Lesotho is also known as the Kingdom in the sky, due to its high altitude and mountain peaks, Lesotho offers the traveler a different side of Africa, coming closer to the alpine ones in climate, landscape and vegetation. Invigorating mountain air, spectacular panoramas and rare bird life combine to attract outdoor enthusiasts from around the world.
Popular ways to explore the countryside are through hiking and trekking in a 4×4 or on pony backs. Renowned for their craftsmanship and hospitality, the Basotho offer a warm welcome when they say Khotso (peace), while inviting you to experience their small traditional villages and the unspoiled serenity that is Lesotho…
CAPITAL:
Maseru
CLIMATE:
subtropical temperate. Frosts occur frequently in winter. Most of the rain occurs from October to April and is usually concentrated in fierce thunderstorms.
BADGE:
1 Lesotho Loti = 100 lens. South African rands are accepted. Visa, Access/MasterCard and Diners Club credit cards have limited acceptance and the use of traveler’s checks is limited outside of Maseru.
ELECTRICITY:
220 volts, 50 Hz. The plugs are round with 2 and 3 pins.
HEALTH:
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers coming from infected areas. Visitors are also advised to take pre-arrival precautions against typhoid fever, hepatitis A, and polio. Other health concerns include minimal medical facilities; lack of availability of many drugs; food and waterborne diseases, in particular amoebiasis, typhoid fever and cholera; influenza (the risk is from May to October); AIDS; and tetanus.
LANGUAGE::
sesotho and english
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
New Year’s Day (January 1); Moshoeshoe (March 11); Heroes’ Day (April 4); Good Friday (April 9); Easter Monday (April 12); Labor Day (May 1); King’s Anniversary (July 17); Independence Day (October 4); Christmas Day (December 25)
SHOPPING:
Basotho hat; grass-woven articles (mats, brooms, sneakers); ceramics; wool and mohair rugs; hangings; textiles; reproductions of cave paintings; traditional jewelry from porcupine seeds, clay, beads and quills; articles of silver, gold and ebony; copper; African chess games. The Basotho Hat Shop is a good place to find local handicrafts.
SOCIAL AGREEMENTS:
The main religions are Christianity and traditional African religions; these and the older generations must be respected. Normal courtesies and friendliness will be appreciated. Dress is informal, but modest. For business, dress in a light suit and tie and observe the usual formalities, but expect a casual atmosphere and pace.
TIME DIFFERENCE:
GMT+2
TIPS::
Tipping is recommended in restaurants and hotels.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TEN BEST ATTRACTIONS:
Maseru and surroundings:
Basotho Hat, the main craft center; the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Victories; the Papal Pavilion; Thorkild Hand Weaving and Moteng Weavers; Lancer’s Gap, for views of the city and Caledon Valley; the Peach Blossom Route, in August explore the nearby orchards by car or on pony; Rome; Morija with its National Museum; and Matsieng with the Royal Summer Palace (closed to visitors).
Thaba Bosiu:
A short distance from Maseru, a flat-topped hill features the substantial remains of King Moshoeshoe I’s homes and villages, as well as the Lesotho royal burial ground.
Teya-Teyaneng:
A short drive from Maseru, you can find a wide variety of souvenirs in this town whose weavers and artisans sell their wares in the many craft centers available; Near the town there are some San (Bushman) rock paintings.
Malealea and surroundings:
The Gate of Paradise is a spectacular pass on the way to Malealea with panoramic views of the plains dotted with attractive traditional villages, in spring the alpine flowers along the way are in bloom; An excellent pony trekking center is available in Malealea and walking or trekking routes include a number of waterfalls eg Maletsunyane Falls and indigenous alpine ones including the famous Spiral Aloe; nearby Mohale’s Hoek is picturesque and at nearby Motlejoeng visitors can explore some of the most interesting cannibal caves, found in all of Lesotho.
Dinosaur footprints:
About 5 miles north of Hlotse, the Subeng Stream Dinosaur Trackway is one of the best examples of dinosaur tracks in Lesotho; footprints of several different dinosaurs, some dating back 180-200 million years, are preserved in sandstone; The Moyeni and Masitise Dinosaur Trackways feature the tracks of many different dinosaurs, as well as other primitive reptiles.
Ha Baroana Rock:
Paintings 39 km east of Maseru; Hanging rock accessible after crossing a stream with a magnificent gallery of Bushman paintings.
Molimo Nthuse and surroundings:
One of the most attractive tourist routes in Lesotho, the road to Molimo Nthuse includes a series of mountain passes, each offering magnificent views of mountain peaks, steep gorges, tumbling streams and wide valleys; at Molimo Nthuse you’ll find one of Lesotho’s leading pony trekking centres: rides of a couple of hours or days are offered visiting waterfalls, local villages and other scenic attractions; Travelers can visit Maletsunyane Falls on a pony trekking trail, it is impressive as the highest single fall falls in southern Africa.
Katse Dam:
The centerpiece of the Highlands Water Project, the massive Katse Dam is spectacular when water levels are at their highest; the surrounding landscape is picturesque and the activities satisfy bird watchers and water sports enthusiasts.
Roof of Africa:
Scenic route Via Sani Pass, the gateway to the circuit; most of the route is in the Mokhotlong district, where the top of the Drakensberg Ridge is located; includes Thabana-Ntlenyana, which at 3,482 m is the highest peak in southern Africa; Sani Pass, Thaba-Tseka, Katse and Hlotse form an alternative section of the route where 4x4s are best suited.
Sehlaba-Thebe National Park:
The park covers 6,500 hectares at an average elevation of 2,400 m and offers an abundance of birds and diverse Cape alpine flora; A small minnow-like fish (Oreodaimon quathlambae) thought to be extinct has been rediscovered in the Tsoelikana River.