Welcome to Lesotho 😊
Lesotho, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, is known as the Kingdom in the Sky, because it is situated at high altitudes with the Maloti Mountains dominating the landscape. The country is bordered by South Africa, which entirely surrounds it. With a rich history and culture, Lesotho offers stunning landscapes, including mountain ranges, valleys, and rivers. The country is famous for its pony treks and is home to the highest pub in Africa.
Quick Facts About Lesotho
- Currency: Lesotho loti
- Population: 2.1 million
- Languages: Sesotho,English
Money and Finances
The currency in Lesotho is the Loti (LSL). Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50 lisente, and notes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 maloti.
ATM Network
ATM networks in Lesotho are not very extensive. It is best to carry cash or traveler's checks.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are not very widely accepted in Lesotho, especially outside of major cities. Visa and Mastercard may be accepted at some hotels and restaurants, but American Express is not commonly accepted.
Internet and Phones
Internet in Lesotho is not widely available outside of the urban areas, and the average internet speed is relatively slow, with an average download speed of 5Mbps and upload speed of 2Mbps. There is no reported government interference in internet use in Lesotho.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
The main telco companies in Lesotho are Vodacom Lesotho, Econet Telecom Lesotho, and Telecom Lesotho. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is relatively expensive, with a basic plan starting at around 200 Loti ($14 USD) per month. There are no reported sim compatibility issues in Lesotho.
Dialling to Lesotho
To call Lesotho from another country, dial the international access code followed by the country code (266) and then the seven-digit subscriber number. When dialling within Lesotho, use the local seven-digit subscriber number without the country code, and also be aware that different area codes are used for different regions and cities.
Transport Around Lesotho
Air Travel
Lesotho has one major airport, Moshoeshoe International Airport in the capital city Maseru. It serves both domestic and international flights.
Train Travel
Lesotho does not have any inter-city train network.
Metro / Local Trains
Lesotho does not have any local train network within major cities.
Buses
Lesotho has a limited bus network that connects major cities and towns. A ticket from Maseru to Leribe costs around 30 LSL (2 USD) and takes 2-3 hours.
Rideshare
Uber is available in Maseru, the capital city of Lesotho. The average cost for a 10-minute ride is around 30 LSL (2 USD).
Driving by Car
Driving in Lesotho is relatively easy, but roads can be narrow and winding in some areas. The usual speed limit is 80 km/h on highways and 50 km/h in urban areas. Lesotho drives on the left-hand side of the road.
Local Customs
In Lesotho, it is not common to tip, especially in rural areas. Locals generally greet each other with a handshake or a simple nod of the head. It is also common to ask about each other's health and well-being as a form of greeting. When speaking with strangers, it is important to be respectful and avoid controversial topics. Men and women usually address each other formally, with titles such as 'Mister' or 'Madam'.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
Lesotho has a public healthcare system, but it faces many challenges such as a shortage of medical personnel and limited resources. Medical facilities are not as advanced as in other countries, and private healthcare is expensive. It's recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation in case of serious illness or injury. A visit to a doctor can cost approximately USD 20-50.
COVID Situation
Lesotho has reported a low number of COVID-19 cases compared to some other countries. However, it's important to follow the health measures, such as wearing a mask and practicing social distancing, as the situation can change at any time.
Common Health Risks
Malaria is present in Lesotho, especially during the rainy season, so it's recommended to take prophylactic medication and use mosquito repellent. Other health risks include food poisoning, cholera, and water-borne diseases. It's important to drink bottled or filtered water and be cautious about eating raw or undercooked food.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
In Lesotho, alcohol consumption is legal for individuals who are 18 years or older. However, public intoxication and driving under the influence are strictly prohibited.
Recreational Drugs
Lesotho has strict laws against illegal drugs, including cannabis. Possessing or using any illegal drug can result in imprisonment or heavy fines.
Pre-Marital Relationships
While there are no laws specific to pre-marital relationships in Lesotho, sex outside of marriage is generally discouraged in the country's conservative culture.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Homosexuality is illegal in Lesotho and can result in imprisonment for up to five years. The country's laws do not recognize same-sex relationships in any way.
Firearms / Guns
Lesotho has tight regulations on firearms, and the use of guns and firearms is often limited to security personnel. The possession of firearms without a permit can result in imprisonment or heavy fines.