Maseru Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Maseru is a gateway to the culture and dramatic landscapes of the Kingdom of Lesotho.

• Basotho Hat — A craft shop in a building shaped like the traditional mokorotlo hat, selling woven hats, blankets and local crafts.
• Thaba-Bosiu — The flat-topped mountain stronghold of King Moshoeshoe I, founder of the Basotho nation, east of the city, with a cultural village at its foot.
• Morija Museum and Archives — A respected museum south of Maseru covering Basotho history, culture and fossils.
• Pony trekking — Explore the highlands on the sure-footed Basotho pony, a classic Lesotho experience.
• Maletsunyane Falls — A spectacular single-drop waterfall near Semonkong, reached by a scenic drive into the mountains.
• Basotho blankets — Look out for the colourful wool blankets worn as part of everyday dress and on ceremonial occasions.

Lesotho is a high-altitude country, and even Maseru, in the lowlands, has a distinctly temperate climate. Summers, from about November to February, are warm with afternoon thunderstorms, while winters, from June to August, are dry and sunny but cold, with frosty nights and snow in the mountains.

Autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) are the most comfortable seasons, with mild days ideal for hiking, pony trekking and mountain drives. Winter appeals to those who want to see snow-covered peaks, but mountain roads can be affected by snow and ice.

Moshoeshoe I International Airport lies south of Maseru, roughly a 20 to 30-minute drive from the city centre. It is a small airport, and many international travellers also reach Maseru by road from airports in South Africa.

Taxis can be arranged at the airport or in advance, and many hotels offer transfers on request. Car hire is available and is the most flexible way to explore beyond the capital, though a vehicle with good clearance is recommended for mountain roads.

Maseru is compact, and most hotels are close to the centre.

• City centre (Kingsway) — Along the main avenue, near shops, banks and government offices; convenient for business.
• Maseru West — A leafy area with embassies, hotels and guesthouses; quieter and popular with visitors.
• Thaba-Bosiu area — Lodging near the historic mountain for travellers interested in culture and scenery.
• Mountain lodges — Rural lodges such as those around Semonkong for trekking and nature.

• Money: The loti and the South African rand are used interchangeably, but lotis are not usually accepted in South Africa, so spend them before leaving.
• Getting around: Mountain roads are steep and winding; drive in daylight and check conditions in winter.
• Etiquette: Greet people with “Lumela” and ask permission before taking photographs.
• Weather: Temperatures change quickly at altitude, so pack warm layers and sun protection.
• Language: Sesotho is the main language; English is widely understood in Maseru.