About Lesotho

The Kingdom of Lesotho is a small landlocked country surrounded by South Africa. With breathtaking mountains, warm and friendly locals, affordable activities and stunning scenery, Lesotho backpacking tours offer the best Southern Africa hiking.

Lesotho Budget Travel

Below is a list of Lesotho's top destinations, click on the link to view all details and tours.

Malealea, Maseru

Fast Facts

Currency

Lesotho Loti (LSL)

Dialing Code

266

Airports

Lesotho airports include the following:
• Moshoeshoe Masero International Airport

Birdlife

Lesotho birdlife includes a small but diverse range of near endemic or migratory species, with a total of 340 species to be found across the country's range of beautiful habitats. There are a number of Important Bird Areas (IBA's) in Lesotho, plus a range of nature reserves and parks which protect a wide number of bird and animal species.

Conservation

Lesotho conservation includes initiatives such as replanting of key water retaining plants such as Eucalyptus, which aims to prevent rushing surface water, plus reforestation and the reintroduction of lion into the country. In addition, there are also key preservation efforts, and the country is home to a number of beautiful parks and reserves which protect the precious habitats in Lesotho.

Culture

Lesotho cultures include the following:
• Basotho blankets play a key role in status and tradition
• Lesotho architecture is very distinctive and plays a large role in tribal cultures
• National dress is an important part of Basotho tradition
• Food and cuisine is a key part of social gatherings and family life
• Performance art is a lively and traditional means of expression

Health

Lesotho health care facilities are fairly basic, and with many towns and villages situated outside the capital and far away from hospitals and doctors, getting adequate treatment can be a challenge. Take basic precautions such as packing a first aid box filled with basic supplies including nausea, diarrhea and headache pills, bandages and band-aids, and take out comprehensive health insurance before you leave for your Lesotho holiday.

AIDS

Lesotho HIV/AIDS precautions include the following:
• Don't ever share needles or syringes
• Practice safe sex at all times
• Equipment should be sterilized
• If you require self-administered injections, take an adequate supply of your own needles
• Avoid tattoos, acupuncture treatment or body piercing

Vaccinations

Recommended inoculations for travel to Lesotho are:
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Polio
• Rabies
• Tetanus

Languages

Lesotho languages include the following:
• Sesotho (official language)
• English (official language)
• Afrikaans
• Zulu
• Xhosa
• Phuthi

Money

Lesotho money and banking information is as follows:
• ATM's generally do not accept foreign cards and are often unreliable
• Travellers cheques are widely accept and can be converted at any bank
• Currency other than US Dollars or Pounds may be expensive to convert
• Credit cards are accepted only in a few places such as major cities or large hotels
• Banks are open from Monday to Saturday, with various operating hours

Phrase

Lesotho local phrases include the following:
• Hello - Lumela
• How are you? - O kae?
• Thank you - Kea leboha
• Goodbye - Tsamaya hantle
• What is your name? - Lebitso la hau u mang?
• I am Katie - 'Na ke Katie

Plants

Lesotho plants are fairly diverse, and include a range of grassland vegetation as well as beautiful Alpine flowers and plants. There are a number of nature reserves which showcase some of the country's spectacular plantlife, including Drakensberg-Maluti Alpine Park. There is a very small percentage of endemic species, with most plant species also found in Southern Africa and even Europe in some cases.

People

Lesotho people include the following:
• Basotho 99.7%
• Other 0.3%

Safety Tips

Lesotho safety tips include the following:
• The crime rate in Maseru is rising and muggings and robbery can occur
• Keep your valuables safe and out of sight and be vigilant when walking around
• Do not walk around alone after dark, especially in the city centre
• Do not walk through the mountains alone without a guide as mists come down and travellers can be lost
• Lesotho roads can be hazardous so be careful when driving – especially at night

Religion

Lesotho religion includes the following groups:
• Traditional beliefs
• Christianity

Transport

Lesotho local transport options include the following options:
• Bus
• Taxi
• Pony

Travel Books

Lesotho recommended travel books include the following:
• Lonely Planet South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland
• Lesotho Map by ITMB
• The Guide to Lesotho by David Ambrose
• Southbound Pocket Guides: Lesotho by David Fleminger

Visa Requirements

Lesotho visa info includes the following:
• Most EU residents do not need a visa
• Irish residents do not need a visa
• Canadian and American residents do not need a visa
• New Zealand and Australia residents do not need a visa
• Certain EU residents do require a visa

Wildlife

Lesotho wildlife is relatively sparse, and the country is not one of the major safari destinations. However nature lovers will be enthralled by the number of smaller mountain dwelling species to be found, as well as a number of species ranging from jackal to mountain zebra. Safaris are usually done by pony or by foot, which offers a highly memorable experience with spectacular scenery.

What To Pack

What to pack for Lesotho safaris:
• Comfortable clothing in neutral colours
• Sturdy comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• Warm jacket plus raincoat and waterproof shoes
• Sunhat, sunscreen and sunglasses for all seasons
• Camera, batteries, film or memory cards and binoculars

What To Buy

What to buy for Lesotho safaris:
• Good sturdy backpack plus a decent moneybag
• Lesotho guidebook plus a Sotho phrasebook
• First aid kit with basic supplies and medicine
• Plug adapter for UK or US travelers
• Sleeping bag and camping mattress if you are overlanding

When To Go

When to go to Lesotho:
• The best time of year is just before summer, from late October to November
• Rainy season runs from March- May and October, November
• Summer runs from October to April, with hottest months in January and February
• August is the best month for nature and flowers
• Snow falls in winter between May and September