Entry Requirements for Lesotho
In order to travel to Lesotho, a passport valid for a minimum of three months following departure, with at least 2 blank pages is required by all nationals.
Visitors travelling through South Africa need to comply with South African passport and Visa regulations
Lesotho Currency
The Lesotho currency is Lesotho Loti (LSL)
Visitors cheques and most credit cards may be used in Lesotho.
Taxes and Refunds Within Lesotho
Value added tax is 14% (5% on electricity and telephone services, 0% on basic commodities and exports, 15% on alcohol and tobacco)
What To Wear in Lesotho
- Summer - Light clothing items consisting of t-shirts and shorts, raincoats are also required for wet weather
- Spring/Autumn - Long sleeve jackets, jerseys and long trousers are necessary especially on chilly evenings.
- Winter (or Mountain travels) - Warm clothing including a parka would be essential.
Languages Spoken in Lesotho
- English
- Southern Sotho
Health Services In Lesotho
Lesotho’s high altitude means that it is malaria free. A valid certificate is necessary for tourists traveling from countries where yellow fever and cholera are endemic.
Lesotho has good facilities at Maseru’s Queen ‘Mamohato memorial Hospital, but serious medical conditions may need treatment at a hospital in South Africa.
Banking Hours in Lesotho
Normal Banking hours are between 08:30-15:30 Monday to Friday and Saturdays 08:30 - 12:00.
Useful Numbers For Tourist In Lesotho
International code + 266
Tourism Office Tel: +27 (0)51 436 6766
Tourism and Safety Information Line - +266-22312238
Police - 10111
Fire Brigade - 998/999
Ambulance - 10177
Interesting facts about Lesotho
Lesotho is surrounded by mountains, with the Drakensberg in the east and the Maluti Mountains dominating the rest of the country. Most of Lesotho is 1000m above sea level and the friendly local people have made this rugged country their home. The Basuto people have a rich culture and this can be found in almost every town and village that you pass through. Craft markets and produce stalls provide tourists and locals with fresh fruit, vegetables, daily necessities and curious.
The mountains offer 4x4 enthusiasts hundreds of exciting rugged routes to explore. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Lesotho, providing outdoor enthusiasts with crisscrossing trails throughout the countryside and uninterrupted views from the top of the world. The highest peak is Thabana Ntlenyana, at 3482 m high, it is the highest peak in Southern Africa and thrill the likes of keen mountain climbers with it’s majestic peak.
There are no fences in Lesotho and the wildlife have the freedom to roam about where they wish. The most common are mountain reedbuck, rhebok, eland, baboon, jackals, meerkat and mongoose.
Lesotho is definitely a place to let go and feel free, breathe in the pure air and enjoy the local people and their culture
Public holidays
01 January - New Year’s Day
11 March - Moshoeshoe’s Day
03 April - Good Friday
06 April - Easter Monday
01 May - Workers’ Day
14 May - Ascension Day
25 May - Africa/Heroes’ Day
17 July - King Letsie III’s Birthday
04 October - Independence Day
25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - Boxing Day
