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Lesotho

CLIMATE

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.

Climate Chart for Maseru

For today's weather forecast see CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

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.

MONEY

Official Currency: 1 Loti=100 lisente
Current Exchange Rate: Today's Exchange Rate

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

Banks In Lesotho:

Central Bank of Lesotho

BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banking: Monday to Friday (except Wednesday) 0830-1500 Wednesday: 0830-1300 Saturday: 0830-1100

Shops: Monday to Friday: 0800-1700 Saturday: 0800-1200

Government Offices: Monday to Friday: 0800-1245 and 1400-1630

LOCAL TIME

Lesotho is two hours ahead of GMT

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

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.

Self Drive / Hire Cars:

Map & Atlases for Sale

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.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

1st January	New Years Day
11th March	Moshoeshoe's Day
4th April	Hero's Day
1st May	Worker's Day
17th July	King's Birthday
4th October	Independence Day
25th December	Christmas Day
26th December	Boxing Day
Variable Holidays include:	Good Friday, Easter Monday and Ascension Day

ELECTRICAL POWER

Electric Power is 220V running at 50Hz. The Plug types used are :
"South African" Plug - view

TRAVEL INSURANCE

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.