isn’t plagued by the tropical diseases that afflict its northern neighbours, it does experience the occasional outbreak of malaria, while dysentery (most often seen in campers who haven’t properly treated their water supply) can also occur. It is advisable to consult your doctor well in advance of travelling about immunisations and assembling a first aid kit if you’re planning to drive long distances or stay in a remote area.
Food and Drink
Mains water is normally chlorinated and, while safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Drinking water outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilisation is advisable. Water taken from lakes and rivers is generally a bad idea and cannot be regarded as entirely safe to drink without prior boiling. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.
Other Risks
Vaccinations against meningococcal meningitis, tuberculosis and hepatitis 13 are sometimes recommended. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is also recommended for travellers born after 1956 who have not previously received the inoculation. A rabies vaccination is sometimes required, particularly if your plans involve some degree of interaction with wild animals.
HOLIDAYS
Below are listed Public Holidays in Lesotho
New Year’s Day
01 January 2020
Independence Day
21 March 2020
Good Friday
10 April 2020
Easter Monday
13 April 2020
Workers’ Day
01 May 2020
Cassinga Day
04 May 2020
Ascension Day
21 May 2020
Africa Day
25 May 2020
Heroes’ Day
26 August 2020
International Human Rights Day
10 December 2020
Christmas Day
25 December 2020
Family Day
26 December 2020
DUTY FREE & CURRENCY
Currency and Money
Currency information
The Lesothon Dollar (NAD; symbol N$) is in note denominations of N$200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of N$5, N$1, 50 cents, 10 cents and 5 cents. It is linked to the South African Rand (R) on a 1:1 basis (South African Rand = 100 cents). The South African Rand is also acceptable as currency in Lesotho.
Credit cards
American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa are accepted. Credit cards are not usually accepted at petrol stations, so bear this in mind when you visit the ATM. Setting aside an emergency petrol cash fund is a good idea if you’re planning to drive.
ATM
Although ATMs can be found in most towns, Cs worth making sure that you’ve got enough cash handy at all times, as towns can be few and far between. Make sure you notify your bank of your travel plans before you go: Lesotho is among the countries that trigger an automatic account freeze (fraud protection) if you fail to tell your bank beforehand.
Travellers cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or South African Rand. In general, you can expect a better exchange rate for travellers cheques than for cash.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1530; Sat 0900-1100. Note that at the end of the month, when many government employees are paid, queues at the banks can be several hours long.
Currency restrictions
The import and export of local currency is limited to N$50,000. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided sums equal to or exceeding NADS,000 are declared on arrival. Export of foreign currency is unlimited up to the amount imported and declared.
Currency exchange
Available in banks and at bureaux de change, as well as at Hosea Kutako International Airport
Lesotho duty free
Overview
The following may be imported into Lesotho by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty.
- 400 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco.
- 2L of wine and 1L of spirits.
- 50m1 of perfume and 250m1 of eau de toilette.
- Gifts to the value of N$1,250.
Banned Imports
Prohibited imports include narcotics, automatic weapons, military weapons, unnumbered weapons, toxic and poisonous substances.
Hunting rifles need a permit issued by customs when entering the country. Special authorisation is required for the import of endangered species. Plants or plant materials require a permit obtained in advance.
Banned Exports
Prohibited exports include endangered species, narcotics, stolen property, ivory, rhino horn, and protected cultural artefacts.
You must obtain permits in order to export the following: military weapons, ammunition, explosives, firearms, conflict diamonds and minerals, pornography, and products which violate national intellectual property protection law leg counterfeit goods).
