Tourist Information

What You Should Know Before Visiting Lesotho

Q. What are the best times to visit Lesotho?

A. Lesotho experiences extreme in temperatures during its summer and winter seasons. Winter in Lesotho occurs between May to September and summer between October to April. Winter months experience snowfall and temperatures falling to below freezing point, with the coldest months being June and July. On the other hand, summer in Lesotho is warm and wet, with January and February being the hottest months and also experiencing the maximum amount of rainfall. Temperatures during the summer months range between 15 to 35 degrees Celsius. Despite its relatively higher temperatures, summer season in Lesotho is comfortable and not too hot to step outdoors. With plenty of sunlight and pleasant days, the summer months of October to April are a good time to visit Lesotho. If one specially wants to avoid the rains and yet experience the good weather and many tourist activities, the best time to visit would be between October to November and following the rainy period, during March and April.

Q. What should I take to wear?

A. Nights can get quite chilly in Lesotho, especially in the mountains. Make sure to bring warm clothes! Even the lowest parts of Lesotho are in the foothills of the Drakensburg mountain range. It can get cold, especially in winter. Remember that the seasons are opposite from the US and Europe, so be prepared for the right season. If you are planning on trekking, especially for multiple days, bring a warm sleeping bag, a headlamp, and water purifier to cleanse water from rivers and streams. Also remember to bring good hiking shoes. If you get too cold, you can always buy a Basotho blanket, worn by both men and women across Lesotho.

Q. What is the currency in Lesotho and how can I pay?

A. Lesotho's main currency is the Maloti, which is tied to the South African Rand. South African Rand is spent interchangeably with Maloti. Maloti is available only in Lesotho, and cannot be used in South Africa. Major currencies can be exchanged for Maloti and Rand at most hotels, banks and ATMS, and forex bureaus across Lesotho, using Visa and MasterCard networks. Travelers’ cheques can be exchanged at hotels, local banks, and exchange bureau. The largest note that is available is the 200 Maloti/Rand.

Q. Are there many restaurants in Lesotho?

A. A noticeable change over the last few years has been the increase in the number of restaurants offering quality dining for excellent value. There is a wide variety of restaurants in Lesotho. Lesotho’s cuisine is known in Southern Africa as the rainbow cuisine due to its variety of polyglot influences. Malaysian, Dutch, British, and Indian culinary practices characterize its distinct flavors, and French wines accompany meals to the delight of European visitors. Everything from high-end restaurants to street-side diners can be found in the capital, along with a great choice of hotel restaurants and independent eateries. Seafood, freshwater fish and meat-heavy dishes are favorites, and desserts show a strong Indian flavor.

Q. What health precautions do I need to take?

It is always highly recommended that medical exams be performed prior to travel. Vaccinations such as Anti- malarial prophylactics may be necessary. . Under International Health Regulations, a certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required from travelers over 9 months of age travelling from Lesotho to or from Lesotho. Children and pregnant women may require special vaccination procedures. Therefore travelers should seek medical attention well in advance to ensure proper protection prior to travel. Eat and drink safely, bottled water can be bought in most hotels and supermarkets at a reasonable price. Department of Health leaflet (Ref T7.1) "Health Advice to Travelers is available from your GP, Travel Agent or online.

Q. What about the night life in Lesotho?

A. It's no surprise that Maseru’s nightlife doesn’t rival that of South Africa’s main cities, but it’s there if you’re willing to seek it out. Two of the five-star hotels in the capital boast discos and even casinos, providing good options for those looking for a night on the town. Maseru Club (United Nations Road, Maseru) is the upscale sports and "gentleman’s bar." Its officially, but loosely enforced "members only" distinction, is crammed with expats and businessmen. Some hotels and restaurants have live entertainments. There are also several cinemas in Lesotho and casinos at the two major international hotels, Lesotho Sun and Maseru Sun.

Q. What medicines should I take with me?

A. Any prescribed medication should be carried in your hand luggage with a Doctor's prescription. We would advise that you take medicines to treat dehydration, small ailments and stomach upsets as such items may not always available in Lesotho. Center for Disease Control recommends you get Hepatitis A and B vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water, depending of where you are eating or staying and you can get this by contact with a new partner through sex. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.

Adventure awaits tourist in the Mountain Kingdom with a range of activities on land, on the snow and in the water. Lesotho is famous for its spectacular scenic beauty branded by breathtaking mountain ranges, towering peaks, a rich variety of flora and fauna, crystal clear streams, surging waterfalls, diverse culture and a snow blanket seen high in the mountains across the country in winter. While travelling around the country, visitors will come across the various forms of crafts that are handmade by Basotho. Read more

Due to the outbreak of the Corona Virus (COVID-19) and its effects, applicants are advised to suspend all visa application plans until further notice.