Attractions
The capital, Maseru, has some beautiful landmarks, e.g. B. the historic cemetery and the royal palace. The Prime Minister’s residence is also worth seeing. From Maseru there are various day trips with minibuses or trips on your own.
Excursions:
Not far from Maseru, the Bushmen’s Ha-Khotso rock carvings can be admired. Nearby is Mount Thaba Bosiu, where the Basotho heroically rebelled against the Boers.
The South
Lesotho is fairly well developed for tourism and is ideal for trips to the Metlejoeng Caves (2 km south of Mohale’s Hoek ), the dinosaur footprints at Maphutseng and Moyeni, the Masitise Cave House and the Taaba Ts’oeu Mountain Petrified Forest. There are hotels in Moyeni and Mohale’s Hoek. The new Orange River Hotel offers horseback riding, canoeing, mountaineering and mountain hiking. In the southeast lies one of the most beautiful regions of Lesotho: Ramanbanta, Semonkong (with the Maletsunyane Falls ), the Sehlabathebe National Park and theMont-aux-Sources National Park are among the highlights of every trip to Lesotho.
Pony trekking
The most ideal means of locomotion through the mountain landscape of »African Switzerland« is the Basotho pony. Treks of different lengths are offered, riding skills are not required. First and foremost, group rides are available on three different routes; two of them lead to the great waterfalls at Ribaneng, Ketane and Maletsunyane. Upon arrival in Semonkong, holidaymakers can either fly back to Maseru or continue the ride for two days and return to Maseru by car from Ha Ramabanta. The Molimo Nthuse Roundtrek starts at the Molimo Nthuse Lodge, which is also the seat of the Basotho Pony Trekking Centre. This trek leads over the Thaba Putsoa Pass and ends at Ha Markabei Senqunyane Lodge on the second day. On the way back, Molikaliko and Qiloane Falls are visited and on the fifth day, the return to Molimo Nthuse is started. In the predominantly rural regions, visitors stay in the tribal huts of the Basotho.
Shopping
Overview
Basotho hats, grass mats, pottery, wool and mohair runners, tapestries, textiles, silver and gold objects, copper and ebony work. Shop opening times: Mon-Fri 08:00-17:00, Sat 08:00-15:00.
Nightlife
Introduction
Some hotels and restaurants offer live entertainment. There are cinemas in Maseru and the two largest international hotels have casinos.
Culinary
Overview
International specialties are on the menu in the larger hotels in the capital Maseru. Halal dishes, freshwater fish and seafood, as well as French, Italian and Chinese cuisine are represented here. Many foods are imported from South Africa. Drinks: The better restaurants have a good selection of wine, beer and spirits.
Accommodation
Hotels
In the larger cities there are hotels of different standards. In the more remote regions, visitors can find accommodation in mountain huts. New hotels have recently been built in Maseru, Leribe and Masionokang, and many hotels in Maseru meet international standards. Further information from the Lesotho Tourist Board (see addresses).
Culture
Religion
80% Christians, 20% natural religions.
Social Rules of Conduct
When staying in a village, it is good manners to get in touch with the village chief. The usual forms of politeness are appreciated. Clothing should be practical and casual, and visitors should be considerate of local customs. Photographing: Photographing public buildings and facilities, people in uniform and military vehicles requires permission from the police. Tipping: 10% is customary in hotels and restaurants.
Climate
Best travel time
Temperate climate with four distinct seasons. rainy season in summer. 85% of precipitation in the mountains falls between October and April. In the highlands it snows from May to September. January and February are the hottest months. Lesotho enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year.
Country data
Phone prefix
+266
Area (sq km)
30355
Population
2,142,249 (Source: homosociety)
Population density (per square km)
64
Population statistics year
2020
Main emergency number
121
