Things To Do
in Lesotho
Lesotho is a high-altitude kingdom surrounded entirely by South Africa, famed for its dramatic mountains and cliff-side villages. The country blends Basotho culture, craftsmanship, and alpine scenery across the Maloti Mountains. The capital Maseru serves as a gateway to scenic drives, cultural sites, and warm, hospitable guesthouses.
Visitors can hike, explore ancient forts, and enjoy traditional music and weaving in a country shaped by its peaks.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Moshoeshoe I International Airport and transfer to your boutique lodge in Maseru. Enjoy a traditional Basotho breakfast of maize porridge and sour milk while meeting your local guide. Acclimatize with a short stroll around town to absorb the vibrant atmosphere.
Wander through the bustling Maseru Central Market to admire colorful blankets, handwoven baskets, and locally made hats. Visit the National Museum to learn about Lesotho’s history and Moshoeshoe I’s legacy. Engage with artisans as they demonstrate traditional crafts in open-air stalls.
Attend a cultural performance featuring traditional Basotho music and dance at a local cultural center. Savor a hearty dinner of leqoqo (pumpkin and maize) stew paired with a refreshing sorghum beer. Relax on your lodge’s terrace under the clear African sky, listening to distant laughter and chatter.
Set out early for Thaba Bosiu, the sandstone plateau fortress of Moshoeshoe I. Enjoy a guided walk to the summit while learning about the founding of the Basotho nation. Gaze across the Somme and Senqu Rivers from this historic vantage point.
Explore the royal burial caves and ancient rock art sites on the plateau. Enjoy a picnic lunch featuring freshly baked bread, local cheese, and seasonal fruit. Listen to engaging stories from your guide about Lesotho’s rich oral traditions.
Head to a nearby village for an immersive Basotho dance demonstration under candlelight. Dine on freshly grilled meats and aromatic vegetable dishes. Retreat to your nearby lodge and unwind beside a crackling fire.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥖Loaf of bread | $0.50-1 |
| 🥛1 liter of milk | $0.80-1.60 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (1 km) | $0.40-1.00 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning mountain scenery and outdoor recreation
- Warm Basotho hospitality and culture
- Abundant hiking, horse riding, and scenic drives
- Limited infrastructure in rural areas
- Variable road conditions and altitude can be challenging
- Nightlife and dining options are more limited outside Maseru
- "Lumela" - Hello
- "U phela joang?" - How are you?
- "Kea leboha" - Thank you
- "Ka kopo" - Please
- "Ee" - Yes
- "Che" - No
- "Sala hantle" - Goodbye
- "Ha ke utlwisise" - I don't understand
Places to Visit in Lesotho
Visit one of these nice places.
One of Africa’s highest single-drop waterfalls, spectacular from the edge or from a cliff-side viewpoint along the gorge.
A flat-topped sandstone plateau with panoramic views and ancient fortifications; striking at sunrise or sunset.
Massive blue-green dam set against dramatic highland terrain, excellent for wide-angle lake and mountain compositions.
Urban riverside scenes with markets, street life, and mountain backdrops—great for candid city photography.
Remote, rugged landscapes with dramatic skies; ideal for landscape and wildlife photography.
Food in Lesotho
Lesotho Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Maize meal (pap) served with Morogo (wild spinach) and tomato relish; a staple pairing across households.
Must-Try!
Dried mopane worms prepared fried or boiled and served with pap; a protein-rich traditional snack and meal component.
Hearty stew featuring tender meat and morogo greens, often enjoyed with pap or rice.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub for fresh produce, maize meal, herbs, and ready-to-eat street snacks; great for sampling everyday Sesotho flavors.
Roasted maize, fried dough, and small fried bites sold by local vendors—perfect for a quick, inexpensive bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a warm hello (Lumela). Use the right hand for giving and receiving; show respect to elders; dress modestly in villages and when visiting religious sites; avoid loud behavior in public.
Safety
Tipping in Lesotho
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated but not always expected in rural areas. In Maseru’s restaurants, 5–10% is common; for guides and drivers, 20–50 Maloti per day is typical, more for excellent service. Many places in Lesotho accept cash (Maloti or South African rand); cards are increasingly accepted in towns but not always in rural spots.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Nov–Feb: Warm days with cool nights; frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Pack sunscreen, light layers, and a rain jacket; roads can become slippery after rain.
Mar–May: Mild days and cooler evenings; harvest-season markets begin to fill with fresh produce. Comfortable walking attire and a light jacket are recommended.
Jun–Aug: Cold, especially in the highlands; occasional snow above 2,000 meters. Bring warm layers, hat, gloves, and sturdy boots; some high passes may be closed after heavy snow.
Sep–Nov: Warming temperatures and lush scenery; good for hiking and outdoor photography as flowers bloom and trails dry out.
Lesotho at Night
Hiking in Lesotho
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
High-altitude routes offering panoramic vistas, shepherd huts, and scenic villages.
Forest valleys with marked trails, clear streams, and opportunities to spot wildlife.
Remote landscapes near the border with South Africa; dramatic rock formations and expansive skies.
Airports
How to reach Lesotho by plane.
Main international gateway to Lesotho; located near Maseru with connections primarily to Johannesburg and some regional destinations. Taxis and rental cars are available on arrival.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The overwhelming majority of the population, sharing a rich cultural heritage, language (Sesotho), and traditional crafts.
Smaller communities concentrated in urban areas and border towns.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; sunny weekend matches are common in towns and villages.
A favorite among youth and schools; matches are lively and community-centered.
Widely played in schools and local clubs; accessible for visitors to observe or join in.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Request vegetable stews, pap with Morogo, fresh salads, and grilled vegetables; inform cooks about cross-contamination in shared kitchens.
Most dishes rely on maize (pap) or meat with vegetables. Specify no wheat-based sauces or bread when ordering.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lesotho.