Lesotho Country Facts:

Area: 30,355 sq km

Population: 2.5 million (2004)

Capital City: Maseru

People: Basotho (99.7%), European

Language: Sesotho, English

Religion: Christian (80%), co-existing with traditional beliefs

Government: constitutional monarchy

Head of State: King Letsie David Mohato III

Head of Government: Prime Minister Bethuel Pakalitha Mosisili

Documents:

1. A Valid Passports is needed for each member of your group
2. Visas are not required by citizens of South Africa or Commonwealth countries. Others such as Australia, New Zealand, U.S.A., Belgium and Austria do need visas. Any other passport holders should phone Immigration in Maseru.
3. Remember to take along your Booking receipts and references
4. Cheque book, credit cards and travellers cheques
5. Contact phone numbers

Other Tips:

1. Opening and closing times at border posts do vary, but in most cases major points of entry open at 06h00 and close at 22h00. Border posts on minor routes open at 08h00 and close at 16h00.

2. Entry tax: Expect to pay: Light Motor vehicle Tax - M5 (R5,00) and Heavy Motor vehicle Tax of M10 (R10,00)

3. Duty Free Items: The following items may be imported into Lesotho without incurring customs duty: 400 cigarettes or 500g of tobacco; No alcohol; 1oz bottle of perfume. Please adhere to these restrictions and do not bring more than what is specified through the Lesotho Border Post.

4. Each driver must also carry an identity document and driving license.

5. Arms and ammunition may not be imported into Lesotho without a permit which must be obtained in advance from the Commissioner of Police.

6. For your car: A stiff plastic spatula to scrape the ice off your windows in the morning plus good anti-freeze in radiators and washer bottles. Check the condition of your vehicle batteries - nothing dies faster than a battery in cold weather.

7. In Lesotho, one drives on the left hand side of the road.

8. Remember your camera, binoculars, spare batteries, maps and field guides to the fauna and flora of the area.

9. Currency: Lesotho's standard unit of currency is the Loti (plural Maloti). It is equivalent to the South African Rand, and is divided into 100 Lisente. (Thus: 1.00 ZAR = 1.000 LSL.) Lesotho is also a member of the Common Monetary Area, meaning that currency can be freely transported across the borders. It also means that the Lesotho currency, the Loti, pronounced Looti, (plural Maloti) is tied to the Rand on a 1:1 basis. In fact, Rands are accepted interchangeably with Maloti, reducing money changing hassles considerably. The only fact to bear in mind - Maloti is not accepted in South Africa, so make sure you leave the country with Rands in your pocket. There are no restrictions on the amount of money tourists may bring into the Country.

10. Medical: There is a clinic as well as a medical doctor on duty at Afri-Ski 24 hours per day. Good medical facilities are also available in the main towns, but we recommend that medical insurance is taken out before arrival. Check with your own Medical Aid Company if you are covered in Lesotho and bring your medical aid card with all relevant numbers. Bring any special medication you may need. Malaria is not common in Lesotho. Bilharzia is not a problem anywhere in the country.

11. Language: The official languages in Lesotho are Sesotho and English

12. Time Zone: Lesotho is in the Southern African time zone -GMT plus 2 hours all the year round

13. The International dialing code for Lesotho is +266 by cell phone or 09-266 using an ordinary phone.

Remember:

1. Not to take photographs of Government buildings, the Palace, the airport and sensitive buildings. If in doubt, please ask.
2. To avoid taking risks in outlying areas - help may be some distance away.
3. Do take normal precautions with your valuables. Lesotho, like any other country, is not entirely crime-free.
4. Do use seat-belts when driving.
5. Do ask permission from the local Headman or Chief before camping.