Lesotho
About
| The tiny kingdom of Lesotho is encircled by its larger neighbour, South Africa. Made up of mostly highlands, many of the kingdom's villages are so remote that they can only be reached on horseback, by foot or by light aircraft. From Maseru, the capital, most visitors venture into the mountains, where there is an array of activities on offer, from horse riding and trekking to birdwatching and fishing. Explore the highlights of Maseru. Sights include the historic cemetery and the fascinating architecture of the King's Palace and the Prime Minister's Residence. See the rugged beauty of the land by horse riding, mountain climbing and hiking. Moyeni and Mohales Hoek, in the southern region of Lesotho are popular locations for these activities. Experience a taste of real Basotho life on an overnight stop in a hut in the rural areas of the remote Basotho people. |
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| Capital: | Maseru (MSU) |
| Currency: | Loti (LSL) |
| Language: | Sesotho and English |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 266 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +2 hours (Same as South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Left. Foreign driving licences are normally valid, provided that they are either in English or accompanied by a certified translation. South African drivers' licences are recognised in SADC countries (Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe). It is recommended that a letter of verification be obtained from the South African Department of Transport. |
| Best Time to go: | May to September |
| Best For: | Skiing |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round three-pin plugs are used |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated. |
| Health: | Some travellers may experience altitude sickness for the first few days of travel. Medical facilities are very limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. |
| Customs: | If visiting a rural village, it is customary to call upon the Chief if staying overnight. Dress should be conservative. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Photographs must not be taken of the following: the palace, police establishments, government offices, the airport or monetary authority buildings. Homosexuality is illegal. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | ATM’s may not accept international cards. There is limited use of credit cards. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into Lesotho without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes and 20 cigars and 250g of tobacco. • 1L of spirits and 2L of wine. • 50ml of perfume. • Gifts to the value of LSL500. Visitors from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland may not import alcohol. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Counterfeit coins or notes, dangerous weapons, blasphemous material, indecent or obscene works, or articles of an inflammatory nature such as certain pamphlets or posters. |
Issuing Authorities
Lesotho High Commission
391 Anderson Street, Menlopark, Pretoria
Tel: 012 460 7648
E-mail: lesothopretoria@yahoo.com
Lesotho Consulate - General, Johannesburg
76 Juta Street, Indent House, Braamfontein
Tel: 011 339 3653
Lesotho Consulate - General, Durban
Old Mutual Properties, 2nd Floor Westguard House, 303 Cnr West & Gardiner Street
Tel: 031 307 2323
Lesotho Consulate, Klerksdorp
Vanell Building, cnr Boom & Church Street
Tel: 018 462 6910
Lesotho Consulate, Welkom
6 Graaf Street, Ground Floor, Libre House, Civic Centre
Tel: 057 352 1371
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Mar 11; Apr 18, 21; May 1, 25, 29; Jul 17; Oct 4; Dec 25-26
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Mar 11; Apr 3, 6; May 1, 14, 25; Jul 17; Oct 4; Dec 25-26
Visa Requirements
No visas are required by SA passport holders for stays of up to 90 days.
- Travellers must be in possession of a valid passport (valid for a minimum of 6 months)
For those who do require a visa, please email: visa-applications.immigrations@gov.ls
SA Representative
South African High Commission
Cnr Kingsway & Old School Road, Maseru
Tel: + 266 2222 5800
E-mail:ramatsebas@dirco.gov.za / shkaidye@dirco.gov.za
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
