LESOTHO WILDLIFE GUIDE

Lesotho is a landlocked country in southern Africa that was originally inhabited by various San and Khoi people. The Bantu-speaking Basotho people arrived in the area during the 16th century and established a number of small chiefdoms.

In the early 19th century, the Basotho chief Moshoeshoe I united several of the smaller chiefdoms and established the Basotho nation. Moshoeshoe successfully resisted attacks from both the Zulu kingdom and the Boer settlers in neighboring South Africa.

In 1868, Moshoeshoe signed a treaty with the British, which established Lesotho as a British protectorate. Lesotho gained independence from Britain in 1966 and has been a constitutional monarchy ever since, with a parliamentary system of government.

Lesotho has faced a number of political and social challenges since gaining independence. In the 1970s, a military coup overthrew the elected government, and the country was ruled by a military government until the early 1990s. In 1993, a new democratic constitution was adopted, and multi-party elections were held.

In recent years, Lesotho has faced a number of economic and social challenges, including high levels of poverty, HIV/AIDS, and political instability. The country is heavily reliant on remittances from migrant workers in South Africa, and has struggled to diversify its economy.

Despite these challenges, Lesotho remains a culturally rich and vibrant country, with a strong sense of national identity and a rich history and heritage. The Basotho people have a rich tradition of music, dance, and storytelling, and Lesotho is known for its stunning natural beauty, including its highlands, mountains, and rivers.

Country Code: +266.

Crime: Lesotho is generally considered to be a safe country for travelers, but like any country, there is some level of crime.

Property Crime

Property crime, such as theft and burglary, is the most common type of crime in Lesotho. Tourists and expatriates are particularly vulnerable, as they may be perceived as wealthy and are often targeted by thieves.

Carjacking

Carjacking is a relatively common crime in Lesotho, particularly in urban areas. Tourists and expatriates should exercise caution when driving and avoid parking in unlit or secluded areas.

Street Crime

Street crime, such as pickpocketing and mugging, is a concern in some areas of Lesotho. Tourists and expatriates should be particularly cautious in crowded areas and should avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables.

Fraud and Scams

Fraud and scams, particularly those involving online transactions, are on the rise in Lesotho. Tourists and expatriates should exercise caution when conducting financial transactions and should only do so with reputable businesses and individuals.

Currency: Lesotho Loti.

Electricity: Type M (3-pin round).

Language: English and Sotho are both official languages.

LGBT: In Lesotho, homosexuality is illegal and punishable by imprisonment. Under section 16(2) of the country’s Penal Code, “carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature” is considered a criminal offense, and the punishment for conviction can range from five years to life imprisonment.

Lesotho is a conservative country, and attitudes towards the LGBT community are generally negative. Same-sex relationships are not recognized under Lesotho law, and there are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Despite the illegality of homosexuality, there are a few organizations that work to support the LGBT community in Lesotho. These organizations provide advocacy, support, and resources for individuals who identify as LGBT, and they work to promote greater acceptance and understanding of LGBT issues in Lesotho.

Population: 2.281 million (2021).

Prime Minister: Sam Matekane.

Lesotho is a small country with a limited number of foreign embassies. Here are some of the largest and most notable foreign embassies in Lesotho, along with their addresses.

Embassy of the United States of America, 254 Kingsway Road, Maseru West, Maseru, Lesotho.

High Commission of the Republic of South Africa, 2 Mokalanyane Road, Old Europa, Maseru, Lesotho.

High Commission of the United Kingdom, Queen’s Road, Old Europa, Maseru, Lesotho.

Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Plot No. 343, Mokoai Street, Old Europa, Maseru, Lesotho.

High Commission of the Republic of India, 7th Floor, Mutual House, Kingsway Road, Maseru, Lesotho.

Lesotho is a small country with a limited number of hostels, but there are still some great options for budget travelers looking for affordable and comfortable accommodations.

Semonkong Lodge

Located in the town of Semonkong, this hostel is known for its stunning location near the Maletsunyane Falls. The hostel offers a range of accommodations, from camping sites to private rooms, and it has a restaurant and bar on site.

Molumong Eco Lodge

Situated in the village of Molumong, this hostel offers simple but comfortable accommodations in a traditional Basotho-style lodge. The hostel is eco-friendly and features a restaurant, bar, and outdoor seating area with views of the surrounding mountains.

Lesotho Sky Adventures Lodge

This hostel is located in the town of Roma and is geared towards adventure travelers. The hostel offers a range of accommodations, including dorms and private rooms, and it has a restaurant and bar on site. The hostel also offers a range of outdoor activities, including mountain biking and hiking.

Maliba Lodge

While technically not a hostel, this lodge offers affordable and comfortable accommodations in a stunning location near the Ts’ehlanyane National Park. The lodge offers a range of accommodations, including private chalets and rooms in the main lodge, and it has a restaurant and bar on site.

Katse Lodge

Located near the Katse Dam, this lodge offers affordable accommodations in a scenic location. The hostel has a range of accommodations, including dorms and private rooms, and it has a restaurant and bar on site.

It’s worth noting that some of these hostels may be a bit more expensive than traditional backpacker hostels in other parts of the world, but they still offer great value for budget travelers looking to explore Lesotho. Additionally, these hostels tend to fill up quickly during peak travel season, so it’s a good idea to book in advance.

Lesotho is a small country with only two national parks. Despite their small size, these parks offer visitors a chance to experience the country’s unique landscapes and wildlife.

Sehlabathebe National Park

This remote park is located in southeastern Lesotho and covers an area of 6,500 hectares. The park is characterized by rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and high-altitude grasslands.

It is home to a variety of wildlife, including eland, mountain reedbuck, and bearded vultures. The park is also a great place for hiking, camping, and bird watching, with over 300 bird species recorded in the area.

Ts’ehlanyane National Park

This park is located in the highlands of northern Lesotho and covers an area of 5,560 hectares. The park is characterized by rugged mountains, deep valleys, and dense forests of indigenous trees, including the endangered Cape ash.

It is home to a variety of wildlife, including baboons, monkeys, and a small population of leopards. The park is a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding, with several well-marked trails and campsites available.

Both national parks offer visitors a chance to experience Lesotho’s unique natural beauty and wildlife. Visitors should be prepared for the rugged terrain and extreme weather conditions, as the parks are located at high altitude and can experience harsh winter conditions.

However, with proper preparation and a sense of adventure, a visit to Lesotho’s national parks can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience.

Lesotho is a beautiful country with a variety of tourist attractions.

Maletsunyane Falls

This is one of Lesotho’s most famous natural attractions, with water cascading 192 meters into a pool below. Visitors can hike to the top of the falls for spectacular views or take part in adventure activities like abseiling or zip-lining.

Katse Dam

This impressive dam is located in the highlands of Lesotho and is one of the country’s largest man-made attractions. Visitors can take tours of the dam and learn about the engineering and construction involved in creating it.

Thaba-Bosiu

This historical site is located near the capital city of Maseru and is the site of the traditional stronghold of King Moshoeshoe I. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the history of the Basotho people.

Sani Pass

This scenic mountain pass connects Lesotho with South Africa and is a popular destination for 4×4 enthusiasts and hikers. The pass climbs to an altitude of 2,876 meters and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Maluti Mountains

These majestic mountains form the eastern border of Lesotho and offer stunning scenery and great hiking opportunities. The mountains are also home to a variety of wildlife, including baboons, antelope, and eagles.

Lesotho Sky

This annual mountain biking race attracts participants from around the world and takes riders on a challenging course through some of Lesotho’s most spectacular scenery.

Most visitors to Lesotho are required to obtain a visa prior to arrival. However, some countries are exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 90 days.

Visitors from the following countries do not require a visa to enter Lesotho: South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, Mozambique, and Namibia. For visitors who do require a visa, there are several types of visas available, depending on the purpose of the visit.

These include:

Tourist Visa

This type of visa is for visitors who plan to visit Lesotho for tourism purposes. It is usually valid for up to 30 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days.

Business Visa

This type of visa is for visitors who plan to conduct business activities in Lesotho, such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts. It is usually valid for up to 90 days and can be extended for an additional 90 days.

Study Visa

This type of visa is for visitors who plan to study in Lesotho, such as attending a university or language school. It is usually valid for the duration of the study program.

To apply for a visa to Lesotho, visitors must provide the following documents:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
• A completed visa application form
• Two passport-size photos
• Proof of accommodation arrangements in Lesotho
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the expenses during the visit
• Travel itinerary or return ticket

Visa applications can be submitted to the Lesotho embassy or consulate in the visitor’s home country. It is recommended to apply for a visa well in advance of the intended travel dates to allow for processing time.

Lesotho is a mountainous country, which means that its climate can vary widely depending on altitude and location. Generally, the country experiences a temperate climate with cool to cold temperatures throughout the year.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the weather in Lesotho.

Summer (December to February)

This is the warmest time of the year in Lesotho, with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F) in the lowlands and valleys. At higher elevations, temperatures can be cooler, with average temperatures ranging from 10 to 20°C (50 to 68°F). Thunderstorms are common during the summer months, particularly in the afternoons and evenings.

Autumn (March to May)

Temperatures begin to cool down during the autumn months, with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 20°C (59 to 68°F) in the lowlands and valleys. At higher elevations, temperatures can be much cooler, with average temperatures ranging from 5 to 15°C (41 to 59°F). Rainfall decreases during the autumn months, but occasional showers can still be expected.

Winter (June to August)

This is the coldest time of the year in Lesotho, with average temperatures ranging from 10 to 15°C (50 to 59°F) in the lowlands and valleys. At higher elevations, temperatures can drop below freezing, with snow and frost common. Sunny and dry weather is common during the winter months, although occasional snowfall or freezing rain can occur.

Spring (September to November)

Temperatures begin to warm up during the spring months, with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 20°C (59 to 68°F) in the lowlands and valleys. At higher elevations, temperatures can still be cool, with average temperatures ranging from 5 to 15°C (41 to 59°F). Rainfall increases during the spring months, with occasional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.

Overall, Lesotho’s climate is characterized by cool to cold temperatures and a wide range of weather conditions, including thunderstorms, snow, and frost. Visitors should be prepared for variable weather conditions and pack accordingly, particularly if they plan to visit higher elevations or during the winter months.