Lesotho Flights and Travel Guide

Language

English is the official language, but Sesotho, Xhosa and Zulu are widely spoken.

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Money

The official currency is the Loti (LSL) or plural Maloti, which is divided into 100 lisente. It has the same value as the South African Rand, and Rands are accepted as legal currency. Banks and exchange bureaus are found in Maseru and in most main towns. Most major hotels, shops, restaurants and travel agencies accept credit cards; it is best to check with credit and debit card companies as to their acceptance before leaving. Travelers checks can be cashed at banks in Maseru. Local ATMs in Lesotho have the facility to accept international ATM cards but are unreliable.

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Communications

The international dialing code for Lesotho is +266. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the U.S.). There are no city/area codes required. Telephone and fax services are available in all main towns and at major hotels. Internet cafes are available in Maseru. A GSM 900 mobile network is limited to the main urban areas and has limited active roaming agreements with other mobile phone operators; visitors should check with their local networks to see if they have roaming agreements with the operators in Lesotho.

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Tipping

All service staff, including tour guides and game rangers, are customarily tipped between 10 and 15 percent, which they rely on to boost their low wages.

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Safety

Most visits to Lesotho are trouble-free, but there has been an increase in opportunistic crime due to a high unemployment rate in the cities. Most incidents occur in Maseru, but visitors should also be alert elsewhere to theft, car hijackings and muggings. Muggers often target foreigners and foreign vehicles have been involved in recent hi-jackings near Malealea Lodge south of Maseru. Avoid walking around with valuables or keep them out of sight, and do not walk alone in isolated areas or in Maseru after dark. Driving through rural areas after dark is also not recommended. Sporadic demonstrations are possible and should be avoided.

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Health

Lesotho's high altitude and crisp mountain air does not present many health problems for travelers. A yellow fever certificate is required from travelers coming from an infected area and typhoid, hepatitis A and polio vaccination is recommended. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. There is a lack of good medical facilities and medical attention is often sought in neighboring South Africa; visitors should carry a personal supply of medicines, as supplies are limited. Lesotho's Flying Doctor service provides emergency medical services to remote parts of the country. Medical insurance is essential and should include emergency air evacuation coverage, especially if planning to spend time in remote mountainousregions.

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Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. The three-prong, round-pin South African plug is used.

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