Lesotho boasts a growing network of surfaced roads. The most important of these are as follows:
The A1 from Maseru to Sani Top via Mokhotlong
The A2 from Maseru to Quthing via Morija
The A3 from Maseru to Thaba-Tseka via Mohale Dam
The A4 from Quthing to Qacha’s Nek via Mount Moorosi
The A5 from Maseru to Qacha’s Nek via Semonkong
The A8 from Leribe to Katse Dam via Bokong Nature Reserve
The biggest gap in the surfaced road network is the A3, A4, B46 and B45 between Mokhotlong and Qacha’s Nek via Sehonghong and Sehlabathebe National Park. This route is unsurfaced and parts of it are very rough, so a 4x4 with high clearance is all but mandatory.
Self-drive
Many visitors to Lesotho arrive overland in their own vehicle or in one rented in South Africa. It is permitted to drive in Lesotho with a driving licence issued in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana or Swaziland, but visitors from elsewhere require an international driving licence. South African car license plates are recognised in Lesotho, but a nationality sticker must be displayed on the back of the vehicle. South African third-party insurance is valid in Lesotho.
The speed limit on surfaced roads is considerably lower than it is in South Africa at 50km/hour in urban areas and 80km/hour elsewhere. Drivers should be alert to the risk of pedestrians or livestock wandering unexpectedly into their path at all times.
Most sites of interest in Lesotho are accessible in any roadworthy vehicle, even though in some cases, for instance Malealea or Ts'ehlanyane National Park, the final approach road is unsurfaced. Major places of interest that can only be reached in a vehicle with high clearance and/or 4x4 include Sehlabathebe National Park, Lake Letsie and the Tsatsane Bushman Paintings.
Car rental
Two major international car rental companies are represented in Lesotho. Both operate out of Moshoeshoe I International Airport. These are Avis (open 07.00 to 17.00 Monday to Friday or 10.00 to 16.00 Saturday and Sunday) and Europcar (open 08.00 to 17.00 Monday to Friday, closed Saturday and Sunday).
It is also possible to rent a car in South Africa and travel overland to Lesotho. There is a far greater choice of rental companies in South Africa and rates tend to be cheaper, but you should check that the rental contract allows for cross-border travel into Lesotho.
Public transport
Regular minibus taxis connect most towns in Lesotho. Generally, they don’t operate to a fixed timetable, but simply leave when full. On busy routes, this might mean a wait of a few minutes only, but on quiet routes it could be a lot longer.
Pony trekking and hiking
An exciting way to explore Lesotho is on horseback or on foot. Malealea Lodge is the most popular base for extended pony treks of up to a week in duration, but day excursions can be arranged in the country’s two national parks and in other rural areas. The options for hiking are practically limitless but the high eastern escarpment around Sani Pass and Sehlabathebe is probably the most rewarding region for self-sufficient and experienced hikers.
Cycling
Lesotho is well suited for road and mountain biking but as things stand you would need to bring your own bike to undertake an extended cycling tour of the country.
Organise tours
Operators running day trips and longer tours out of Maseru include Malealea Tours, Travel Lesotho and Roof Of Africa Tours.
