How to Find Cheap Hotels in Lesotho

Completely surrounded by South Africa, Lesotho has struggled to carve out an identity distinct from that of its larger neighbor. Its mountains and traditional villages provide a quiet getaway for those seeking a break from South Africa.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Credit card
• Passport or visa
• Computer with Internet access

Know Your Destination

1. Prepare to pay an airport departure tax of USD $4.50.
2. Exchange money or use ATMs to get malotis in Maseru--it's the only place in Lesotho you can do either. Do it early in the day, as banking hours are short.
3. Avoid making comparisons with South Africa. The local Basotho people take pride in being from Lesotho, and not South Africa.

Organize Transportation in Lesotho

4. Arrive by plane at Moshoeshoe International Airport, 18km southeast of Maseru.
5. Take a minibus taxi from Ladybrand or Bloemfontein, South Africa.
6. Travel between towns by slow bus or minibus.
7. Hitch a ride on a truck in the more remote areas, as it's the only way to get around.

Find Accommodations in Lesotho

8. Search for a mission or Agricultural Training Centre, where you may be able to get accommodations for a cheap rate.
9. Camp in the smaller villages for a cheap and unbeatable experience.
10. Look for cheap accommodations near the university town of Roma, where in addition to dinosaur footprints, you'll find the Ha Baroana rock paintings.

Be Familiar With Local Information

11. Hike in Lesotho's high country for one of the most amazing trekking experiences in Southern Africa.
12. Take a ride on a Basotho pony through some remote and beautiful locales in the highlands.
13. Be sure to see the ancient San paintings in the village of Malealea, which are hidden in rock shelters. The town itself is set among mountains and valleys, making it one of Lesotho's must-see destinations.
14. To book accommodations in Lesotho, call South Travels at 011-63-35-419-8329 or visit the link below.

Tips & Warnings

• Citizens of most Western nations are given free entry permits upon entry.
• Minibus taxis are quicker than slow buses but usually do not travel long distances.
• Negotiate a fare when arranging a ride on a truck.
• There are no direct buses to Maseru from the major South African cities.
• Cheap accommodations are rare in Lesotho.
• The capital city of Maseru is not for those traveling on the cheap. Unless you're staying at the Anglican Centre, don't stay for more than a night if you're low on money.
• Respect the mounds of stones (cairns) marking graves.
• Add to a mound of stones near a trail for good luck by spitting on a stone and throwing it onto the pile.
• The capital city of Maseru is fairly safe but violent crimes do occur.