Travel Tips for Lesotho

Travel tips to Lesotho, Getting There and around; Weather & Best time to Travel; What to wear; Health tips; Budget Accommodation in Lesotho.
Lesotho is a tiny landlocked country and enclave, surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. Lesotho is an absolutely beautiful country characterized by steep, rolling hills, deep valleys, mesmerizing vegetation. The landscape is just spectacular. The country prides in various sights to see, activities to indulge in, and places to visit. It is a country with so much to explore. Guideforafrica.com offers an assortment of useful tips to guide travelers during their travel and holidays in Lesotho.
When to Travel
Because of its altitude, Lesotho features a temperate subtropical climate meaning its cool for the most part of the year than you can possibly imagine. You need something more than just a windbreaker or a heavy long shirt, especially if you’re going into the Drakensberg Mountains. There is significant prevalence of frost during in winter. Most rain occurs between October and April with some thunderstorms. The best time to travel is usually in August at the start of the spring season.
Safety/ Security
Lesotho is a beautiful place, and you will enjoy it even more if you are prepared. However, caution is demanded to avoid being victimized by crooks. Lesotho visitors are encouraged to desist from discussing their travel plans or other personal matters with strangers. If planning a tour, hire a reputable guide recommended to you by the hotel. It is also better that the hotel management contacts a taxi for you than trying to hire one yourself. Do not to go out alone especially to isolated locations. If possible confide in someone at your hotel to know where you are going and when you plan to return.
Where to Stay
Finding a good, comfortable and affordable stay in hotels is equally important. If you are traveling to Lesotho, especially the first timers, it’s recommended that you always book your hotel accommodation in Lesotho well in advance. Similarly those planning for Lesotho holidays, it’s plausible to make prior arrangements for your lodging and accommodation. When you are planning travel to Lesotho, endeavor to find out the Hotel room status online. You can also establish your accommodation using the online Lesotho Map. If you can’t get accommodation in the city itself, it should be located at a suitable distance from the main tourist attractions.
Eating Out
There are quite a number of good eating spots / restaurants in most cities of Lesotho. However, visitors are cautioned about where to eat from. Don’t eat in a restaurant where there is no one else. This is a sign that food may not be fresh. To avoid being cheated ask for the menu charges before placing your order. Be vigilant about the area’s sanitation. Your travel agent should be of more importance in this situation.
Health Safety
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers coming from infected areas. Visitors are also advised to take pre-arrival precautions against typhoid, hepatis 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); Lesotho has one of the world’s highest rates of HIV-Aids infection.
Language
Sesotho and English are the main dialects in Lesotho. Visitors are urged to learn to say a few words in the local language (like “please” “thank you”, “yes”, “no”, “this taste is very good”). It will help a lot especially when you get to interact with the local people in unavoidable public places like hotels and even the travel guide.
Shopping
Basotho hat; grass woven items (mats, brooms, baskets); pottery; wool and mohair rugs; tapestries; textiles; rock painting reproductions; traditional seed, clay, bead and porcupine quill jewelery; silver, gold and ebony items; copper work; African chess sets. The Basotho Hat Store is a good place to find local crafts.
Dress Code
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.
Money/Travelers Checks
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 traveler’s cheques is limited outside Maseru. Ensure that you have local currency in smaller denominations to avoid being cheated.
Tipping
Tipping is highly recommended at restaurants and hotels in Lesotho. Check the restaurant bill, some add on a surcharge [service fee], so you don’t need to tip. Also tip special tour guides or travel agents who work with you, drivers you have for a few days especially if they are very good to you.
For more appropriate travel information to Lesotho, travelers are urged to guidebooks normally provided by only the registered Lesotho tour operators.