Question 1

What is the best time to travel to the Drakensberg and Lesotho?

Accepted Answer

Lesotho lies entirely at altitude and therefore has a different climate from what many travellers expect of Africa. During our European summer, it is winter in Lesotho. This means clear days, cold nights and even snow in the higher areas. These snow-covered mountain passes in particular require extra caution on the road.

Question 2

Do you need a 4x4 in Lesotho?

Accepted Answer

For many routes in Lesotho, a  4x4  is strongly recommended, and it is compulsory for the Sani Pass. Gravel roads, steep climbs and weather conditions can make the routes challenging. Driving the Sani Pass independently is not recommended, especially during snowfall.

Question 3

Can you also visit Lesotho without driving yourself?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. Various organised day trips and multi-day tours to Lesotho are available from South Africa. This is an option if you do not want to hire a  4x4  would rather not drive yourself, do not want to tackle the Sani Pass independently or would like to learn more from a local guide. We would be happy to help you organise a small-scale tour.

Question 4

Is Lesotho safe to travel through?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in general we consider Lesotho a safe and welcoming country to travel through. As everywhere, common sense remains important, but particularly in the mountain villages and during  homestays  many travellers find the local people friendly and helpful. As the infrastructure can sometimes be limited, we are happy to advise on routes and travel times so that you can set off well prepared.

Question 5

Which currency do they use in Lesotho, and can I pay with South African Rand there?

Accepted Answer

The official currency of Lesotho is the  Loti  (plural:  Maloti ). Its value is pegged one-to-one to the  South African Rand (ZAR) . You can therefore pay with South African Rand throughout Lesotho without any problems. Do bear in mind that you will often receive your change in Maloti; this currency cannot be spent outside Lesotho (in South Africa), so spend it before crossing the border.

Question 6

Do I need a visa to enter Lesotho with a passport?

Accepted Answer

Travellers with a Dutch or Belgian passport do not need a visa in advance for a tourist stay of up to  fourteen days You will receive a free stamp in your passport at the border crossing. However, your passport must still be valid for at least  three months  upon arrival and have sufficient blank pages. When crossing the Lesotho border in a South African hire car, you must be able to show the customs authorities an official cross-border permit from the hire company. The car must also have a valid registration certificate.

Question 7

Is there mobile coverage and internet everywhere in the mountains of Lesotho?

Accepted Answer

The mobile network is very patchy or completely absent in the deep valleys and on the high mountain passes. In the larger villages and towns, there is coverage via local providers such as Vodacom Lesotho. We recommend downloading offline maps for navigation in advance and bearing in mind that you will be offline during your stay in the mountain villages.