Getting Around Lesotho
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use minibuses for Maseru and lowlands. Rural: Rent a 4x4 car for mountain exploration. Highlands: Shared taxis and buses. For convenience, book airport transfers from Maseru to your destination.
Train Travel
Intercity Buses
Lesotho has no passenger trains; buses connect major towns like Maseru to Mafeteng and Quthing with daily services.
Cost: Maseru to Mohale's Hoek M50-100, journeys 2-4 hours on paved roads.
Tickets: Buy at bus stations or from drivers; cash only, no advance booking needed.
Peak Times: Early mornings (5-8 AM) for market days, avoid afternoons for delays.
Bus Passes
No formal passes exist; repeated bus trips offer no discounts, but frequent riders negotiate with operators.
Best For: Multiple town visits over days, budget savings for 3+ short trips.
Where to Buy: Local bus ranks in Maseru or district capitals; informal system, pay per ride.
Long-Distance Options
Buses link to South Africa via border posts; no high-speed, but reliable for Johannesburg connections.
Booking: Reserve seats a day ahead at stations for border routes, minimal fees.
Main Hubs: Maseru Bridge Bus Terminal, with onward links to Bloemfontein.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for highlands and remote areas. Compare rental prices from M300-600/day at Maseru Airport or Avis in capital.
Requirements: Valid license (international if non-SADC), credit card, minimum age 23.
Insurance: 4x4 recommended for gravel roads; full coverage essential due to terrain.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 60 km/h urban, 100 km/h highways, 40 km/h in villages.
Tolls: Minimal, some border fees; no vignettes required for internal roads.
Priority: Yield to livestock and pedestrians, especially in rural mountain passes.
Parking: Free in most areas, but secure spots in Maseru cost M10-20/day.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations sparse in highlands at M15-20/liter for petrol, M14-18 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation in remote areas.
Traffic: Light overall, but potholes and weather cause delays in rainy season (Oct-Mar).
Urban Transport
Maseru Taxis & Minibuses
Shared minibuses (taxis) cover the city, single ride M5-15, day unlimited M20-30.
Validation: Pay conductor upon boarding; routes follow fixed paths, hail anywhere.
Apps: Limited; use local advice or Google Maps for main routes.
Bike Rentals
Bike hires available in Maseru and eco-lodges, M50-100/day with basic stations.
Routes: Flat lowlands suitable, but steep hills limit use in highlands.
Tours: Guided mountain biking in Malealea for adventure seekers.
Buses & Local Services
Public buses in Maseru and inter-district routes operated by private firms.
Tickets: M5-10 per ride, buy from driver or stations with cash.
Rural Links: Minibuses connect villages, M20-50 for short hauls.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus ranks in towns for easy access, central Maseru for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for winter (Jun-Aug) and Morija Festival.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for weather-affected highland plans.
- Amenities: Check for heating, hot water, and proximity to transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G in lowlands and Maseru, spotty 3G in remote mountains.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from M50 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Vodacom Lesotho, MTN, and Econet offer prepaid SIMs from M20-50 with fair coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, shops, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 2GB for M50, 5GB for M100, unlimited for M200/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, lodges, and some cafes; limited in rural areas.
Public Hotspots: Main bus terminals and tourist sites have basic free WiFi.
Speed: 5-20 Mbps in urban areas, sufficient for browsing and calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: South Africa Standard Time (SAST), UTC+2, no daylight saving.
- Airport Transfers: Moshoeshoe I Airport 18km from Maseru, taxi M150 (20 min), or book private transfer for M200-300.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus stations (M20-50/day) and hotels in major towns.
- Accessibility: Limited on rough roads; urban buses have basic access, highlands challenging.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed in private vehicles; check bus policies, rarely on public transport.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on bus roofs for M20-50 fee, secure in rentals.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Lesotho
Moshoeshoe I International Airport (MSU) is the main gateway. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Moshoeshoe I (MSU): Primary international hub, 18km southeast of Maseru with taxi links.
Mejametalana (M33): Small airstrip for charters, used for scenic flights.
Sani Pass Airstrip: Remote for highland access, limited to light aircraft.
Booking Tips
Book 1-2 months in advance for winter travel (Jun-Aug) to save 20-40% on fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tue-Thu) cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Fly into Johannesburg (JNB) and bus/train to Lesotho for savings.
Budget Airlines
CemAir and FlySafair connect from Johannesburg with regional flights.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and ground transport when comparing costs.
Check-in: Online 24 hours before, airport fees apply for walk-ins.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in Maseru and towns, fees M10-20, use major banks to minimize charges.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in hotels, limited elsewhere; cash preferred.
- Contactless Payment: Emerging in cities, but cash dominant for transport and markets.
- Cash: Essential for buses, taxis, and rural spots; carry M200-500 in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary, but M10-20 for exceptional service in lodges.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid borders with poor exchanges.