Interested in a country seemingly forgotten by time? A land where dinosaurs once roamed? A destination almost entirely made up of rugged mountains and timeless rural countryside? This Lesotho travel guide covers everything you need to know, from how to get there to what makes it worth visiting. Our adventure took us through Maseru and Lesotho’s main attractions, offering a deeper look at what travel here is really like. We share our insights on where to stay, where to eat and drink, and the best things to see and do. Our travel style is independent and immersive, with a focus on practical tips and useful things to know before visiting this obscure destination.
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Lesotho, ‘the mountain kingdom’. With mountains covering nearly 80% of this tiny country, mountain kingdom is no exaggeration. Perhaps the ‘land that time forgot‘ would also be a good description. Once you leave the modern comforts of the capital, Maseru, a transformation begins to take place. Thatched-roof stone huts replace fancy houses. Rivers flow through empty valleys, while shepherds stand guard over their flocks of sheep and goats. Donkeys are the main form of transport, and cows take the place of machinery. Out here, little has changed over time. This is the life of the Basotho people. This is Lesotho.
Why go to Lesotho?
Lesotho is a destination that requires a bit of effort – but gives so much in return. You won’t fully understand the country or it’s people by visiting only the capital, Maseru. It’s not until you leave the city behind and venture deep into the interior that you begin to appreciate what makes this place so special. Follow winding roads into remote corners, uncover ancient dinosaur footprints, discover age-old cave paintings, and meet traditional herdsmen. Lesotho is all about landscapes and scenery, stone clad mountains, and a deeply rooted rural life. It’s the perfect place to experience these wonders and journey back to a time when less was more.
Quick facts for travelling in Lesotho
- Capital: Maseru
- Best time to visit: September to May (Winter is June to August)
- Budget (mid-range couple): AU$130 per day
- Currency: Lesotho Loti (LSL)
- Language: Sesotho and English
- Visa requirements: No (for most nationalities)
- Travel difficulty: 2 (1 = basic & 5 = challenging)
Maseru
Maseru is where all the action happens – all roads lead here. If you can’t find it in Maseru, you probably won’t find it anywhere else in the country. Modern shopping malls are the city’s main hubs, and there are several to choose from. The city may not have any major must-see sites or attraction’s; however, it serves as an excellent base for exploring the rest of the kingdom. Lesotho’s points of interest are all spread across different regions of the country, which means you’ll likely be coming and going from Maseru several times during your journey.
Getting to Maseru
The capital, Maseru, is just a few minutes from the South African border, making access by road quick and easy. The South African city of Johannesburg is about a five-hour drive away. Maseru’s airport is conveniently located only ten minutes from the city, with regular flights connecting it to Johannesburg.
Where to stay in Maseru
Accommodation options mainly consist of hotels in the city centre, while a variety of Airbnb’s and guesthouses can be found in the surrounding neighbourhoods. Not much happens in the centre of town – most of the action takes place at one of the two large malls, Maseru Mall and Pioneer Mall. Staying within easy reach of one of these is the best idea. We stayed in the New Europa area, which we found great. Finding a place to stay outside the city, however, can be a challenge.
Where to eat and drink in Maseru
Many of Maseru’s most popular eating spots are located in the city’s two large malls, where locals love to socialise and eat. Plus, the supermarkets inside the malls feature delis with a wide range of freshly cooked goods. Checkers supermarket at Maseru Mall has an excellent deli. Likewise, the deli at Pick n Pay supermarket in Pioneer Mall often has lines out the door during the lunch hour. Outside the malls, roadside food stalls can be found in built-up areas, offering quick and tasty local bites at great prices.
- Get to Renaissance Cafe (located in Pioneer Mall. Offers a variety of tasty snacks and meals. Service is quick, and the staff are very helpful)
- Don’t miss No.7 Restaurant (Locals and travellers can be found here enjoying a delicious meal. Plus, by dining here, your supporting a good cause)
- Check out iindulge Cafe (a local house turned café serving a range of coffees, cakes, and cold drinks)
It’s not until you leave the city behind and venture deep into the interior that you begin to appreciate what makes this place so special.
Things to see and do in Maseru and Lesotho
Maletsunyane Falls is one of Lesotho’s most famous attractions. The impressive waterfall plunges 192 metres, making it one the highest in Southern Africa, and well worth the 2.5 hour drive from Maseru. Along the way you’ll pass through local villages, filled with sheep and donkeys. This is rural Lesotho at its finest.
Bokong Nature Reserve is a birding hotspot, home to several endangered species. You’ll also find opportunities for local homestays, giving you a chance to experience authentic Basotho hospitality.
Quthing Valley was once the stomping ground of dinosaurs. The valley is famous for its many well-preserved dinosaur footprints. Other sites with n find well preserved footprints are Morija, Roma, Subeng Stream and Tsikoane village.
Tsehlanyane National Park is known for its rugged landscapes rather than its wildlife. The park features remote waterfalls and unique endemic plants. Hiking and horse riding are two of the main activities here.
Scenic Roads Drives along Sani Tops, Gates of Paradise, Mafika Lisiu Pass, and The Northern Highlands Road offer breathtaking views. Although travel may be slow, the scenery is epic.
Getting around Maseru
Taxis, taxis, taxis – there’s no shortage of them. The small Hondas are everywhere, usually marked with a clear taxi sign on the roof and a yellow stripe. They are the number one form of public transport around the city. The city centre is small and compact, making it easy to get around on foot. Pioneer Mall is practically in town and can be reached by walking, while Maseru Mall is best reached by taxi. Vans departing from the central station travel to towns and villages across the country, clearly displaying their destinations on the front and back. Getting around can take time, so having your own car is by far the best way to explore the country.
Getting to Lesotho
Lesotho’s capital city, Maseru, has flights to neighbouring South African cities, with Johannesburg being the most popular. There is also a direct flight to Eswatini. Lesotho has fourteen border crossings with South Africa, making road access very easy. We entered this way, and crossing the border was straightforward, taking around twenty minutes.
We combined Lesotho and Eswatini on the same road trip, and it was a memorable adventure. Check out our Eswatini travel guide to find out why it’s well worth a visit
Useful things to know before visiting Lesotho
Travelling takes time. You can’t visit multiple sites in a single day.
Attractions are spread out in different directions and often take hours to reach.
Most ATM’s charge a withdrawal fee.
We found the Wise Multi-Currency Card works well here, making payments and ATM withdrawals easy – grab yours here and support our adventures.
Maseru has plenty of modern amenities and resources.
Outside of the capital, life becomes simple and traditional.
Having your own car is ideal for exploring.
If you’re arriving from South Africa in a hire car, make sure you have a permission letter from the rental agency to cross the border.
South African Rand is equal value to the local currency (the Loti) and is accepted everywhere.
Final thoughts on travelling in Lesotho
Lesotho is not an easy country to explore. Attractions are scattered across this tiny mountain kingdom, and reaching them often means hours of twisting mountain roads. For most destinations, you’ll need to return to Maseru before setting off to a different corner the following day. Lesotho is a destination that rewards you for your efforts.
Things change rapidly once you leave the capital. Houses quickly disappear, the city becomes a village, and the landscape turns raw and wild. Epic mountains, picturesque river valleys, and men tending their sheep fill the scene. Stone houses, donkeys carrying sticks – rural African life at its best. Over every mountain pass lies another impressive view. People wave as you pass, while goats take their time moving off the road. Lesotho is a place that transports you back in time – back to a time when life was less complicated. Lesotho is pure. Lesotho is peaceful.