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Basic Facts
Full Name : Kingdom of Lesotho (Basutoland)Capital : Maseru
Time : GMT +2 hours
Currency : Loti (plural Maloti)
Language : Sesotho (southern Sotho), Zulu and Xhosa
Getting Around
Rail & BusLesotho has no rail passenger services. There is a good network of buses connecting most towns, but they are often very slow. Minibus taxis are quicker, running shorter routes. In remote areas it is possible to catch a lift with a truck and is quite safe to do so. You will be expected to contribute a fare. Residents walk everywhere, while those lucky enough to own a horse, ride them. People think nothing of walking miles to go to school or from one village to another carrying their belongings on their head or supplies on the back of a donkey.
Airports
The national airline flies between the international airport, Moshoeshoe (MSU), north of Maseru, and Johannesburg, South Africa. Note that a tax of M20 is payable on departure. Lesotho has 29 runways, of which only four are paved. Fares for internal flights tend to be expensive.
Roads
There are 4,955km of highways in Lesotho, of which 887km are tarred. Roads are constantly being upgraded, but off the main roads the terrain is often difficult and only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles, such as the Sani Pass. Some parts of the country, particularly the interior, have very few roads and are accessible by foot or pony only. Your home driving license, with translation if necessary, is acceptable.
Passports and Visas
Entry Requirements(as at June 2000)
This is a guide only - please check with your nearest Lesotho representative for up to date information. Your nearest South African Consulate may be able to advise. All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. There should be sufficient blank pages for entry stamps upon arrival.
Nationals of the following countries do not require visas for a stay of less than 90 days: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Madagascar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA and countries of the European Union.
Nationals of all other countries require a visa. The requirements for this are: a completed application form, a passport photograph, itinerary and proof of sufficient funds. Visas cost around US$3 for a single entry valid for three months or around US$6 for a multiple entry visa, valid for six months. All visitors may be requested to show proof of sufficient funds and onward travel / return ticket..
General Accommodation Info
Apart from the superior hotels with casinos, hotel accommodation in Lesotho is not of a very high standard. The major hotels are geared towards South African tourists and tend to be overpriced. Your best option is a private country lodge or guesthouse, where accommodation is generally of a high standard and more affordable. Note that general sales tax is usually added to the quoted rate. It is safe to pitch a tent on any spot, though you should always seek the permission of locals first. You may be offered a tribal hut, for which you should offer to pay about M15.When To Go
Lesotho is an all year destination, though there are certain seasons for special interest groups to take note of: Best botanical months are August (spring) when peach trees blossom, turning every village a pale pink, also in summer (November to January), the red-hot pokers burst into flame. Best months for snow are May to July, though some parts are known to experience snow at any time of the year.Currency
The unit of currency is the loti (M - plural maloti), which is divided into 100 lisenti. The loti is equivalent to the South African rand, which is accepted throughout Lesotho.
Exchange Rate
The loti is fixed to the South African rand. Costs of items are similar to those in South Africa, food is perhaps a little cheaper. A general idea of what things cost in Lesotho is:
a beer costs about M6
a can of Coca Cola M2.50
a bottle of water about M3-4
petrol sells at about M2.50 per litre
a roll of 24 exposure print film will cost about E35-40
Banks
The main commercial banks in Lesotho are Standard Bank, Barclays Bank and Lesotho Development Bank.
Branches are found in Maseru and main towns.
Normal banking hours are:
Monday - Friday: 08:30-15:00
Thursday: 08:30-13:00
Saterday: 08:30-11:00
Only banks in Maseru will cash travellers' cheques.
Major hotels have foreign exchange facilities and most shops, lodges and travel agencies will accept traveller's cheques.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are accepted by the major hotels and some guest lodges.
