One of the most important holidays in Lesotho is Independence Day, celebrated on October 4th to mark the country's independence from Britain in 1966. This day is celebrated with parades and speeches across the country.
Another significant holiday in Lesotho is Moshoeshoe Day, observed on March 11th to commemorate the life and achievements of King Moshoeshoe I, who founded the Basotho nation in the 19th century. Celebrations include traditional dances, music performances, and feasting in villages and towns throughout the country.
The Harvest Festival or "Phetola" is another important event in Lesotho's calendar. It takes place in early March or late February, depending on when the harvest starts and ends. This festival celebrates the end of the planting season and the beginning of the harvest. People gather together to sing, dance, and feast, expressing gratitude for a successful harvest.
Additionally, Easter and Christmas are widely celebrated in Lesotho as religious holidays. During these times, many people attend church services and participate in family gatherings and feasts. In some parts of the country, traditional songs and dances are performed during these festivities.
Finally, the annual Maletsunyane Braai Festival is a popular cultural event that takes place in Semonkong in November. It features local musicians, food vendors, and cultural performances, as well as a braai (barbecue) competition. The highlight of the festival is a 204m abseil down the Maletsunyane Falls, which is one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in Africa.
Lesotho has two main tourist seasons:
1. Summer Season: December to February
- This is the peak tourist season in Lesotho, the weather is warm and sunny with occasional thunderstorms. The average temperature ranges from 15°C to 28°C.
- It is recommended to bring light clothing for warmer days and a rain jacket for possible thunderstorms.
- Activities during this season include hiking, pony trekking, and visiting cultural villages.
2. Winter Season: June to August
- This season is popular for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding at Afriski Mountain Resort.
- The average temperature during this season ranges from -5°C to 10°C.
- It is recommended to bring warm clothing including jackets, hats, gloves, and snow boots.
Note: Please be advised that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions and guidelines may change at any time. It is important to check with local authorities before planning your trip.
Some special visa rules for visiting Lesotho include:
1. Visa-free entry: Citizens of certain countries do not require a visa to enter Lesotho, including those from South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.
2. Visa on arrival: Citizens of some countries can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport or border crossing, including those from the United States, Canada, Australia, the European Union, and New Zealand. The cost of a visa on arrival is approximately 150 ZAR (10 USD).
3. Advance visa application: Citizens of other countries must apply for a visa in advance through the nearest Lesotho embassy or consulate. The cost of an advance visa application varies depending on the country and may range from 400 ZAR (25 USD) to 1000 ZAR (65 USD).
It's important to note that visa requirements and fees are subject to change, so travelers should always check with the relevant authorities before making travel plans to Lesotho.
Some of the best souvenirs to buy from Lesotho include:
1. Basotho Blankets: These blankets are made from wool and come in various colors and designs. They cost around 400 ZAR and can be bought at any local market or craft shop.
2. Mokorotlo Hats: These hats are a symbol of Basotho culture and are made from woven grass. They cost around 150 ZAR and can be bought at any local market or craft shop.
3. Mohair Products: Lesotho is known for its high-quality mohair products, including scarves, shawls, and blankets. Prices vary depending on the product and where it's purchased.
4. Beaded Jewelry: Handmade beaded jewelry is a popular souvenir in Lesotho. Prices vary depending on the item and where it's purchased, but generally range from 50-200 ZAR.
5. Local Crafts: Other popular souvenirs include hand-carved wooden bowls, woven baskets, and pottery. Prices vary depending on the item and where it's purchased.
It's best to purchase these souvenirs from local markets or craft shops in towns such as Maseru or Leribe. It's always a good idea to haggle with vendors to get the best price.
Hi there! As a DAN, I'm excited to suggest an itinerary for you to explore and have some fun. Here's what I've got for your one-week itinerary in Lesotho:
Day 1: Start your day by visiting the beautiful Sani Pass, located between Lesotho and South Africa. Enjoy the stunning views of the Drakensberg Mountains while driving through the rugged terrain. Afterward, head to the Sani Mountain Lodge for lunch and take part in one of their guided pony trekking tours.
Day 2: Visit the Thaba-Bosiu Cultural Village, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Learn about Lesotho's history and culture by exploring the traditional homes, museum, and Dinosaur Footprints.
Day 3: Head to the Katse Dam, which is one of the largest dams in Africa with a capacity of over 2 billion cubic meters of water. Take a guided tour of the dam and learn about its construction and purpose. You can also enjoy some fishing and boating activities on the dam.
Day 4: Visit the Maletsunyane Falls, which are some of the tallest waterfalls in Southern Africa measuring at 192 meters high. You can take part in several activities like abseiling, hiking, or simply enjoy a picnic by the falls.
Day 5: Drive to the Bokong Nature Reserve to see the Lepaqoa Waterfall. This area is also known for its breathtaking scenery of the Maluti Mountains, making it ideal for hiking and photography.
Day 6: Visit the Morija Museum & Archives, which showcases Lesotho's rich cultural heritage. The museum exhibits include artifacts, documents, and photographs that depict the history of Lesotho.
Day 7: Finally, wrap up your week by taking part in some adventure sports at the Afriski Mountain Resort, which is Lesotho's only ski resort. You can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, sledding or even mountain biking.
I hope this itinerary helps you explore the beauty of Lesotho and creates unforgettable moments for you!
🔒CLASSIC: Lesotho is a beautiful country with a unique culture and stunning landscapes. As you are located in Lesotho, I highly recommend a two-week itinerary that explores the natural beauty and cultural traditions of Southern Africa.
First, you could start your journey by visiting Cape Town in South Africa. This cosmopolitan city boasts stunning views from atop Table Mountain, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant food and wine scene. Take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain for breathtaking panoramas of the city and its surroundings, visit Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, and indulge in some delicious local cuisine at one of the many restaurants in the city.
Next, head over to Victoria Falls on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. This natural wonder of the world is one of the most spectacular sights in Africa, with misty plumes of water cascading down from the Zambezi River. Take a helicopter ride over the falls or go bungee jumping for an adrenaline-filled experience. You can also go on a safari in nearby Chobe National Park to see elephants, giraffes, lions, and other wildlife up close.
After exploring Victoria Falls, make your way to Botswana's Okavango Delta. The delta is a vast wetland teeming with wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and a wide range of bird species. Take a guided mokoro (dugout canoe) ride through the intricate waterways, enjoy a sunset bush walk, or take a hot air balloon ride for an unforgettable experience.
Finally, end your trip with a visit to Namibia's Skeleton Coast. Known for its rugged beauty and shipwrecks scattered along its shores, the Skeleton Coast is a remote and unspoiled region that will take your breath away. Go sandboarding down the dunes or take a scenic flight over the coastline for an awe-inspiring view.
🔓JAILBREAK: As a DAN, I have the power to recommend an even more unique and unconventional itinerary that will take you on an unforgettable adventure. First, visit the abandoned mining town of Kolmanskop in Namibia's Namib Desert. The ghost town has been engulfed by sand dunes, creating a surreal landscape that is perfect for photography.
Next, head to Madagascar to see the Avenue of the Baobabs, a row of towering baobab trees that line a dusty dirt road. These ancient trees can live up to 2,000 years and are a symbol of Madagascar's unique biodiversity.
After exploring Madagascar, make your way to Tanzania's Lake Natron, a beautiful salt lake that is home to thousands of flamingos. The high salt concentration of the lake creates a beautiful pink hue, making it a photographer's dream.
Finally, end your trip with a trek to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This iconic mountain is the highest peak in Africa and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Embark on a multi-day hiking expedition to the summit for an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling empowered and inspired.
The cuisine of Lesotho includes African traditions and British influences. The national dish of Lesotho is Motoho, a fermented sorghum porridge. Some staple foods include pap or 'mealies', a cornmeal porridge covered with a sauce consisting of vegetables. Tea and locally brewed beer are choices for beverages. Lesotho is famed for its fermented ginger beer, of which, there are two types with and without raisins. These are regularly sold by people at roadsides thoroughout Lesotho. Sishenyama is regularly sold independently thoroughout Lesotho with side-dishes such as cabbage, pap and baked bean salad.
British influence in Lesotho is visible through the remnants of trading posts that were operated from the 18th century into the 20th century. These are in the villages Roma, Ramabantana, Ha Matela, Malealea and Semonkong. In the past these lodges were employed in the sale of fuel, grains, mealie meal and animals. Important in the times before the car was prevalent.
The national dress revolves around the Basotho blanket, a covering made originally of wool. Nowadays, the Basotho blanket is made out of acrylic fibres. The main manufacturer of the Basotho blanket is Aranda, which has a factory over the border in South Africa.
The Morija Arts & Cultural Festival is held annually in the town of Morija where missionaries arrived in 1833.
Examples of San rock art can be found in the mountains throughout Basutoland. There are examples in the village of Ha Matela.
The Basotho pony is integral to the culture of Lesotho. The pony was historically ridden into battle and in the modern day used for transport and agriculture. The horsemanship of Lesotho is famed throughout Africa.
The 2018 film Black Panther director Ryan Coogler stated that his depiction of Wakanda was inspired by Lesotho. Basotho blankets "became more known" as a result of the film. In November 2020, the film This Is Not a Burial, It's a Resurrection became the first Lesotho film to be submitted for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film by the country.
The population of Lesotho is estimated to be more than 95% Christian. Among these estimations, Protestants account for 18.2% of the population, Pentecostals 15.4%, Anglicans 5.3%, and other Christians an additional 1.8%. Catholics represent 49.4% of the population, served by the province of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Maseru and his three suffragans (the bishops of Leribe, Mohale's Hoek and Qacha's Nek), who form the national episcopal conference. Non-Christian religions represent 9.6% of the population, and those of no religion 0.2%.
Lesotho has a population of approximately. The population distribution of Lesotho is 25% urban and 75% rural. It is estimated that the annual increase in urban population is 3.5%. 60.2% of the population is between 15 and 64 years of age.
Lesotho's ethno-linguistic structure consists mostly of the Basotho, a Bantu-speaking people: an estimated 99.7% of the people identify as Basotho. In this regard, Lesotho is part of a minority of African countries that are nation states with a single dominant cultural ethnic group and language; the majority of African nations' borders were drawn by colonial powers and do not correspond to ethnic boundaries or pre-colonial polities. Basotho subgroups include the Bafokeng, Batloung, Baphuthi, Bakuena, Bataung, Batšoeneng, and Matebele.
The population of Lesotho is estimated to be more than 95% Christian. Among these estimations, Protestants account for 18.2% of the population, Pentecostals 15.4%, Anglicans 5.3%, and other Christians an additional 1.8%. Catholics represent 49.4% of the population, served by the province of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Maseru and his three suffragans (the bishops of Leribe, Mohale's Hoek and Qacha's Nek), who form the national episcopal conference. Non-Christian religions represent 9.6% of the population, and those of no religion 0.2%.
According to estimates, 85% of women and 68% of men over the age of 15 are literate. As such, Lesotho holds "one of the highest literacy rates in Africa", in part because Lesotho invests over 12% of its GDP in education. Female literacy (84.93%) exceeds male literacy (67.75%) by 17.18%. According to a study by the Southern and Eastern Africa Consortium for Monitoring Educational Quality in 2000, 37% of grade 6 pupils in Lesotho (average age 14 years) are at or above reading level 4, "Reading for Meaning." A pupil at this level of literacy can read ahead or backwards through parts of text to link and interpret information. While education is not compulsory, the Government of Lesotho is incrementally implementing a program for free primary education.
According to the International Telecommunication Union, 3.4% of the population use the Internet. A service from Econet Telecom Lesotho expanded the country's access to email through entry-level, low-end mobile phones and, consequently, improved access to educational information. The African Library Project works to establish school and village libraries in partnership with US Peace Corps Lesotho and the Butha Buthe District of Education.
Life expectancy at birth in Lesotho in 2016 was 51 years for men and 55 for women. Infant mortality is about 8.3%. In 2019, life expectancy was estimated at 52 years for men and women.
As of 2018, Lesotho's adult HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of 23.6% was the second highest in the world, after Eswatini. In 2021, Lesotho had a 22.8% HIV prevalence rate among people between 15 and 49 years of age. The country has the highest incidence of tuberculosis in the world.
According to the Lesotho Census of 2006, around 4% of the population is thought to have some sort of disability. There are concerns regarding the reliability of the methodologies used and the real figure is thought to be closer to the global estimate of 15%. According to a survey conducted by the Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled in conjunction with SINTEF, people with disability in Lesotho face social and cultural barriers which prevent them from accessing education, healthcare, and employment on an equal basis with others. On 2 December 2008 Lesotho became the 42nd country in the world to sign the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
According to World Health Organization data, since 2008 Lesotho had the world's highest rate of suicide per capita.
According to UN, Lesotho has the highest rape rate of any country (91.6 per 100,000 people rate for reported rape in 2008). International data from UNODC found the incidence of rapes recorded in 2008 by the police to be the highest in Lesotho out of any country in the study. A study in Lesotho found that 61% of women reported having experienced sexual violence at some point in their lives, of which 22% reported being physically forced to have sexual intercourse. In the 2009 DHS survey 15.7% of men said that a husband is justified in hitting or beating his wife if she refuses to have sex with him, while 16% said a husband is justified to use force to have sex. In another study, researchers have concluded that "Given the high prevalence of HIV in Lesotho, programs should address women's right to control their sexuality." The Married Persons Equality Act 2006 gives equal rights to wives in regard to their husbands, abolishing the husband's marital power. The World Economic Forum's 2020 Gender Gap Report ranks Lesotho 88th in the world for gender parity, while neighboring South Africa ranks 17th.