Lesotho

Quick Facts

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Capital

Maseru

Population

1,862,000

Government

Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy

Religions

Christianity, Indigenous beliefs

Languages

South Sotho, English

Calling Code

+266

Nationality

Mosotho (singular), Basotho (plural)

Introduction

Sunset over the valley

© All Rights Reserved Nat and Ev

Landlocked by South Africa, Lesotho is much more than an idle passing-through place. It is itself a magnificent destination, best enjoyed by hiking, or, alternatively, pony-back riding. Surrounded by stunning mountain ranges, which have been an essential strategic element in warding off invaders, the country (which is comparable in size to Belgium) achieves the somewhat confusing distinction of having the highest lowest point of any country in the world, riding high at over a kilometre above sea level. It's an impressive geography that has had notable impacts on the country's development. While modernity has caught up with Lesotho, traditional life has been maintained effortlessly. Maseru, the capital, has a relaxed setting, though it is rapidly developing into a tight urban centre, much like the nation itself - a picture of laid-back life in the midst of fast modernization.

Brief History

Geography

Regions

Cities

• Maseru, the capital
• Quthing
• Teyateyaneng
• Hlotse (or Leribe)
• Mafeteng

Sights and Activities

Ponytrekking in the mountains

Malealea horseman

© All Rights Reserved HansNL

There are several excellent places in Lesotho to go for some ponytrekking, of which the country is famous for. The best known places are around Malealea in the west of the country and Katse near the Katse Dam.

Sani Pass

Home to the both the highest mountain road as well as the highest pub in Southern Africa. It is the road that connects South Africa's (KwaZulu Natal) Drakensbergen with Lesotho but a 4wd is advisable especially when it has been raining or snowing! In winter there is even the opportunity to ski 300 meters down the slopes of the Sani pass.

Maletsunyane Falls

These 200 meter high waterfalls are located near Semonkong, a small town in central Lesotho, about a two hour drive from the capital Maseru. The area is great for walking, ponytrekking and is even accessible with a 4wd.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Lesotho's climate is harsh and mainly because of its elevation quite different from many other surrounding countries. In summer it is mostly warm to hot with occasional showers. Temperatures are between 30 °C and 35 °C during summer days and around 15 °C at night. Winters are relatively dry with temperatures around 10 °C to 15 °C during the day and below 0 °C at night from June to August. Sometimes, some snow is possible but not often.

Getting there

Plane

Moshoeshoe I International Airport (MSU) near the capital Maseru receives international flights. Sout African Airlink flies there to and from Johannesburg.

By Train

By Car

By Bus

Buses travel between the capital Maseru and the South African city of Bloemfontein, taking about 2 hours to cover the route.

By Boat

Getting Around

By Plane

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Red Tape

Money

Work

Study

Language

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

Post

Districts

Lesotho is comprised of 10 districts.

• Berea
• Butha-Buthe
• Leribe
• Mafeteng
• Maseru
• Mohale's Hoek
• Mokhotlong
• Qacha's Nek
• Quthing
• Thaba-Tseka