Introduction
Enjoy the best of both worlds in this unexpected African pocket. Although shunted to and from British and Boer control for almost 200 years, Lesotho's path to self-rule was comparatively smooth. Landlocked by South Africa, but distanced from it by huge mountain ranges, Lesotho is an often-surprising combination of rapidly-developing modernity and ancient culture.
Destiantion Facts
Capital: Maseru
King: Letsie David Mohato III
Prime Minister: Bethuel Pakalitha Mosisili
Government: constitutional monarchy
Time zone: GMT +2
Area: 30355
Population: 2100000
Languages: Christian (80%), co-existing with traditional beliefs
Currency: Loti (L)
Country Dialing Code: 266
Getting There
Weather is probably the main consideration for travellers deciding the best time to go, and if you don't mind getting a little wet, it doesn't much matter. Nearly all of Lesotho's rain falls in the summer, between October and April. It's beautiful and warm when the sun comes out, but mountain areas can be foggy and freezing.
Getting there and away
South African Airways flies daily between Moshoeshoe international airport, 18km (11mi) south-east of Maseru, and Johannesburg. There are no longer any direct buses between major South African cities and Maseru. You'll need to take a bus to Bloemfontein or Ladybrand and catch a minibus taxi from there. Minibus taxis run between Jo'burg and Maseru. Buses from Maseru for South African destinations leave from the bridge on the South African side of the border. Hire cars are a popular option in South Africa and, if organised at the time of hire, can be freely driven in Lesotho. Entry via Sani Pass is only possible if you're in a 4WD, but if you're adventurous you can leave Lesotho by that route - though you might feel like you're in free-fall some of the way. There is a road tax for everyone leaving Lesotho, set at a whopping 0.40.
Getting around
With the closing of Lesotho Airways, getting around the country by air is pretty difficult. Private charter companies in Maseru might be able to help out. There is a good network of slow buses, but be prepared for long delays on the road. Buy short-distance tickets to allow for bus-hopping, rather than one long-distance ticket committing yourself to extended waits in one-pony towns. Unusually for Africa, all buses are non-smoking. Minibuses are slightly quicker, but don't cover the same distances. There are no trains in Lesotho. Car hire is available in Maseru, but hire rates are significantly cheaper in South Africa.
Visa:
Citizens of most Western countries, the USA and most Commonwealth countries are granted an entry permit (free) at the border. The standard stay permitted is two weeks, although if you ask for longer you might get it.
Weather
With pleasant temperatures, low rainfall and plenty of sun, even the cold winter nights yield to fresh 15-20° C (59-68° F) days. However, October to March are the best months to visit. The perfectly warm weather makes up for the odd patch of rain, with the sun out in full force for lovely 25-30° C (77-86° F) days.
Enjoy the best of both worlds in this unexpected African pocket. Although shunted to and from British and Boer control for almost 200 years, Lesotho's path to self-rule was comparatively smooth. Landlocked by South Africa, but distanced from it by huge mountain ranges, Lesotho is an often-surprising combination of rapidly-developing modernity and ancient culture.
Destiantion Facts
Capital: Maseru
King: Letsie David Mohato III
Prime Minister: Bethuel Pakalitha Mosisili
Government: constitutional monarchy
Time zone: GMT +2
Area: 30355
Population: 2100000
Languages: Christian (80%), co-existing with traditional beliefs
Currency: Loti (L)
Country Dialing Code: 266
Getting There
Weather is probably the main consideration for travellers deciding the best time to go, and if you don't mind getting a little wet, it doesn't much matter. Nearly all of Lesotho's rain falls in the summer, between October and April. It's beautiful and warm when the sun comes out, but mountain areas can be foggy and freezing.
Getting there and away
South African Airways flies daily between Moshoeshoe international airport, 18km (11mi) south-east of Maseru, and Johannesburg. There are no longer any direct buses between major South African cities and Maseru. You'll need to take a bus to Bloemfontein or Ladybrand and catch a minibus taxi from there. Minibus taxis run between Jo'burg and Maseru. Buses from Maseru for South African destinations leave from the bridge on the South African side of the border. Hire cars are a popular option in South Africa and, if organised at the time of hire, can be freely driven in Lesotho. Entry via Sani Pass is only possible if you're in a 4WD, but if you're adventurous you can leave Lesotho by that route - though you might feel like you're in free-fall some of the way. There is a road tax for everyone leaving Lesotho, set at a whopping 0.40.
Getting around
With the closing of Lesotho Airways, getting around the country by air is pretty difficult. Private charter companies in Maseru might be able to help out. There is a good network of slow buses, but be prepared for long delays on the road. Buy short-distance tickets to allow for bus-hopping, rather than one long-distance ticket committing yourself to extended waits in one-pony towns. Unusually for Africa, all buses are non-smoking. Minibuses are slightly quicker, but don't cover the same distances. There are no trains in Lesotho. Car hire is available in Maseru, but hire rates are significantly cheaper in South Africa.
Visa:
Citizens of most Western countries, the USA and most Commonwealth countries are granted an entry permit (free) at the border. The standard stay permitted is two weeks, although if you ask for longer you might get it.
Weather
With pleasant temperatures, low rainfall and plenty of sun, even the cold winter nights yield to fresh 15-20° C (59-68° F) days. However, October to March are the best months to visit. The perfectly warm weather makes up for the odd patch of rain, with the sun out in full force for lovely 25-30° C (77-86° F) days.
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