Travel guide – lesotho
lesotho
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Overview
Enclosed by South Africa on all sides, but separated from it by the huge Drakensberg and Maluti mountain ranges, the mountainous kingdom of Lesotho is small and rounded in shape, situated on a plateau of over 3,281ft (1,000m), with peaks reaching to heights of more than 10,000ft (3,000m). Sani Pass is a breathtaking entry point into Lesotho from South Africa's Drakensberg national park and is the gateway to the 'Roof of Africa' scenic route, linking the magnificent scenery of the two mountain ranges.
Popularly described as the 'Kingdom in the Sky', the lofty highlands are characterised by majestic mountain scenery, crisp mountain air and the simple serenity of the traditional lifestyles of its people. Pony trekking is one of the finest ways to experience the Lesotho highlands, with time spent in remote Basotho villages scattered among the grassy hills, where waterfalls saturate the surrounding rocks with rainbow-coloured mist and crystal clear streams criss-cross the landscape. The region is also perfect for those who prefer to test the sure-footedness of their own two feet, with miles of solitary scenery to appreciate, an abundance of trout in the rivers and dams and the assurance of a warm and friendly welcome in the rugged mountain hamlets. The central highlands is home to the highest waterfall in southern Africa, the Maletsunyane Falls near Semonkong, meaning 'Place of Smoke', which thunders from a height of 624ft (192m) and is at its most spectacular during the summer rainy season.
From the heights of the Maluti Mountains, the land descends to the western lowlands where all the major towns are to be found and where two thirds of the population live. Maseru, the capital, is a fascinating city of contrasting modern and traditional lifestyles. Blanket-clad horsemen sidestep the traffic jams on their way to market, and woven handicrafts are displayed on the busy pavements outside new glass buildings filled with self-important office workers.
Time spent in Lesotho will allow visitors to observe an African country filled with an extraordinary appeal, a kingdom of rugged beauty and unchanging culture that remains natural and largely unaffected by tourism.
Climate
Weather conditions vary greatly depending on the altitude. Summer is the hot, rainy season from October to April, with the hottest days in January and February, and the most rain falling between March and May and October and November. Days are sunny with afternoon electric thunderstorms, and temperatures range from around 86ºF (30°C) in the lowlands with cooler temperatures as the altitude increases, averaging about 64°F (18°C) in the mountains. Snow falls mainly in winter from May to September, but can occur in the mountains at any time of year. Winter can be bitterly cold, particularly in the highlands, but days are usually clear and sunny. Temperatures can fall to 20°F (-7°C) in the lowlands and 0°F (-18°C) in the highlands. At any time of year the weather can change very rapidly in the highlands from warm sunshine to mist, rain and freezing temperatures.
Health
Lesotho's high altitude and crisp mountain air does not present many health problems for travellers. A yellow fever certificate is required from travellers coming from an infected area and typhoid, hepatitis A and polio vaccination is recommended. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. There is a lack of good medical facilities and medical attention is often sought in neighbouring South Africa; visitors should carry a personal supply of medicines, as supplies are limited. Lesotho's Flying Doctor service provides emergency medical services to remote parts of the country. Medical insurance is essential and should include emergency air evacuation coverage, especially if planning to spend time in remote mountainous regions.
The basics
Time
Local time is GMT +2.
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. The three-prong, round pin South African plug is used.
Language
English is the official language, but Sesotho, Xhosa and Zulu are widely spoken.
Tipping
All service staff, including tour guides and game rangers, are customarily tipped between 10 and 15%, which they rely on to boost their low wages.
Safety
Most visits to Lesotho are trouble-free, but there has been an increase in opportunistic crime due to a high unemployment rate in the cities. Most incidents occur in Maseru, but visitors should also be alert elsewhere to theft, car hijackings and muggings. Muggers often target foreigners and foreign vehicles have been involved in recent hi-jackings near Malealea Lodge south of Maseru. Avoid walking around with valuables or keep them out of sight, and do not walk alone in isolated areas or in Maseru after dark. Driving through rural areas after dark is also not recommended. Sporadic demonstrations are possible and should be avoided if possible.
Customs
Photographs of government buildings, the airport or the palace should not be taken; it is best to ask if unsure. It is customary to ask permission from the local village Headman or Chief before camping, and to inform the Headman or Chief if spending any time within his village.
Communications
The international dialling code for Lesotho is +266. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). There are no area codes. Telephone and fax services are available in all main towns and at major hotels. Internet cafes are available in Maseru. A GSM 900 mobile network is limited to the main urban areas and has limited active roaming agreements with other mobile phone operators; visitors should check with their local networks to see if they have roaming agreements with the operators in Lesotho.
Duty Free
Travellers to Lesotho do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 2 litres wine and 1 litre of alcohol; 250ml eau de toilette and 50ml perfume; other gifts to the value of L500. No liquor may be imported by South African nationals.
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