Lesotho is definitely a unique nation. It is completely enclaved in the Republic of South Africa. Lesotho is also the only country to lie completely on 1000 meters above sea level. Its high altitudes include Lesotho into the extreme temperatures sphere meaning that Lesotho receives snow in some of its highest points. This, in turn, allows Lesotho to have one of the only two skiing resorts in all of Africa.

Traveling info

All visitors traveling to Lesotho are required to have a valid passport. Depending on tourists nationality there are different requirements of entry. Some nationals may visit without the requirements of a visa whilst others must apply for one online, or in an embassy or purchase it at the border crossing or airport. Tourists who wish to drive in Lesotho can do so, using their national driving permit. Although the international driving permit is not required, it will come in handy when dealing with the local police or renting a car. IDPs are especially recommended for those drivers who hold driving permits in non-Roman scripture. Tourists should beware that an IDP does not substitute for the original driving permit and is only a translation of it. IDP cannot be presented alone without the supplementation of the original driving permit.

Traveling hazards

Although the number of paved roads is gradually increasing, the majority of Lesotho’s 5,000 miles of roads remain unpaved. A few main rural highways are comparable to western two-lane rural roads, but lane markings, signs, shoulders and guardrails do not meet modern standards. Lesotho’s mountainous terrain makes driving on secondary roads hazardous. Unpaved roads in the interior, often narrow, winding and steep, are poorly maintained. For travel in the interior, especially in wet or snowy weather, high ground clearance or four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. Four-wheel drive is also a requirement for entering or departing Lesotho through the Sani Pass on the eastern border. Traffic moves on the left, with right-hand drive vehicles. Never assume the right of way, as aggressive and unpredictable local driving habits result in frequent collisions. Lesotho has a high number of traffic-related deaths and injuries. Driving after dark is dangerous due to the absence of street lighting, livestock on the roads, and the prevalence of crime including incidents of carjacking. Travel is best done by private car. Rental cars are available in Maseru, and cars rented in neighboring South Africa may be brought into Lesotho with the written permission of the rental company. Although bus and public taxi services exist, chronic overloading combined with inadequate vehicle maintenance and lack of driver training makes them unsafe. Some private taxi services are available in the capital, but roving minibus taxis should be avoided. There is no passenger train service in Lesotho.

Environmental hazards

Due to its geographical position, there are generally less dangerous animals than in other African countries. There are no elephants or lions in Lesotho however there are still numerous animals which may pose danger. There are numerous snakes species which are lethally venomous. These are the puff adder, the black mamba, cape cobra or the boomslang. Due to the lethal danger these snakes pose, tourists are strongly advised to avoid any snake spotted as an untrained eye won’t be able to tell venomous from non-venomous snakes. Apart from snakes, leopards might pose danger. Although these animals very rarely come into contact with humans, they could easily overwhelm a grown adult.
Due to the high altitude of Lesotho, the country experiences many different natural hazards that countries in the vicinity don’t. Lesotho suffers from heavy snowfall, frost, droughts, strong winds, and heavy floods. All of these natural disasters cause severe damage to crops and livestock and even claim lives.

Health hazards

There is no risk of yellow fever in Lesotho. The government of Lesotho requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Apart from the yellow fever vaccination, there are no other vaccination requirements. There are however several vaccines which are recommended for a safe trip. These are the routine vaccines aka MMR vaccines, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and rabies vaccine. Public healthcare in Lesotho is basic compared to the modern healthcare system and is provided largely by the government and partly by the Christian Health Association of Lesotho. Public facilities are largely underfunded, undersupplied and understaffed. Private healthcare is almost exclusive to the capital city. Private facilities are better equipped, supplied and professionally staffed. Tourists should supply themselves with some of the most basic medic supplies as pharmacies in Lesotho are not always fully stocked.
In case of an emergency dial 10177.

Crime

Most reported incidents are crimes of opportunity for immediate gain such as simple assault, pickpocketing, petty theft. Victims of street crime are often inattentive targets of opportunity. Theft of cell phones, computers, money, jewelry, and other handheld electronic devices is common. Thieves can and do snatch valuables through open car windows. There has been an increase in the number of criminal incidents involving expatriates who were walking during the hours approaching dusk and overnight hours. Even though Lesotho has very strict gun-control laws, criminal elements smuggle firearms from South Africa through the porous border. The use of firearms in conducting criminal acts is on the rise. As such, increases in the tactics more commonly seen in South Africa are on the rise in Lesotho. This also includes the increased use of car remote blockers to commit burglaries of vehicles parked at large shopping areas with limited visibility by guards or cameras.
Criminals are generally well-armed and are not averse to using violence, especially when they encounter resistance. Should you be confronted by an armed individual, immediately comply and avoid making sudden movements. Any hesitation could be perceived as a threat and could result in violence. Crimes committed at knifepoint have increased and are the most common force used; however, crimes committed at gunpoint are becoming more common. There is no risk of terrorism in Lesotho. Despite being illegal for recreational use, marijuana is largely cultivated for medicinal purposes. This, however, does not stop it’s from being smuggled and used recreationally. It has been estimated that 70% of all marijuana found in South Africa, comes from Lesotho.

Summary

Lesotho is a place for those who seek the unusual. Lesotho is that unusual place where snowfall can be a real problem. Those who visit Lesotho generally enjoy their hiking trips and one of the two skiing resorts in Africa. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
http://evisalesotho.com/visa-requirements-and-fees/
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/lesotho
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/yellow-fever#5291