The Basics
Country: Lesotho
Where is it?: Lesotho is surrounded by South Africa
Why do people go here?: To escape the racial tension in South Africa and to enjoy the mountains and friendly accommodating people.
What are the main entry points?: South Africa surrounds it
Currency used: Loti
Country Code for Phones: 266
Area codes for Major Cities: No area codes required
Religion: Christian 80%, indigenous beliefs 20%
Population: 2 million
Ethnic Breakdown: Sotho 99.7%, Europeans, Asians, and other 0.3%,
Government: Constitutional monarchy
Languages: Sotho, Southern, English
Travel Information
Major Cities: Maseru
Attractions: Teyateyaneng, Thaba-Bosiu
Tourism Office locations and links: www.lesotho.gov.ls
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Diamond Mines, Hersdmen Huts, Ha Baroana Rock Paintings
Health Issues: Malaria
Tips for Visiting
When to go: Since it’s high in the mountains, the weather can be cold, wet and foggy. Best chances to avoid this is January through March.
Common Phrases: Yes = E-Ea, No = Ch, Hello, Good Morning, Good Afternoon = Lumela (s) Lumelang (pl), How are you? = U phela joang? (s) Le phela joang? (pl) = How are you? – Le kae?. Thank you = Kea leboha, What is your name? = Lebitso la hau U mang?
Specific Events/Holidays: Moshoeshoe: March 11, King’s Birthday: July 17, National Independence Day: October 4
Getting Around: Buses work best here.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Lesotho is the Maseru Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Lesotho travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
