- How to get here
By Air
South African Air Link: 4 flights/day (Mon–Sat), 3 on Sun from Johannesburg to Maseru (1hr10min).
By Road
11 border posts from South Africa.
4×4 vehicles recommended for Mokhotlong & Qacha’s Nek.
- Entry requirements
Custom Entry Regulations
All goods are subject to Customs control.
Baggage may be examined; declarations required.
False/incomplete declarations incur penalties.
Duty Free Allowances
2L wine, 1L spirits, 200 cigarettes, 250g pipe tobacco, 20 cigars, 50ml perfume (total value ≤ M500).
Prohibited & Restricted Items
Counterfeit money, dangerous weapons (e.g., long knives), obscene or inflammatory material.
Pets, plants, seeds require permits/quarantine.
- Banking & Foreign Exchange
Banks
Standard Lesotho Bank, FNB, and Nedbank offer forex services in Maseru.
Nedbank Pioneer Mall open Sundays (09h00–12h00).
Foreign Exchange
Western Union & Interchange
Locations: Moshoeshoe Airport & Pioneer Mall.
Open weekdays and limited hours on weekends/public holidays.
- Transport & Communication
Roads
Well-maintained tarred routes from Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
Good access via Caledonspoort, Ficksburg, and South 1 (to Maseru).
Road Safety
- Keep your passport and driver’s licence safely.
- Drive in sober mind without the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Keep your passport and driver’s licence safely.
- Do not drive with an expired motor vehicle licence disc.
- Do not pay bribes to traffic police.
- Pay traffic fines at Sub Accountancy, Revenue Services Lesotho or Magistrate Court.
- Pullover safely at Police roadblocks.
- Fasten your seatbelt, stick to the speed limit and obey traffic rules.
- Do not leave a vehicle unattended in a public roadblock.
Driving Licenses
Most foreign licenses accepted up to 6 months (if in English).
International Driving Permits are valid.
Languages
Official languages: Sesotho and English.
English widely spoken and used from early schooling.
- General Information
Climate
Summer (Nov–Jan): Hot & sunny.
Autumn: Warm, perfect for outdoor activities.
Winter (May–Jul): Snow in Maluti Mountains.
Spring: Blooming countryside, rafting season.
What To Wear
Summer: Light clothes + raincoat.
Spring/Autumn: Jersey for evenings.
Winter or mountains: Thick warm gear, jackets, windbreakers.
- Service Hours
Business Hours
Shops: Mon–Fri: 08h00–18h00 | Sat–Sun: 08h00–13h00
Civil Hours
Mon–Fri: 08h00–12h45 | 14h00–16h30
Postal Services
Mon–Fri: 08h00–16h30 | Sat: 08h00–12h00
