Temperatures vary widely from one
geographical zone to another, and frequently within zones, depending on the
altitude. In the lowlands, temperatures reach 32C° (90°F) or more in
the summer and rarely fall below -6.6°C (20°F) in the winter. The range
in the highlands is greater; temperatures can fall below -18°C (0°F)
and frost and hail are frequent hazards. Rainfall is mostly concentrated in the
months from October to April and the hottest months are January and February.
Snows occurs in the highlands between May and September. Lesotho experiences a
great deal of sunshine.
Most nationals of
Commonwealth countries do not require visa, apart from Australia, Canada,
Ghana, New Zealand, Nigeria, India, Pakistan and Namibia. Nationals from
Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Norway, San Marino,
Sweden and South Africa do not require visas. All others are required to have a
visa to enter the country.
Full passports are required by all.
If travelling to Lesotho from South Africa, you require a multiple-entry
visa to re-enter into South Africa.
It is advisable to check for the
latest visa requirement information with the Lesotho representative in your
country.
Lesotho is part of the Rand Monetary Area and the South
African Rand is accepted as legal currency.
Travellers cheques are
best taken in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. along with most of the major
credit cards are widely accepted. There are no restrictions on the import of
foreign currency
Air:
Lesotho Airways has daily flights to and from Johannesburg International
Airport which takes approximately one hour, ten minutes. Lesotho Airways also
provides connections to some of the main towns.
Rail: The
South African Railway systems links into Lesotho from Maseru to Marseille on
the Bloemfontein/Natal main line.
Public Transport:
Generally well served by privately owned buses and smaller passenger vehicles
particularly between major centres. Some unsealed roads become impassable
during the rainy season.
The main road running from north to western and
southern borders is sealed and passable throughout the year. All other minor
roads can be impassable during the rains.
Driving is on the Left hand
side and driving licences issued in most countries are valid for a period of up
to six month, provided that they are printed in English or are accompanied by a
certified translation. International Licences are recognised.
If you need medical care whilst in
Lesotho, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment
through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in
full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for
reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit
card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local
embassy or representative.
To be compensated you must be treated by
licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper
documentation and receipts.
It is advisable to always ensure you have a
comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your
home country.
You can check out the following websites which specialise
in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based
abroad.
Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one
off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off
backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the
world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a
wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price
to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected
while you're away.
- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies,
single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get
your quote and policy on-line....
Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different
travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such
product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you
the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel
insurance needs. .
Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand
Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the
UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly
comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year
students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55
years of age.
