Accommodation
A selection of accommodation is available in all Lesotho’s larger towns and most major tourist attractions. The choice at most such places tends to be limited, as might be expected of an off-the-beaten-track destination that still attracts low volumes of business and leisure travellers, but Lesotho’s hotel industry is renowned for its high level of hospitality, and the country tends to offer good value by international standards.
The greatest number and variety of places to stay can be found in the capital Maseru, which makes a good base for exploring west-central Lesotho. Maseru offers a good choice of upmarket business and boutique hotels, as well as more simple bed-and-breakfasts and backpacker lodges. Elsewhere, most other towns of substance have at least one decent midrange hotel or bed-and-breakfast offering comfortable ensuite rooms and restaurant facilities.
More rural accommodation can be found in both the country’s national parks. Maliba Lodge in Ts'ehlanyane National Park is the only five-star facility set outside Maseru, while Sehlabathebe National Park is served by a comfortable self-catering lodge. More basic self-catering amenities are available at Bokong and Liphofung Nature Reserves. Afriski Mountain Lodge is possibly the country’s largest hotel outside Maseru and one of only two ski resorts in southern Africa.
A trio of popular rural lodges, surrounded by beautiful mountains in a peaceful environment, offer guests a choice of midrange ensuite accommodation or backpacker-friendly dormitories. Of these, Malealea Lodge is the kingdom’s most popular base for pony trekking and mountain biking, while Sani Mountain Lodge stands at the top of the spectacular Sani Pass, and Semonkong Lodge operates the world’s highest commercial abseil alongside the 192-metre tall Maletsunyane Falls.
Several lodges in Lesotho offer camping facilities including ablution blocks with hot and cold water. For suitable equipped hikers, wild camping is permitted anywhere in the kingdom and it is also often possible to rent a hut in a local Basotho village, but in both cases, permission should be obtained from the local chief.
Many accommodation establishments will be happy to discuss your conference or wedding needs.
Lesotho has implemented the QUALStar system for grading accommodation. All graded accommodation is rated on a 1 to 5 star basis. Look out for accommodation graded by QUALStar as you guarantee of quality in Lesotho.
