Climate

Temperate climate with well-marked seasons. Summer is the rainy season; 85% of rainfall occurs from October to April, especially in the mountains. Snow occurs in the highlands from May to September. The hottest period is from January to February. Lesotho has more than 300 days of sunshine a year.

Accommodation

The majority of suitable expat housing is located within certain areas and there are many suitable free-standing homes monitored by personal security guards. Secure estates or “compounds” are also available and these are also monitored by security guards or companies.

Schooling

There are 2 international schools in Maseru. One offers the American Curriculum and one offers an academic curriculum leading to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education.

Healthcare

Medical facilities in Lesotho are limited and there is no ambulance service. Treatments for some cases may require transfer to a South African hospital; good facilities are available in Bloemfontein, 145km (90 miles) west of Maseru. Lesotho is at a very high altitude and visitors should take care to acclimatise to these surroundings before exerting themselves. Some may experience altitude sickness upon arrival but this will usually dissipate after a day or two of acclimatisation. Vaccinations are recommended for Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus and Typhoid.

Shops

Shopping hours Mon-Fri 0800-1100, Sat 0800-1200, Sun 0800-1300 (some shops in Maseru only).

Culture

Always refer to an elder person, or a person of higher social standing as N’tate (male) or M’e (female). Always respond to people, it is very offensive to ignore someone who greets you. Never get angry at anyone; in the Basotho culture, people never show frustration towards others, and if you do, then you can easily offend someone. Titles are used to address others in very formal situations; otherwise, first names are used.

Money

The unit of currency is the Loti (LSL) (plural Maloti). There are ATMs at banks in most towns, although you will not find them elsewhere. Most banks will change travellers cheques for you, but it can be a very lengthy process if they are in any other currency apart from ZAR. Your cashcard may work in some Maseru cash machines (FNB or Standard Bank) but best to get cash out in beforehand. Credit cards will be accepted in Shoprite and the main hotels, but not elsewhere.

Hospitality

The Basotho enjoy having guests. Most rural visiting is done without prior arrangement because telephone and mail services are limited. It is extremely discourteous to enter a home without announcing one’s presence. When visitors arrive, even if unexpected, the hosts will often invite them to stay for something to eat and, if they are far from home, offer them shelter for the night.

Transportation

Driving is on the left hand side of the road. The road system is underdeveloped and few roads are paved. The main road is tarred, but other roads can be impassable during the rainy season. An Int Driving Permit is recommended. National driving licences are normally valid, provided that they are either in English or accompanied by a certified translation.

Greetings

Greeting customs vary, but in general Basotho shake hands and say either Lumela (“We believe the same”) or Khotso (“Peace be with you”), followed by U phela joang? (“How are you?”). If acquainted, people make polite inquiries about each other’s
family. The greeting process can take several minutes before evolving into conversation, and people may hold the handshake for some considerable time. When two people are passing on the street, or do not expect to engage in conversation, only the two basic greetings are used. There is also a formality to farewells. When leaving, it is customary to say Sala hantle (“Stay well”), while the person staying responds with Tsamaea hantle (“Go well”).

Safety

Lesotho is a very safe destination, and you will find the people warm, welcoming and friendly. Crime occurs in some of the bigger towns, but it’s not a rampant problem. Hitch-hiking, although never recommended, seems not to involve much risk in Lesotho. On the last Friday of every month (pay day) there are big street parties and a lot of drinking. These are usually happy events, but may get somewhat out of hand.