Destination: Lesotho
Kingdom of Lesotho
Mountains, valleys, and rivers provide memorable scenery for tourists. This is where Lesotho gets its crystal clear water as well as green pastures for livestock. Minerals such as diamond are found in the mountains. Indeed, Lesotho is the Kingdom in the Sky.
Capital: Maseru
Lesotho officially the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a landlocked country and enclave—entirely surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. It is just over 30,000 km2 in size with a population of approximately 2mill. Lesotho is the southernmost landlocked country in the world. It is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The name "Lesotho" translates roughly into "the land of the people who speak Sesotho". About 40% of the population live below the international poverty line of US$1.25 a day.
Popular descriptions of this rugged country, with majestic beauty and serene simplicity, are "Mountain Kingdom" and "Kingdom in the Sky".
Economy
Tourism is one of the biggest sources of income to the country. Major construction work has been under way in recent years to create the Lesotho Highlands Water Project to supply South Africa with fresh water.
Lesotho depends on South Africa as an employer, and as buyer of its main natural resource - water. Textile exports have been hurt by the erosion of trade concessions, but appear to be expanding again
Religion
The population of Lesotho is estimated to be around 90% Christian. Roman Catholics, the largest religious group, make up around 45% of the population. Evangelicals comprise 26% of the population, and Anglican, Latter Day Saint (LDS) and other Christian groups an additional 19%. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Baha'i, and members of traditional indigenous religions comprise the remaining 10% of the population.
Culture
Basotho are a nation that has solid traditions, beliefs and customs. The annual Morija arts festival portrays at the best level the rich culture and celebrations that Lesotho is truly proud of. If you want to be part of these celebrations you will be welcomed with smiling faces. And in the villages, you will be offered the traditional porridge -- Motoho. Come and experience a wealth of savoury food, natural attractions, and reserves.
Geography: The Basotho Hat - The Nations Symbol
The Maluti Mountains, spurs of the Drakensberg range, extend north and south. They form a high alpine basalt plateau up to 3400m in height. The highest point is Thabana Ntlenyana 3482m in the north-east. Snow and frost may be found even in summer on the highest peaks. The rich volcanic soils of the foothills and mountains are some of the best in the country.
The sources of two of the principal rivers in South Africa, the Orange and the Tugela, are in these mountains. Tributaries of the Caledon River, which forms the country's western border, also rise here.
Fast Facts
Tipping: Tipping has become standardized in Lesotho, with 10% to 15% added to your bill for good service.
Visa: Is not required for tourist staying up to 30 days.
Vaccines: Consult a doctor as to which vaccinations you will require, but they will most likely include Hep A, Hep B, and Typhoid. If you are staying in rural areas for a long time then a rabies shot would be a good idea.
Currency: Lesotho loti/Loti (LSL) or South African rand (ZAR)
Credit card: There are ATMs at banks in most towns, although you will not find them elsewhere. Most banks will change travellers cheques for you, but it can be a very, very lengthy process if they are in any other currency apart from ZAR. Credit cards will be accepted in Shoprite and the main hotels, but not elsewhere. Your cashcard from home may work in some Maseru cash machines (FNB or Standard Bank) but best to get cash out in South Africa beforehand.
Language: Sesotho and English
Climate: Because of its altitude, Lesotho remains cooler throughout the year than other regions at the same latitude. Most of the rain falls as summer thunderstorms. Maseru and surrounding lowlands often reach 30 °C (86 °F) in summer. Winters can be cold with the lowlands getting down to −7 °C (19.4 °F) and the highlands to −18 °C (−0 °F) at times. Snow is common in the highlands between May and September; the higher peaks can experience snowfalls year-round.
Drives on: Left
Time zone: UTC+2