Social ConventionsIf spending some time in rural villages, it is polite to inform the Head Chief. It is likely that he will be very helpful. Normal social courtesies and a friendly, warm approach will be greatly appreciated. Dress should be practical and casual but local customs should be respected (including those regarding modesty in dress). Religion plays an important part in daily life.
Photography: Photographs must not be taken of the following: the palace, police establishments, government offices, the airport or monetary authority buildings.
International Travel:Getting There by
AirLesotho’s national airline has closed down.
South African Airways (SA) has daily flights to Maseru from Johannesburg (flight time - 1 hour 10 minutes).
Departure TaxLSL20; transit passengers and children under 5 years are exempt.
Main AirportsMaseru (MSU) (Moshoeshoe International) is 18km (11 miles) south of Maseru.
To/from the airport: Buses go to the city (journey time – 30 minutes).
Facilities: Bank and bureau de change, bar, restaurant, flight information, left luggage facilities, car hire and post office.
Getting There by RailLesotho is linked with the South African railway system by a short line (2.6km/1.6 miles) from Maseru to Marseilles, on the Bloemfontein/Natal main line. However, this is only used for goods trains at present.
Getting There by RoadThere are three major road links to South Africa: at Caledonsport, Ficksburg Bridge and Maseru Bridge. Other crossing points exist, but the road surfaces are not as good. Maseru Bridge and Ficksburg Bridge are open 24 hours a day. Caledonsport is open by 0800 but may close as early as 1600.
Bus: Minibuses run regularly between Maseru and Johannesburg.
Road tax: M5, payable by all travelers leaving Lesotho by road.
OverviewThe following goods may be imported into Lesotho without incurring customs duty:
400 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco;
1l of spirits and 2l of wine (irrespective of age);
50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette;
gifts up to value of LSL500.
(a) Goods with serial numbers must be declared. (b) No alcohol may be imported by South African nationals.
Internal Travel:Getting Around by RoadTraffic drives on the left. The road system is underdeveloped and few roads are paved. The main road which runs through the towns from the north to the western and southern borders is tarred, but other roads can be impassable during the rainy season. There are
minibuses in the lowlands.
Car hire is available in Maseru. It is advised not to drive in rural areas at night (or even walk around Maseru at night). There have been incidents of mugging and vehicle hijacking.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is recommended. National driving licenses are normally valid, provided that they are either in English or accompanied by a certified translation. Enquire at the High Commission or Embassy for details.
Journey TimesThe following chart gives travel times (in hours and minutes) from
Maseru to other towns in Lesotho.
| Road |
| Teyateyaneng | - |
| Mokhotlong | 7.00 |
| Qachas Nek | 8.00 |
| Mohales Hoek | 1.30 |
| Mafeteng | 1.00 |
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