Lesotho's name translates into "the land of the people who speaks Sesotho".
Lesotho is a beautiful country at the foot of the Drakensberg
Mountains. Otherwise known as the Kingdom in the Sky, because of its
high altitude and mountain peaks, Lesotho offers the traveller a
different face of Africa, which is closer to alpine in climate,
scenery and vegetation. Invigorating mountain air, spectacular
panoramas and a rare bird life combine to attract outdoor enthusiasts
from all over the world. Popular ways of exploring the countryside is
through hiking, and trekking by 4x4's or on the back of ponies.
CAPITAL
Maseru
CURRENCY
1 Lesotho Loti = 100 lisente.
South African Rands are accepted. Visa, Access/MasterCard and Diners Club credit cards have limited acceptance and the use of traveller's cheques is limited outside Maseru.
CUSTOMS
Duty Free Allowances
- 500 Lesotho Loti's worth of gifts
- 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco
- 1 litres of wine
- 1 litre of spirits
- 50 ml of perfume
- 250 ml of eau de toilette
SPECIAL NOTES
- Alcohol may not be brought in
- Firearms, ammunition and pets require a permit
- Goods with serial numbers must be declared
(NB! For full information, please contact the nearest Embassy of Botswana.)
ELECTRICITY
220 volts, 50 Hz. Plugs are 2- and 3-pin round.
HEALTH
Visitors coming from yellow fever infected areas need a vaccination certificate. It is also advised you take precautions against:
typhoid
hepatitis A and polio
Other health concerns include minimal medical facilities; unavailability of
many medicines; food- and water-borne illnesses, particularly
amoebiasis, typhoid fever and cholera; influenza (risk is May-Oct);
AIDS; and tetanus.
HOURS
Banking Hours 8.30am -3.30 pm Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri; 8.30 am-1 pm Wed; 8.30 am-11 am Sat
Office Hours 8am-12.45 pm & 2 pm-4.30 pm Mon-Fri; 8 am-1 pm Sat
Shopping Hours 8am-5 pm Mon-Fri; 8 am-3 pm Sat
LANGUAGE
English
POPULATION
2.031.000 Million
LITERACY
84.8%
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
New Years' Day (1 Jan); Moshoeshoe (11 Mar); Heroes Day (4 Apr); Good
Friday (9 Apr); Easter Monday (12 Apr); Labour Day (1 May); King's
Anniversary (17 Jul); Independence Day (4 Oct); Christmas Day (25
Dec).
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS
Main religions are Christianity and traditional African religions - these
and the older generation should be respected. Normal courtesies and
friendliness will be appreciated. Dress is casual, but modest. For
business, dress in a lightweight suit and tie and observe usual
formalities, but expect a casual atmosphere and pace.
TIME DIFFERENCE
GMT+2
TIPPING
Tipping is recommended at hotels and restaurants.
GEOGRAPHY
The country comprises of distinct diverse landscape regions. There are
high plateaus, low hills and mountains. Winter is usually very dry
and summers are hot and wet.
GETTING THERE
Fly from Johannesburg to Maseru or drive from Johannesburg on N1 South.
