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Frequently Asked Questions About Travelling to Lesotho

Have a question? Our FAQ page is here to help!

Whether you’re keen to explore the rugged Lesotho highlands, curious about our cultural tours, or wondering what to pack for your trip to the Mountain Kingdom, we’ve got you covered.

This section answers the most common questions to help you easily plan your journey. If you’re still stumped, our team is will happily answer any further queries you may have.

When is the best time to visit Lesotho?

Lesotho has distinct seasons with different advantages for travellers.

The summer months (November to February) offer lush green landscapes but may bring afternoon thunderstorms. Winter (May to August) provides clear, sunny days perfect for photography, though nights and mornings can be quite cold with occasional snowfall, especially in the highlands. Spring (September to October) and autumn (March to April) are generally mild and pleasant.

The dry winter months are ideal for our adventure activities like hiking, cycling, and horse riding, while cultural experiences can be enjoyed year-round.

Most visitors from the UK, European Union, USA, and Commonwealth countries can enter Lesotho without a visa for stays between 14 – 90 days. However, visa requirements can change, so we recommend checking with the Lesotho embassy or consulate in your country before travelling.
All visitors need a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended departure date, with at least two blank pages.

Please check what type of visa you will need when travelling to Lesotho:

  • A 90-day visa-free stay is available for most Commonwealth and African nation citizens. This applies to citizens from: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brunei, Cameroon, Dominica, Eswatini, Gambia, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kiribati, South Korea, Malawi, Malaysia, the Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Namibia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
  • A 14-day visa-free stay is available to citizens from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Citizens from countries not listed above will need to apply for a visa through a reputable service provider. Please ensure that you use a verified visa application service provider to avoid any online visa scams.

Please Note: Flights to Lesotho are via Johannesburg South Africa. You will also need to confirm your visa entry requirements for South Africa.

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is essential for Lesotho. It should cover all overseas medical costs, including evacuation to South Africa for serious conditions, as the Australian Government (and others) won’t cover these expenses. Ensure your policy includes coverage for activities like hiking or 4×4 driving and lasts your entire trip. Without insurance, you could face significant out-of-pocket costs for medical care, so confirm details with your provider before departure.

The currency in Lesotho is the Lesotho Loti (LSL), which is pegged at the same value as the South African Rand (ZAR). South African Rand is widely accepted throughout Lesotho. While major hotels and some larger establishments in Maseru accept credit cards, we recommend carrying cash for rural areas where our adventure tours often take place. ATMs are available in major towns, but they can be unreliable, so it’s advisable to withdraw cash before heading to remote areas.

Sesotho and English are the official languages of Lesotho. Most people in urban areas and those working in tourism speak English, but in rural areas, Sesotho predominates. Our local guides are fluent in both languages, enabling meaningful interactions with local communities during your tour. Learning a few basic Sesotho phrases can greatly enhance your experience, especially during our homestay packages.

The main road entry points to Lesotho are through Maseru Bridge or Maputsoe Bridge from South Africa, with Maseru Bridge being the most commonly used border crossing. There are also several other border posts if you’re coming from different directions in South Africa.
Moshoeshoe I International Airport near Maseru receives flights from Johannesburg, South Africa.

For 4×4 enthusiasts, the Sani Pass offers a spectacular mountain route into Lesotho from South Africa’s Drakensberg region – although this option is not for the inexperienced and we recommend you consider our Sani Pass day trip. The Pass is notorious for its challenging terrain, with many experienced 4×4 drivers getting stuck on the Pass every year – you have been warned!

For all our tours, we recommend layered clothing regardless of the season due to temperature fluctuations between day and night. Essential items include:

  • Warm clothing (even in summer for evenings)
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
  • Bug protection (ticks and mosquitoes)
  • Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
  • Personal medications
  • Camera

For specific tours, additional equipment may be necessary. Please see the Recommended Gear section of each tour for more information.

Lesotho is generally a safe destination for tourists, particularly when travelling with our experienced local guides. The Basotho people are known for their friendliness and hospitality. As with travel to any country, normal precautions should be taken, especially in urban areas like Maseru.

Our guides prioritise your safety and will advise on local customs and practices. For added security, we recommend travelling in groups and avoiding isolated areas after dark.

General Tip:

It is always good practice to be aware of your surroundings and to keep an eye on your belongings when travelling.

Don’t leave items unattended and use the hotel/room safe where possible to store valuables. Be vigilant with handbags, laptops, jewellery and mobile phones.

Please note: Public displays of affection are frowned upon in many African countries. Be mindful of local customs and cultural norms.

Lesotho is generally considered safe for female travellers, with most visits being trouble-free; however, caution is advised for female tourists, especially solo travellers.

Women travelling alone should avoid walking at night, stick to well-populated areas, and use regulated taxis arranged through hotels rather than hailing them on the street.

By taking sensible precautions – such as securing valuables, staying vigilant, and following local advice – female travellers can enjoy a safe experience in Lesotho.

While same-sex relationships are legal, Lesotho law does not protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

It is important to be mindful of local customs and cultural sensitivities regarding gender identity and sexual orientation as non-heterosexual relationships are considered taboo.

Public displays of affection, even subtle ones, are frowned upon and may attract unwanted attention or disapproval.

Accommodation in Lesotho ranges from basic to luxury.

In Maseru and other major towns, you’ll find hotels and guest houses with modern amenities. In rural areas, accommodation is more basic but clean and comfortable.

Our homestay packages offer a unique opportunity to stay with local families, providing an authentic cultural experience. For our camping tours, we provide quality camping equipment and set up at scenic locations throughout the country. All accommodation on our tours is carefully selected to provide the right balance of comfort and authentic experience.

Traditional Basotho cuisine features staples such as papa (maize porridge similar to polenta), served with various meat stews, vegetables, and beans. In Maseru and larger towns, you’ll find restaurants serving international cuisine. During our tours, you’ll have opportunities to sample local dishes, especially on our cultural tours and homestay packages. We cater to special dietary requirements with advance notice, but please inform us of any allergies or restrictions when booking your tour.

Drink only boiled or sealed bottled water.

No vaccinations are legally required to enter Lesotho, but we recommend checking with your doctor or travel clinic for personalised advice. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccinations should be up to date. Lesotho has a high altitude, so some visitors may experience altitude sickness, particularly on our highland tours. We recommend travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage, including emergency evacuation. Tap water in urban areas is generally safe, but bottled or purified water is recommended in rural areas.

Lesotho has a high HIV/AIDS rate, so take precautions during activities that might expose you to infection.

Check that your medications are legal in Lesotho and bring enough for your trip in their original packaging, stored in hand luggage. Carry a prescription or doctor’s letter detailing the medication, dosage, and personal use to avoid issues at customs. Pharmaceutical supplies can be limited, so replacing lost medications may be difficult. If you rely on specific drugs, plan ahead to ensure uninterrupted access during your stay.

Lesotho offers numerous outdoor activities, many of which are part of our tour packages:

  • Mountain biking and cycling through challenging terrains and breathtaking landscapes
  • Horse riding treks, a traditional mode of transport in Lesotho
  • Hiking routes ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain trails
  • 4×4 adventures across mountain passes and rugged landscapes
  • Wildlife viewing, particularly bird watching in the highlands
  • Camping in pristine natural settings
  • Fishing in mountain streams (seasonal)
  • Cultural experiences in traditional villages

Medical facilities in Lesotho are basic, with good care available at Maseru’s Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital, though serious cases may require evacuation to South Africa (e.g., Bloemfontein, 140km away). Rural access to healthcare is limited, and emergencies may face delays. Private partnerships and government efforts are improving services, but evacuation costs can be high, underscoring the need for travel insurance.

Lesotho’s wildlife is more subtle than the big game found in other African countries, but our wildlife tours focus on the unique alpine species and spectacular birdlife. The Sehlabathebe National Park offers opportunities to spot rare species like the bearded vulture (lammergeier), Drakensberg rockjumper, and various endemic plants. You might also encounter small mammals such as rock hyrax, jackal, and various antelope species. Our guides are knowledgeable about local flora and fauna and will help you spot and identify different species.

Lesotho’s lack of fences allows wildlife like mountain reedbuck, rhebok, eland, baboons, jackals, meerkats, and mongooses to roam freely. While attacks are rare, maintain a safe distance when observing wildlife, use reputable guides for hikes or 4×4 adventures, and follow park rules if applicable. Driving at night poses risks due to stray livestock and wildlife on roads, so exercise caution. For your safety, avoid feeding or approaching animals, and be prepared for unexpected encounters in rural areas.

Lesotho offers rich cultural experiences, which we highlight in our cultural and historical tours. You can visit traditional villages where people still live according to age-old customs, observe traditional crafts like weaving and pottery, and experience traditional music and dance. Our homestay packages allow you to live with local families, participating in daily activities and gaining deeper insight into Basotho culture. Historical sites include ancient rock paintings, dinosaur footprints, and colonial-era buildings that tell the story of this unique mountain kingdom.

Mobile phone coverage is good in Maseru and major towns but can be limited or non-existent in remote mountainous areas where many of our adventure tours take place. We recommend purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival if staying for an extended period. Major hotels and some restaurants in urban areas offer Wi-Fi, but connection speeds can be slow. We suggest informing family and friends that you may be unreachable at times during your tour, particularly on multi-day treks in remote areas.

Lesotho is known as the “Kingdom in the Sky” because its entire territory lies above 1,000 metres, with much of it over 2,000 metres. Our mountain tours can reach elevations of 3,000 metres or higher. Some visitors may experience altitude sickness, with symptoms including headache, fatigue, and shortness of breath. We recommend spending a day or two acclimatising before undertaking strenuous activities, staying well-hydrated, and avoiding alcohol initially. Our guides are trained to recognise altitude sickness symptoms and will adjust activities accordingly.

Road conditions vary greatly in Lesotho. Main highways are generally paved and well-maintained, while rural roads can be rough, particularly after rain. For our tours, we use appropriate vehicles based on the itinerary: comfortable minibuses for cultural tours and transfers, and 4×4 vehicles for more remote destinations. Public transport exists but is limited to minibus taxis and is not recommended for tourists due to unpredictable schedules and overcrowding. Our 4×4 tours specifically showcase some of Lesotho’s most spectacular mountain passes and remote villages accessible only by rugged vehicles.

Lesotho’s laws may seem strict compared to Western standards.

Drug-related offences carry severe penalties, including long prison terms. The possession of pornographic material is illegal and offenders are prosecuted.

Local officials may ask to check your identity, so visitors are advised to keep a certified copy of their passport with them at all times.

Lesotho people are friendly and often keen to greet a foreigner. You will be considered rude if you ignore a greeting, so keep it friendly.

We always encourage our guests to learn a few Sesotho words. Your effort and respect for Lesotho culture will be appreciated by the locals.

When receiving a gift, accept the item with both hands and always thank the giver respectfully.

It is illegal to take photos/videos of military or government buildings. Operating photographic/video equipment in the vicinity of government or military property is also prohibited.

Please ask permission before taking photos of people in Lesotho.

How do I book a tour?

As Lesotho-born tour operators and guides, we want to ensure you have the best experience when you travel to here, so we always schedule a call with our clients to discuss their tour package before payment.

If you’d like to book a tour with us, please click the Book Now button on the top menu bar of our site.

To secure your booking, we require a 50% non-refundable deposit. Once you have booked your tour, payment details will be sent via email.

Full payment is due three weeks before your tour start date.

We do not provide refunds for cancellations after confirmation, including in the case of visa denials.

We are happy to discuss new dates for your tour but please bear in mind that there may be additional charges for amended dates.
When you book a tour and pay the tour deposit, we then book and pay deposits for things like guides, accommodation, 4×4 vehicle rental, equipment rental, catering, etc. These deposits are non-refundable so we can’t provide you with a refund on these as we will be out of pocket.
In the case of things like accommodation, nature reserve entry fees and vehicle hire, seasonal rates apply and your new tour dates may be affected by seasonal price changes. We will therefore need to adjust the cost of your tour to accommodate for these changes.

Yes, we can create a custom Lesotho tour experience for you – whether  you’re looking for a mix of adventure and sightseeing, you’re ready to tackle Lesotho’s toughest mountain bike trails or you’re looking to relax and experience the culture and sights of the Kingdom in the Sky, we’ll make it happen!

Just get in touch with us via our Contact page so we can schedule a call to discuss your ideas.

We offer a variety of 3-day tours to South Africa’s top destinations.

Our South African tour packages include:

  • Sight-seeing
  • Adventure
  • Cultural
  • Wildlife

We can also create a custom tour that lets you enjoy a combination of South Africa’s best experiences. Get in touch with us via our Contact page and we’ll set up a call to discuss your ideas.

Yes, we can create a package so you can experience both countries on the same trip.

We’ll set up a call with you to discuss your ideas so we can put together the perfect tour of Lesotho and South Africa for you. Head over to our Contact page and send us a message so we can get you started on your adventure.

We can assist with logistical support with things such as Reserve fees, route permits, airport transfers, etc.

You will need to organise your own visa.

Please check what type of visa you will need when travelling to Lesotho:

  • A 90-day visa-free stay is available for most Commonwealth and African nation citizens.
  • A 14-day visa-free stay is available to citizens from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
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