Lesotho

GEOGRAPHY 
Lesotho covers 30,355 square kilometers (11,720 sq mi). It is the only independent state in the world that lies entirely above 1,400 meters (4,593 ft) in elevation. Its lowest point of 1,400 meters (4,593 ft) is thus the highest in the world. Over 80% of the country lies above 1,800 meters (5,900 ft). Lesotho is also landlocked and is entirely contained within the country of South Africa. CLIMATE

CLIMATE 
Due to its altitude, Lesotho remains cooler throughout the year than other regions at the same latitude. Most of the rain falls as summer thunderstorms. Maseru and surrounding lowlands often reach 30 °C (86 °F) in summer. Winters can be cold with the lowlands getting down to -7 °C (19 °F) and the highlands to -18 °C (0 °F) at times. Snow is common in the highlands between May and September; the higher peaks can experience snowfalls year-round.

TRAVEL OPTIONS 
By air: South African Air Link has five (5) flights a day from Monday to Friday, four flights on Saturdays, and three flights on Sundays from Moshoeshoe I International Airport to Johannesburg International Airport . The flight from Johannesburg International to Moshoeshoe I International takes approximately 1 hour: 15 min Airlines • South African Air Link Tel: +266 22 350418/9 www.saairlink.co.za Charter Airlines • Lesotho Defence Force, Helicopter Section Private Bag A 166. Maseru Tel: +266 22 325425 By road: The majority of visitors to Lesotho arrive by road. Eleven border posts offer entry into Lesotho from South Africa . Because of the ruggedness of terrain in some parts of the Mokhotlong and Qacha’s Nek districts, 4×4 vehicles are advised for these parts.

Lesotho Border Posts 
Maseru Ladybrand F.S. Open 24 hours Qacha’s Nek Matatiele E.C. 08h00 – 20h00 Maputsoe Ficksburg F.S. Open 24 hours Ramatseliso’s Gate Matatiele – E.C 08h00 – 18h00 Caledonspoort Fouriesburg – F. S. 06h00 – 22h00 Peka Bridge Gum Tree F.S. 08h00 – 16h00 Tele Sterkspruit C.P. 08h00 – 22h00 Sephapho’s Gate Boesmanskop – F. S. 08h00 – 16h00 Van Rooyen’s Wepener F.S. 06h00 – 20h00 Makhaleng Bridge Zastron F.S. 08h00 – 16h00 Sani Pass Himeville Natal 08h00 – 16h00

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS 
All goods brought into Lesotho are subject to Customs control and baggage maybe subject to examination. Customs declarations are required upon arrival. False or incomplete declaration is an offence involving penalties, including forfeiture of any article. Duty Free The following items and quantities to a total value not exceeding M500.00 per person are allowed under rebate duty: – 2 litres of wine per person, 1 litre spirits or other alcoholic beverages – 200 cigarettes, 250 gm pipe tobacco, and 20 cigars. – 50 ml perfume. Any excess is charged import duty at a flat rate of 20%. Visitors from Botswana , Namibia , South Africa and Swaziland , are not permitted to bring liquor into Lesotho . Prohibited and Restricted Goods Counterfeit coins or notes; dangerous weapons, including swords, cutlasses, bayonets, daggers, knives with cutting edges of 30 cm or more in length (excluding such knives as are ordinarily used for domestic purposes, agriculture or the meat trade); blasphemous material; indecent or obscene works or articles of an inflammatory nature such as certain pamphlets or posters. Customs Officers and members of the Police Force give highest priority to drug detection and the legal penalties for drug trafficking are severe. Domestic pets, livestock, seeds, bulbs, plants and trees may not be imported without payment of Customs and Sales Duty and are subject to quarantine restrictions. Permits may be obtained from: • The Principal Secretary. Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security. P.O. Box 24 . Maseru 100. Lesotho

SOME DO’S AND DON’T’S 
Do enjoy your stay in our beautiful country, and the hospitality of the Basotho people – Do take a local guide with you; it will make your experience of the Mountain Kingdom enjoyable, informative, and much safer – Do wear seatbelts while driving in Lesotho – for your safety and that of others. – Do be friendly – a smile and wave, especially when traveling through the countryside, will win many friends. – Do inform the local Chief or Headman if you are going to camp in his area, he will be helpful. – Do ask for permission as a matter of courtesy before photographing anyone – Do not give children sweets, so as to not to encourage them to beg in the streets. – Do not wander alone at night, ask a local guide to accompany you or go in groups. – Do not take photographs of the following places: The Palace, The Prime Minister’s Residence, Border Posts, Police Stations, Airports, The Central Bank building, Commercial Banks’ Buildings, Royal Lesotho Defence Force buildings, and Government offices.

USEFUL SESOTHO PHRASES 
Hello – Lumela How are you? – U phela joang? I am fine – Ke phela hantle What is your name? – Lebitso la hau u mang? My name is …. – Lebitso la ka ke …. Where do you come from? – U tsoa kae? I come from…. – Ke tsoa…. May I have some water – Ke kopa metsi May I have food – Ke kopa lijo What is the price? – Ke bokae? Stay well – Sala hantle (salang hantle ? plural ) Good bye – Tsamaea hantle (Tsamaeang hantle ? plural ) Chicken – Nama ea khoho Beef – Nama ea khomo Mutton – Nama ea nku Pork – Nama ea kolobe Potatoes – Litapole Vegetables – Meroho Milk – Lebese Eggs – Mahe Thank you! – Kea leboha please note: all information is offered in promotion of tourism to the Kingdom of Lesotho, was taken from varoius sources including the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation and is subject to change without notice.