LESOTHO – KINGDOM IN THE SKY
 

Kena Ka Khotso! Enter in Peace! We invite you, the reader, to set your sights a little higher, as you visit Southern Africa. Come and discover Lesotho “The Kingdom in the Sky” and the highest point in the subcontinent. Useful facts about Lesotho Climate | Transport | Regulations | Language | Banks | Postal Services Telephones | Public holidays | Electricity | Time | Currency | Important Telephone Numbers | Places to Visit | Hotels | Tour Operators | Travel Agents | Pony Trecking Operators | Airlines | Car Hire | Restaurants | Embassies | Click Here for a Detailed Map of Lesotho

The uniqueness of Lesotho is not confined to its scenic beauty and tranquility alone nor to the four seasons that express themselves in different moods in the open nature that surrounds. The people of Lesotho, the Basotho, will themselves add an inimitable flavour of your experience. Lesotho is a fenceless country; a whole 11 716 square miles of land surface that is unrestricted to discovery. Ponytrek and stay overnight in our villages to experience our traditional hospitality.

Cool yourself in our bilharzias-free waters in natural rock pools. Hike, bird-watch, fish, abseil the cliffs and watch the countless stars that dot our clear sky at night. You will, in the end, agree that when Lesotho was created, it was with a purpose to restoring sanity in a life that in modern times suffers from the hustle-bustle of cities and the industrial culture. As Basotho, we naturally are a little prejudiced. Come and experience the pleasures of Lesotho yourself. You be the judge.

• We are sure you will return.

• Welcome and Enter Lesotho in Peace.

The Lesotho Sun Hotel and Casino in Maseru

Lesotho has one of the most inspiring landscapes on Earth. It is often referred to as the “Kingdom in the Sky” because of its elevated situation – the altitude never drops below 1 000m above sea-level.

Sculpted into the spectacular, mountainous terrain of the highlands are soaring peaks, deep valleys, gushing waterfalls and mighty rivers, source of Southern Africa’s watershed. Down on the crescent shaped lowland plateau in the West lie most of Lesotho’s towns, cities and villages. Wide open, immense vistas are uncluttered by fences because of a tradition of communal grazing. The landscape here is strangely devoid of trees – except for clusters of peach trees around huts and in villages, offering vivid splashes of pink blossoms in the springtime and cosmos, which decorate Lesotho in Autumn.

Lesotho is the ultimate outdoor experience. Whether you are walking, mountain biking, pony trekking or 4x4-ing, you will be thrilled by this natural kingdom, enhanced by its friendly rural population. The remote, rugged countryside is spectacular and virtually undeveloped, giving the visitor the feeling of discovering the unknown.

Cosmos Flowers Decorate Lesotho at Easter Time

Lesotho, the ultimate eco-destination,
With 300 days of glorious sunshine.

Lesotho has held fast to its traditions and culture. Richly colored and patterned Basotho blankets are still worn routinely by large numbers of the people, as are the distinctive, conical-shaped woven straw hats.

The exquisitely made craft work produced in the country is highly prized by visitors, from intricately woven basketry, woolen tapestries and carpets, to fine beadwork and peasant-style pottery.

Horses and Basotho ponies are much prized by the people of Lesotho, providing a highly convenient form of transport in mountainous terrain. Similarly, pony-trekking is a popular draw card for visitors.
 

Mokhibo Dance

Another fascinating and entertaining tradition is stick-fighting, a unique form of martial art engaged in by herdsmen in the fields. The “Ndlamo” a type of stick-fight dance is the most popular with the young men and the “Mokhibo” by women, both are seen at most celebrations.

Hikes, trips and picnics in Lesotho are enriched by the abundance of rivers, streams and waterfalls. You can fish, swim or do white water rafting in the clear and unpoluted waters of Lesotho.


Useful facts about Lesotho

 

Climate

Healthy and invigorating, with more than 300 days a year of brilliant sunshine, Lesotho has well-marked seasons. Summer extends from November to January and is usually hot. Autumn days are warm and ideal for outdoor pursuits such as hiking and camping. Winter from May to July, heralds snow on the Maluti mountains. It can be bitterly cold at this time on the upper peaks but the days are generally sunny. It should be noted, however, that snowfalls can occur on the highlands at any time of the year. Spring usually arrives early and August is peach-blossom time in almost every village, turning the countryside into drifts of pale pink. Eighty-five percent of Lesotho’s rainfall – between 700 mm and 800 mm in most parts of the country – usually occurs between October and April, and brings the rivers down in full spates, providing ideal fishing conditions.

What to wear
During the summer months, light clothing is the most comfortable form of attire – but do bring a raincoat. Spring and autumn clothing should include a jersey (sweaters)  for the cool evenings. In winter, or if journeying into the Maluti mountains at any time of the year, heavy warm clothing such as thick jerseys, socks, windbreakers and jackets are essential.
 

How to get there

By Air
South African Air Link has three flights a day from Johannesburg International Airport, from where connections to the rest of the world can be made. The flight from Moshoeshoe 1 International Airport to Johannesburg International Airport takes approximately one hour and ten minutes.

By Road
The majority of visitors to Lesotho arrive by road. Fourteen border control posts offer entry into Lesotho from South Africa. Because of the ruggedness of terrain in some parts of the Mokhotlong and Qacha’s Nek districts, four-wheel drive vehicles are advised for these parts.
 

Customs Entry Regulations

All goods brought into Lesotho are subject to Custom control and baggage may be subject to examination.

Customs declarations are required upon arrival. False or incomplete declaration is an offence involving penalties, including forfeiture of any article.

Visitors from the Southern African Customs Union - Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland are not permitted to bring liquor into Lesotho.

Duty Free
The following items and quantities to a total value not exceeding M500.00 per person are allowed under rebate duty:

• One litre each of wine, spirits or any other alcoholic beverage.

• 400 cigarettes, or 50 cigars.

• 300 ml perfume.

Prohibited and Restricted Goods

Counterfeit coins or notes; dangerous weapons, including swords, cutlasses, bayonets, daggers, knives with cutting edges of 30 cm or more in length (excluding such knives as are ordinarily used for domestic purposes, agriculture or the meat trade); blasphemous material; indecent or obscene works or articles of an inflammatory nature such as certain pamphlets or posters.
 

Language

Lesotho has two official languages, Sesotho and English which are taught in all schools. English becomes the medium of instructions from the fifth year of primary school onwards. A large proportion of Basotho are thus able to speak English. (The inhabitants of Lesotho are the Basotho, the singular of which is Mosotho).
 

Roads

Road facilities in Lesotho are upgraded on an ongoing basis and over the last few years a significantly better network has been developing in a difficult terrain. The northern highlands have truly been opened up with the Lesotho Highlands Water Project’s tarred road being linked to the northern trunk route (the Main North 1), which in turn connects to improved roads at Caledonspoort and Ficksburg on the South African side. The southern trunk route – the Main South 1 – connects the capital, Maseru, by tarred road to Mount Moorosi, in Quthing district. Although road conditions in Lesotho have, in the past, been characterized as similar to those in many developing countries (i.e.) rather rudimentary), there are marked improvements making for better motoring conditions throughout the country.
 

Transport

Lesotho is well served by mainly privately owned buses and smaller passenger vehicles, especially between major centers. Prices for journey compare favourable with those in south Africa.
 

Driving licenses

Driving licenses issued in most countries are valid in Lesotho for a period of up to six months, provided that they are printed in English or are accompanied by a certified translation. International driving permits are also recognized.
 

Banks

Lesotho’s three commercial banks – Standard Bank, Ned Bank and Lesotho Bank 1999 Limited – offer exchange services in their main Maseru branches.
            Opening hours
             Monday to Friday – (except Wednesday) 08:30 – 15:30
             Wednesday 08:30 – 13:00
             Saturday 08:30 – 11:00
 

Postal Services

The post offices are open Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 16:30, and on Saturday from 08h00 – 12:00.
 

Business Hours

Shops Monday to Friday 08h00 to 18h00
Saturday 08h00 to 15h00
Most shops open on Sunday from 08h00 to 18h00
 

Civil Service

Monday to Friday
08h00 to 12h45 – 14h00 to 16h30
 

Tourist Information Office

Monday to Friday 08h00 to 16h30
Saturday 08h30 to 13h00
 

Telephones

Automatic trunk services operate between Lesotho and South Africa. Satellite connections facilitate communications between Lesotho and most European countries, the U.S.A., and some countries of South America and the Far East. Dial 109 to book your connection.
 

Public Holidays

New Year’s Day 1st January
Moshoeshoe’s Day 11th march
Hero’s Day 4th April
Good Friday Variable
Easter Monday Variable
Worker’s Day 1st May
King's Birthday 17th July
Ascension Day Variable
Independence Day 4th October
Christmas Day 25th December
Boxing Day 26th December
 

Electricity

The Lesotho Electricity Corporation is responsible for the generation, import and distribution of electricity within the country. The power supply to the consumer is 220 volts alternating current.
 

Time

Greenwich Mean Time plus two hours all year round.
 

Currency

Lesotho’s standard unit of currency is the Loti, equivalent to the South African Rand and divided into 100 lisente (cents).

Travellers’ cheques and major credit cards are accepted in Lesotho.

There is no restriction on foreign currency but all transactions must be conducted in Maseru.
 

Important Telephone Numbers

Police: +266-22317262 / 223172263
Queen Elizabeth II Hospital: +266-22312501 / 22312761
Maseru Private Hospital: +266-22313260
Leribe Hospital: +266-22400305
Paray Hospital (Thaba Tseka): +266-22900256 / 22900229
Mohale Dam Private Hospital: +266-22936228
Katse Dam Private Hospital: +266-22910348
Mission Aviation Fellowship: +266-22313790
Police Head Office: +266-22322099
Tourist Information Office: +266-22312427 / +266 58883310 / +266 58883504
South African Air Link: +266 – 22350418/9
 

Places to visit

MASERU

Caledon Crafts handwoven tapestries and carpets
P. Z07 Maseru West 105
Tel: +266 22313914 Fax: +266 22310252

Lesotho Cooperative Handicrafts:
Baskets, grass products, clay products.
P.O. Box 148 Maseru
Tel: +266 22322523

Moteng Weavers Handwoven tapestries and carpets.
Raboshabane Rd at Save the Children Fund
P.O. Box 964 Maseru Tel: +266 22311733

Gold Crown Jewellers LNDC Centre, Shop No 33
Tel: +266 22325500

Seithati Weavers Handwoven tapestries and carpets
P.O. Box 167 Maseru West Tel: +266 22313975
Thorkild Hand Weaving Wall hangings, place mats, carpets, shawls
P.O. Box 561 Maseru Tel: +266 22322378

BEREA

Hatooa-Mose-Mosali Tapestries, rugs, jerseys
P.O. Box 603 Teya-Teyaneng Tel: +266 22500530

Setsoto Design Pure wool and mohair jerseys, tapestries, rugs
P.O. Box 59 Teya-Teyaneng Tel: +266 22500238

Elelloang Basali Wall hangings, jerseys
P.O. Box 449 Teya-teyaneng Tel: +266 58851053

LERIBE

Leribe Craft Centre Table runners and mats, ponchos, scarves, shawls and bags.
P.O. Box 43 Leribe Tel: +266 22400323
 

Hotels

Lesotho has a number of comfortable, international-class hotels in the capital city Maseru.

Throughout the rest of the country, each district has accommodation, ranging from medium-sized hotels to smaller tourist lodges.

MASERU DISTRICT

Khali Hotel P.O. Box 1072 Maseru Tel: +266 58160329
Lakeside Hotel P.O. Box 602 Maseru Tel: +266 22313646
Lancer’s Inn Private Bag A216 Maseru Tel: +266 22312114 Fax: +266 22310104
Lesotho Sun Private Bag A68 Maseru Tel: + 266 22313111
Maseru Sun Hotel Private Bag A84 Maseru Tel: +266 22 312434 Fax: 266 22310158
Trading Post P.O. Box 64 Maseru Tel: +266 22340202
Morija Guesthouses P.O. Box 308 Morija Tel: +266 22360306 cell: +266 58859211
Mohale Guest House Private Bag A38 Mohale Dam Tel: +266 22936432
Marakabei Lodge Marakabei Tel: +266 22900398/58853003
Mabotlenyane Lodge P.O. Box 0945 Maseru Tel: +266 22336827
Mahloenyeng Lodge P.O. Box 7137 Maseru Tel: +266 22311396
Mmelesi Lodge P.O. Box 2039 Maseru Tel: +266 5882116 Fax: +266 312369
Mophato oa Morija P.O. Box 6 Morija Tel: +266 22360219
Molengoane Lodge P.O. Box 0945 Maseru Tel: +266 22347766

SEMONKONG DISTRICT

Mountain Delight P/Bag A35 Maseru Tel: +266 22323389
Semonkong Lodge P.O. Box 243 Ficksburg Tel: +27 519333106

BEREA DISTRICT
Blue Mountain Inn P.O. Box 7 Teya-Teyaneng Tel: +266 22430780
Palace Hotel P.O. box 1642 Maseru 100 Tel: +266 500700 Fax: +266 22500010

LERIBE DISTRICT
Leribe Hotel P.O. Box 14 Hlotse Leribe 300 Tel: +266 22400559
Sekeketse Hotel P.O. Box 142 Maputsoe Tel: +266 22430789

BUTHA-BUTHE DISTRICT
Crocodile Inn P.O. Box 72 Butha-Buthe Tel: +266 22460223
Cindi Lodge P.O. Box 192 Butha-Buthe Tel: +266 22460616
Moteng Lodge P.O. Box 526 Butha-Buthe Tel: +266 22460350
New Oxbow Lodge P.O. Box 60 Ficksburg 9730 Republic of south Africa Tel: +27 519332247
Butha-Buthe Youth Hostel P.O. Box 80 Butha-Buthe Tel: +266 22460027

MOKHOTLONG DISTRICT
Mokhotlong Hotel P.O. Mokhotlong Tel: +266 22920212
Senqu Hotel P.O. Box 13 Mokhotlong Tel: +266 22920330
Sani Top Chalet P.O. Box 12 Himeville 4585 Republic of South Africa Tel: +27 337021158 / 7021069

QACHA’S NEK DISTRICT
Central Hotel P.O. Box 20 Qacha’s Nek Tel: +266 22950224
Nthathua Hotel P.O. Box 167 Qacha’s Nek Tel: +266 22950260
Sehlabathebe Lodge P.O. Box 24 Maseru Tel: +266 22322876 / +27 839915591

QUTHING DISTRICT
Mountainside Hotel P.O. Box 13 Quithing Tel: +266 22785224
Orange River Hotel P.O. Box 37 Quithing 700 Tel: +266 22750252

MOHALE’S HOEK DISTRICT
Hotel Mount Maluti P.O. Box 10 Mohale’s Hoek Tel: +266 22785224
Monateng Lodge P.O. box 174 Mohale’s Hoek Tel: +266 22785337

MAFETENG DISTRICT
Golden Hotel P.O. Box 36 Mafeteng Tel: +266 22700566
Hotel Mafeteng P.O. box 109 Mafeteng Tel: +266 2270023
Malealea Lodge, Pony Treks & Hikes P.O. Box 119 Wepener 9944 RSA Tel/Fax: (051) 4473200 RSA, Cell: 082 5524215
 

Tour Operators

Global Tours
4th floor Post Office Bldg Maseru Tel: +266 22324877
MN Travel and Tours
P.O. box 373 Teya-Teyaneng 4th floor Post Office Bldg Maseru Tel: +266 22310938 / 58856067
Qiloane Tour Group
Tel: +266 22331837
Mokhoro Tours
John Edgar House Bowker Road Maseru Cell: +266 58845432
Thaba Tours
P.O. Box 64 Roma Tel: +266 22340678 / cell +266 588414/58864912
Millenium Travel and Tours
Ground Floor Agric Bank Bldg. P.O. box 13638 Maseru Tel: +266 22321080/325666
Eagle Highland Tours
Tel: +266 58739831/588852143/58741333 or +27 837749818
 

Travel Agents

SAA City Centre Maseru Travel
Maseru Book Centre Tel: +266 22314536/22310662
Fax: 22 314536 email: mampek.maserutravel@galileosa.co.za
MN Travel and tours
4th floor post Office Bldg. Maseru Tel: +266 22310938
Cell: +266 58856068/58841408
email: mannenan.mntravel@galileosa.co.za
Execu Travel Dolphin House
Tel: +266 22325113/22320527
Fax: +266 22310388/5877310 email: executravel@galileosa.co.za
Harvey World Wide Travel
1st Floor Victoria Hotel Tel: +266 22323706
Sure Astra Travel
Lesotho Sun Hotel, Tel: +266 22326540
cell:+266 825544235
 

Pony Trekking Operators

Malealea Lodge, Pony Treks & Hikes
P.O Box 119 Wepener 9944 RSA Tel/Fax: (051) 4473200 RSA cell: 082 5524215
Basotho Pony-trekking
P.O. Box 24 Maseru 100 Lesotho Tel: +266 22317284
Katse Pony-trekking
Tel: +266 22910276
Semonkong Lodge Pony-trekking and Hikes
P.O. Box 243 Ficksburg Tel: 27 519333106
 

Airlines

South African Air Link +266 22350418/9

Charter Airlines
Lesotho Defence force, Helicopter Section
Private Bag A 166 Tel: +266 22325425
 

Car Hire

AVIS Rent-a-Car
Moshoeshoe I International Airport Private Bag Z029, Mazenod Tel: +266 22350328
Lesotho Sun Avis Office
Tel: +266 22314325
Budget Rent-a-Car
Maseru Sun Hotel Tel: +266 22316344

PRIVATE TELEPHONE TAXIS (Cabs):

Moonlite Telephone Taxis +266 22312695/58852695
Luxury Telephone Taxis +266 22326211
Executive Car Hire and Travel +266 22314460
Fastline Delivery Service Taxis +266 22323666/58748239

 

Restaurants

The Hut Restaurant (Basotho Hat) +266 22325102/3/4
China Garden Restaurant (Chinese) +266 22313915
Gateway Restaurant +266 22312513/22320988
La’Cour Pub and Grill Restaurant BNP Centre
Rendevous (Lancers Inn) Tel: +266 22312114

 

Embassies

BELGIUM Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho
45 Boulevard General Wahis, 1030 Brussels, Belgium Tel: +322 7053976
Fax: +322 7056779 email: lesothobrussels@hotmail.com
CHINA Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho
302 Dong Wai Diplomatic Office Bldg, Dong Zhi Men Wai Da Jie
Cahoyang District Beijing 100600 Tel: +8610 65326843/4
Fax: +8610 65326845 email: boemeli@public.bta.net.cn
DENMARK Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho
Bogevej 17, 2900 Hellerup, Copenhagen
Tel: +4539 624343 Fax: +4539 621538 email: ccc23925@vip.cybercity.dk
EGYPT Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho
10 Bahr El Ghazal St. Saahafeveen, Cairo Tel: +202 7489545/7493211
Fax: +202 7489543 email: lesothocail@link.com.eg
ETHIOPIA Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho
P.O. Box 7483 Wereda 17 Kebele 23 H.2116/K, Addis
Tel: +2511 612828/614368/9 Fax: +2511 612837
email: mscaya@hotmail.com
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho
Dessauer Strasse 28/29, 10963 Berlin
Tel: +030 2575720 Fax: +030 25757222 email: lesoembger@aol.com
ITALY Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho
Via Di Porta Pertussa 4, Rome – 00165 Tel: +3906 39366708/39378183
Fax: +3906 8542527 email: lesothoembassy.rome@tin.it
LIBYA Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho
Tripoli Tel: +21821 4837741 Fax: +21821 4835502
email: lesothotripoli@yahoo.com
Republic of South Africa
High Commission of the Kingdom of Lesotho
391 Anderson St. Cnr. Thomas Edison, Menlo Park, Pretoria
Tel: +2712 4607640 Fax: +2712 4607649 email: lesothopretoria@mweb.co.za
SWITZERLAND Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Lesotho
44 Rue de Lausanne, 1201 Geneva Tel: +4142 9000505/8
Fax: +4142 9000525 email: missionlesotho@ties.itu.int
UNITED KINGDOM High Commission of the Kingdom of Lesotho
7 Chesham Place, Belgravia, London Tel: +44207 2355686
Fax: +44207 2355023 email: lhc@lesotholondon.org.uk
website: www.lesotholondon.org.uk
U.S.A. Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho
2511 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington, DC 20008
Tel: +001202 7975533/4/5/6 Fax: +001202 2346815
email: lesothowashington@compuserve.com
UNITED NATIONS Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Lesotho
204 East 39 Street, New York, NY 10016
Tel: +001212 661690/91/92 Fax: +001212 6824388
email: lesothoun@aol.com

Information provided by: Lesotho Tourist Information Office

Pictures by Mr. Dirk Schwagger, Thaba Promotions (pty) Ltd All rights reserved 2003