Maseru Travel Guide

Complete objective information on Maseru travel, including where to go shopping and Accommodations, Getting There, Public Transport in Maseru City, Tourist Attractions and Weather in Maseru
Situated in the north-western part of the country, Maseru is the city capital of Lesotho. It lies in northwest of the country on the Caledon River along the border with Free State province of neighbouring South Africa. Maseru is the administrative hub of the government home to several government departments and ministries. The city has a population of approximately 227,880 residents (1996 estimates).

Maseru city
History
Maseru initially functioned as the state’s administrative capital between 1869 and 1871, before administration of Basutoland was transferred to the Cape Colony. During their rule between 1871 and 1884, Basutoland was treated similarly to territories that had been forcefully annexed, much to the chagrin of the Basotho. This led to the Gun War in 1881 and the burning of many buildings in Maseru. In 1884, Basutoland was restored its status as a Crown colony, and Maseru was again made capital. When Basutoland gained its independence and became the Kingdom of Lesotho in 1966, Maseru remained the country’s capital.
Climate in Maseru
Maseru city features a Subtropical Highland climate, characteristic of hot, rainy summers and cool to cold, dry winters. The average mean daily temperature during summer—from December to March in the Southern Hemisphere—is 22°C. June and September is winter season in Maseru and average temperature is 9°C. It’s hottest in Maseru in January with temperatures rising up to 33°C. During the coldest month, July, the temperatures range from negatives to 17°C. The average rainfall ranges from 7mm in June to 142mm in February.
Accommodation in Maseru
Lesotho accommodation ranges from luxury to budget and economy and guest houses. In addition, luxury, most of them are equipped with the classy facilities and services. Synonymous with coziness and comfort, they satisfy the desires of most of their guests. Mid range accommodation options include Foothills Guest House, Mohokare Guest House, Seilatsatsi Bed & Breakfast, Boikhutsong Bed & Breakfast, Lakeside Hotel, Mpilo Lodge and Victoria Hotel.  Other options are Black Swan Guest House, Mohale Lodge, Molengoane Lodge, Khali Hotel, Maseru Hotel and Casino, Phomolo Self-Catering Guest House, Scenery Guest House.
Tourist Attractions
Basotho Hat – the principal handicrafts centre; the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Victories; the Papal Pavilion; Thorkild Hand Weaving and Moteng Weavers; Lancer’s Gap, for views of the city and Caledon Valley; the Peach Blossom Route, in August explore the nearby orchards by car or on pony; Roma; Morija with its National Museum; and Matsieng featuring the Royal Summer Palace. Another must see attraction is the Mokorotlo, one of the country’s most monumental buildings. Other sights include the Royal Palace, the Parliament building, the State House and the multi-purpose 25,000-capacity-seater Setsoto national Stadium.
Shopping in Maseru
Maseru is the best place for shopping in Lesotho as it offers unlimited options. During your City Tour, shopping is something you can really look forward to. Catering to different tastes of the different visitors, Maseru offers a lot. The city boasts several local market places along with numerous modern complexes brimming with shops that sale a wide range of item such as modern electronic, lifestyle stuff, clothing, households and much more. The supermarkets and food markets are some of the popular Shopping Options in Maseru. Best places to go shopping in Maseru are the Basotho Hat Store, OK Shopprite and the Fruit & Veg City. Thorkild Hand Weaving and Moteng Weavers is another amazing for shopping where visitors check out some of the well-designed hand made captivating items including grass woven items (mats, baskets); tapestries; pottery; rock painting reproductions; wool and mohair rugs, textiles, bead and porcupine quill jewellery; silver, traditional seed, clay, gold and ebony items, copper work, African chess sets, etc.
Public Transport in Maseru
Major public transportation is by minibus and taxis. There is a main bus stop along Moeshoeshoe Street, but private city cabs for hire are also available for a fare of M20.
The city also has the country’s Moshoeshoe International Airport (2km from the city centre), which is the only direct link of the country with the rest of the world. It handles a couple of daily flights from Maseru to Johannesburg. Important to note is that most flights are fairly expensive.

City Garden
Night Life & Entertainment
Maseru city nights are always enchanting. With a large section of young generation socializing at nights, night life has become a major activity in the city. Vacationers and business travelers keep the city nightclubs and pubs jammed with all sorts of fun. Almost all restaurants have bars and many bars have night clubs where the atmosphere is always comfortable. Nightlife in Maseru is not just drinks, dining and partying, there are many different options to choose from to enjoy Maseru such as Party-Dates, Bars, casinos, Clubs, Live Music performances / Karaoke, Discos & Dance. Lesotho Sun Hotel on Hilton Road, Victoria Hotel on Kingsway Road and Malealea lodge in Malealea Village are some of the most-happening night spots in Maseru.