Lesotho Travel
Travel to Lesotho to discover an adventurer’s playground. A landlocked country entirely surrounded by South Africa, the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho is famous for its natural beauty, rugged terrain and rich local culture and traditions. Visitors here will be enthralled by the wide selection of adrenaline activities including skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, pony trekking, hiking and abseiling.
Holidays in Lesotho also offer a tranquil retreat where you can take part in more leisurely pursuits. Things to do include boating, fishing and birdwatching. You can explore the country’s fascinating history by visiting rock art sites, viewing ancient relics and learning about the locals’ tradition and culture in rural Basotho villages.
Why visit Lesotho
- It’s home to the Sani Pass, South Africa’s most challenging yet rewarding 4x4 route.
- Lesotho is known for its picture-perfect scenery.
- Known as ‘The Kingdom in the Sky’, it’s the only country in the world that’s elevated above 1,000m.
- The country is rich in relics of its prehistoric past, including dinosaur footprints preserved in sandstone.
- The continental climate makes it ideal for snow activities.
- You can view wild animals in their habitat in two different nature reserves: Ts’ehlanyane National Park and Bokong Nature Reserve.
- It boasts one of only two ski resorts in Southern Africa, Afriski, situated 3,222m above sea level.
- The country’s natural attractions, including Maletsunyane Waterfalls and Katse Dam, are spectacular.
For adventurous families, friends and couples, Lesotho promises an exciting holiday in a magnificent setting. Let Thompsons Holidays arrange your Lesotho holiday package.
What to do in Lesotho
The tiny country of Lesotho is entirely landlocked and offers a unique experience for holidaymakers. Located just 540km from Johannesburg, Lesotho is home to the only ski resort in Southern Africa – Afriski, located in the Maloti Mountains. But that’s not all. There are things to do in Lesotho for every type of traveller, whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or want to enjoy some peace and quiet while you’re trout fishing. Lesotho offers a staggering amount of activities, including skiing, sailing, kayaking, quad biking, off-road biking and much more.
Things to do in Lesotho
- Go pony trekking on a legendary Basotho pony.
- Enjoy hiking in the various national parks and reserves.
- Go canoeing on Mohale or Katse Dam.
- Try white-water rafting in the mountain streams.
- Brave the staggering 4x4 route on Sani Pass.
- Enjoy snowboarding in the Maloti Mountains.
- Abseil in Maletsunyane Falls, the world’s highest commercial abseil point.
- Visit Thaba Bosiu mountain, where King Mashoeshoe founded the kingdom of Lesotho in the 19th Century.
- Explore Kome, a village full of cave dwellings carved beneath towering rocks.
- Have a drink in Africa’s highest pub at Sani Mountain Lodge.
You can get to know the friendly local people, enjoy fabulous food, go skiing in the winter months or just soak up the beauty and tranquility around you. Whatever you decide to do, and whatever type of Lesotho holiday packages you’re looking for, whether with friends, family or a loved one, Thompsons Holidays will make it happen.
Know before you go...
When is the best time to visit?  Â
- The best time to visit Lesotho is in October and November or March and April.
- The rainy season is from November to April. The rainy season is also the hottest time – January and February.
- Summer (from October to April) is hot and humid, often reaching 30°C.
- Flight duration from Johannesburg to Lesotho: 1 hour.
- Driving time from Johannesburg to Lesotho: 4 hours, 30 minutes.
- South African passport holders do not require a visa to enter Lesotho if they are staying less than 3 weeks.
- Make sure your passport is valid for 3 months after your trip.
- Time zone – same as in South Africa.
- The official currency is the Maloti (MKW).
- South African Rands are very widely accepted in the country, although you may well receive change in Lesotho currency.
- Tipping is widely accepted in Lesotho. Tip 10% for services rendered, at your discretion.
- English and Southern Sotho are traditional languages.
- A number of other languages including Zulu, Sesotho, and Xhosa are also spoken.
- Christianity is the dominant religion in Lesotho.
- The water in Lesotho is safe to drink. Buy bottled water if you wish.
- No vaccinations are currently required but check with your travel clinic before you go.
What must I pack?Â
- Depending on when and where you visit, lightweight clothing for summer, warm clothing for winter, rain gear, beachwear if relevant and ski gear if travelling to a ski resort. Choose items that can be layered.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Sunscreen, lip balm, hat and sunglasses for summer holidays.
- Mini first aid kit and regular prescription medication.
- Hand sanitiser and insect repellent.
- Camera.
- Travel adaptor.
Getting aroundÂ
- Transport within Lesotho includes cars or public transport (coaches or minibus taxis).
What can I do to be a responsible traveller?Â
- Wherever possible, buy local food and souvenirs and support local artisans.
- Avoid single-use plastic; rather take fabric shopping bags with you and use refillable water bottles (when local drinking water is available).
- Respect each other's cultures and customs and avoid imposing your beliefs.
- Do not support animal encounters and wildlife activities that are harmful or unethical.
Safety tips Â
- Always have a map (or app) on hand, especially when travelling at night.
- Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.
- Keep your belongings safe – use the hotel safe for passports and valuables and watch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers when out and about.
What do I do in an emergency?Â
- If passports or valuables are stolen, report the theft to the hotel/police immediately.
- Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist.
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