Difference between revisions of "Lesotho"

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{{Limited_country}}
 
 
 
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{{metadata_country}} [[Category:Country]] {{pricecontrol_country}}
 
{{metadata_country}} [[Category:Country]] {{pricecontrol_country}}
  
 
=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
''Give a brief overview of what it's like to visit. How easy is the border, how safe is the country, are there great things to see and do, etc.''
+
Lesotho is a stunningly beautiful county that is well worth a visit. The mountains are enormous, the people are friendly and there are lot of remote roads to explore with fantastic wild camping opportunities.
  
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">(date last confirmed correct)</span>'''
+
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">November 2017</span>'''
 +
 
 +
==Travel Visa for {{PAGENAME}}==
 +
The travel visa for Lesotho is free for virtually all nationalities, and is given at the border - land or airport.<br />
 +
Duration is usually 30 days, though I think you could ask for longer and they would give it no problem.
  
 
==Required Paperwork==  
 
==Required Paperwork==  
{{visa_country}}
+
* Passport of registered owner.
''List the paperwork required to enter with a vehicle, including number of copies''
+
* [[Drivers license]] of registered owner.
 +
* Original [[vehicle registration]].
 +
* (OPTIONAL) [[Carnet de Passage]].
 +
(no copies are required)
 +
 
 +
'''NOTE:''' If you are '''driving''' into any country in the South Africa Customs Union (SACU) ([[Namibia]], [[South Africa]], [[Botswana]], [[Lesotho]], [[Swaziland]]) You '''do not''' require a [[Carnet de Passage]]. If you are '''shipping''' into or out of any of those countries, you '''absolutely must have''' a [[Carnet de Passage]], no exceptions.
 +
 
 +
[[South Africa]] will issue a 6 month Temp Import Permit for the vehicle, which you can use in all the SACU countries. Once you have the 6 month one from [[South Africa]], travel between all those countries is extremely simple - you don't even need to visit Customs or complete any vehicle-related paperwork as you drive into Lesotho.
  
 
==Process at border==
 
==Process at border==
''Briefly describe the process at the border to enter with a vehicle''
+
* Get yourself stamped in at Immigration.
 +
* You do not need to go to Customs at all. Whatever paperwork you have from [[South Africa]] (Temp Import Permit or Carnet) is all you need - nothing needs to be stamped or even approved.
  
 
==Cost of entry==
 
==Cost of entry==
''State the cost for a vehicle to enter''
+
Free of charge when crossing land borders or shipping.
  
 
==Permitted length of stay==
 
==Permitted length of stay==
''State the permitted length of entry for the vehicle''
+
The Temp Import Permit is usually valid for 6 months, and a Carnet stamp probably means it's permitted for 12 months total. This can possibly be extended with a permission letter from the AA, but likely it's just easier to leave the entire SACU and come back.
  
 
==Extension of stay==
 
==Extension of stay==
''Describe the process to extend the permitted length of entry for the vehicle, if possible.''
+
Talk to Customs or the AA.
  
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
''Describe if/how a vehicle can be stored, and for how long.'' <br />
+
Leaving the vehicle and returning is not a problem in Lesotho, though most people choose to do it in South Africa just to be closer to an International Airport. Make sure you are back and leave the SACU countries before the Temp Import Permit expires.
''Also mention if the owner / temporary importer can leave the country while the vehicle is in storage.''
+
  
 
==Exiting with a vehicle==
 
==Exiting with a vehicle==
''Describe the paperwork requirements and process at the border to exit.''
+
* Get yourself stamped out at Immigration.
 +
* Because you will drive into [[South Africa]], you keep all your Customs paperwork and don't need to get it stamped (Temp Import Permit or Carnet)
  
 
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=  
 
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=  
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==Vehicle insurance requirements==
 
==Vehicle insurance requirements==
''Yes or No if insurance is mandatory, and what kind is acceptable.''
+
Unsure if it's required or included in the price of petrol/diesel. Nobody asks for it.
  
 
==Cost of vehicle insurance==
 
==Cost of vehicle insurance==
''State the price of insurance and a time period.''
+
Unsure
  
 
==Where to purchase vehicle insurance==
 
==Where to purchase vehicle insurance==
''Describe where insurance can be purchased.''
+
N/A
  
 
==Driving license==
 
==Driving license==
''State the kind of driving licenses required. i.e. International Driving Permit.''
+
Anything should be fine.
  
 
==Driving side of road==
 
==Driving side of road==
Left.<br />
+
Left. <br />
Unknown if LHD vehicles can be driven in {{PAGENAME}}.
+
LHD vehicles can be driven in {{PAGENAME}} without a problem.
  
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
''State any mandatory items that must be carried in the vehicle.
+
You probably need two safety triangles, first aid kit, fire extinguisher and a bright yellow safety vest for every person in the vehicle. It's a good idea to have them to avoid a ticket or bribery attempts.
(i.e. safety triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.)''
+
 
 
==Roads==
 
==Roads==
 
===General Road quality===
 
===General Road quality===
''Give a brief description of the general road quality. Mention if one way streets are common.''
+
Lesotho has good tarmac roads for highways, and reasonable gravel roads for secondary. However, a few roads are not always well maintained, potholes as a result. You can find these all over the country.
  
 
===Road signs===
 
===Road signs===
''Briefly describe the overall quality & existence of road signs for directions and hazards.''
+
Road signs are frequent and generally good quality. Street names are hit or miss.
  
 
===Toll roads===
 
===Toll roads===
''List the frequency and approximate price of toll roads.''
+
None
  
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
''Briefly describe how common bribery is and whether it should be expected, and the best way to deal with it.''
+
Bribery a rarity. If you do get asked for money it is usually best not to pay and rather keep calm with a persistent smile. See the [[bribery tips]] page for advice.
  
 
==Checkpoints==
 
==Checkpoints==
''describe the frequency of checkpoints (police or military and what to expect.''
+
Police checkpoints are setup randomly throughout the country, but are not common. Usually they are routine stops to check you have a license and proper registration. They are much more common at night. Police are generally friendly and the stops don't take more than a few minutes. Bribes can happen, but are becoming less frequent.
  
 
==Traveling with pets==
 
==Traveling with pets==
 
''List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.''
 
''List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.''
  
=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
+
=Gas and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">October 2012</span>'''<br />
+
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">November 2017</span>'''<br />
  
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
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|-
 
|-
 
| Unleaded
 
| Unleaded
| <price cost="0.95" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost">[http://www.mytravelcost.com/petrol-prices/ World petrol prices, gas prices, diesel prices|MyTravelCost.com]</ref>
+
| <price cost="12.90" currency="ZAR" unit="liter" />
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Diesel
 
| Diesel
| <price cost="1.05" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost" />
+
| <price cost="11.35" currency="ZAR" unit="liter" />
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
''Briefly describe if gas shortages are known to occur.'' <br/>
+
Gas shortages are rare, though if you venture into very remote places you won't find stations, so fill up when you can.
''Also state the approximate average distance between gas stations. This is a very rough estimate.''
+
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
''Discuss if gasoline / diesel considered "clean" or "dirty", and generally high or low quality.''<br />
+
Diesel is mostly available in 50ppm and 500ppm. Petrol quality is generally clean.
''State the sulfur content of diesel, if known.''
+
  
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 
==Driving at night==
 
==Driving at night==
''Discuss driving at night and if it should it be avoided. Mention why.''
+
Driving at night is common in Lesotho, but should be avoided if possible. Many vehicle drive without headlights. If driving at night, use caution.
  
 
==Vehicle parking==
 
==Vehicle parking==
''Discuss if vehicles can be parked on the street, if they are considered "safe" at night.''
+
As with most parts of the world, some areas are safer than others, use your instincts. Most parking lots have attendants to help watch over vehicles, although they aren't always as attentive as they should be.
''If vehicles can not be parked on the street, list the other options that exist.''
+
  
 
==Special driving considerations==
 
==Special driving considerations==
''A List of special things to be careful of (i.e. Unsigned speed bumps, abnormal road rules, people or animals on the road, etc.).'' <br/>
+
Nothing in particular
''List any roads that are not recommended to drive for safety or other security reasons.''
+
  
 
==Security advisories and information==
 
==Security advisories and information==
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=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
''Describe if organized "pay" camping is common. List the facilities commonly found at these campsites.''<br />
+
There are a few official campsites scattered around the country, and plenty of stunning wilderness where you can wild camp. Even if locals are nearby they are friendly and welcoming, and you need not be worried.
''List the approximate average price range of camping in organized campgrounds.'' <br />
+
''Also discuss the possibility of "wild" or "roadside" camping. How common is it? Is it considered safe, or a bad idea.''
+
  
 
==Camping guide books==
 
==Camping guide books==
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==Drinking water==
 
==Drinking water==
''Describe if the regular tap water is safe to drink.''
+
Water from taps is safe to drink in many parts of the country. Of course, proper water filtration is the safest option.
''If not, describe where safe water can be purchased and the approximate average price range.''
+
  
 
=Navigation=
 
=Navigation=
 
==Paper maps==
 
==Paper maps==
Reise Know-How are amoung the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
+
Reise Know-How are among the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
 
{{paper_maps_country}}
 
{{paper_maps_country}}
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
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=Special Overland Travel interests=
 
=Special Overland Travel interests=
''List any special items / places that are popular with Overlanders''
+
* Be sure to stay at the Lodge in Semonkong in the middle of the country. They have camping, and you can walk to the mighty waterfalls nearby which are well, well worth it.
 +
* A drive up or down Sani Pass is a highlight, as is a drink and food at "Africa's Highest Pub" at the top in Lesotho.
  
 
=Vehicle Maintenance=
 
=Vehicle Maintenance=
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
{{vehicle_dealerships_country}}
 
{{vehicle_dealerships_country}}
 +
 
==Local Garages==
 
==Local Garages==
 
''Add known good mechanics here.''
 
''Add known good mechanics here.''
Line 157: Line 162:
 
=Buy or sell a car or motorbike in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Buy or sell a car or motorbike in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
'''Buy'''<br/>
 
'''Buy'''<br/>
''Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle.''
+
It might just be easier in [[South Africa]].
''List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.''
+
  
 
'''Sell'''<br/>
 
'''Sell'''<br/>

Latest revision as of 17:59, 1 September 2018


Currency to display:

Visiting Lesotho[edit]

Lesotho is a stunningly beautiful county that is well worth a visit. The mountains are enormous, the people are friendly and there are lot of remote roads to explore with fantastic wild camping opportunities.

Entering Lesotho with a Car or Motorbike[edit]

Correct as of: November 2017

Travel Visa for Lesotho[edit]

The travel visa for Lesotho is free for virtually all nationalities, and is given at the border - land or airport.
Duration is usually 30 days, though I think you could ask for longer and they would give it no problem.

Required Paperwork[edit]

(no copies are required)

NOTE: If you are driving into any country in the South Africa Customs Union (SACU) (Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland) You do not require a Carnet de Passage. If you are shipping into or out of any of those countries, you absolutely must have a Carnet de Passage, no exceptions.

South Africa will issue a 6 month Temp Import Permit for the vehicle, which you can use in all the SACU countries. Once you have the 6 month one from South Africa, travel between all those countries is extremely simple - you don't even need to visit Customs or complete any vehicle-related paperwork as you drive into Lesotho.

Process at border[edit]

  • Get yourself stamped in at Immigration.
  • You do not need to go to Customs at all. Whatever paperwork you have from South Africa (Temp Import Permit or Carnet) is all you need - nothing needs to be stamped or even approved.

Cost of entry[edit]

Free of charge when crossing land borders or shipping.

Permitted length of stay[edit]

The Temp Import Permit is usually valid for 6 months, and a Carnet stamp probably means it's permitted for 12 months total. This can possibly be extended with a permission letter from the AA, but likely it's just easier to leave the entire SACU and come back.

Extension of stay[edit]

Talk to Customs or the AA.

Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country[edit]

Leaving the vehicle and returning is not a problem in Lesotho, though most people choose to do it in South Africa just to be closer to an International Airport. Make sure you are back and leave the SACU countries before the Temp Import Permit expires.

Exiting with a vehicle[edit]

  • Get yourself stamped out at Immigration.
  • Because you will drive into South Africa, you keep all your Customs paperwork and don't need to get it stamped (Temp Import Permit or Carnet)

Driving in Lesotho[edit]

Recommended books for Overlanding in Lesotho[edit]

Lonely Planet South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland (trave...
Lonely Planet South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland (trave...
by Lonely Planet, James Bainbridge, Jean-Bernard Cari...
From $15.74 on Amazon
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $22.49 on Amazon
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $click on Amazon
South Africa Handbook, 10th: Travel Guide To South Afr...
South Africa Handbook, 10th: Travel Guide To South Afr...
by Lizzie Williams, Francisca Kellett
From $15.35 on Amazon

Travel insurance for Lesotho[edit]

World Nomads offer the most flexible Travel Insurance at the best prices for multi-country / multi-year trips. You can buy, extend and claim online, even after you've left home.

Vehicle insurance requirements[edit]

Unsure if it's required or included in the price of petrol/diesel. Nobody asks for it.

Cost of vehicle insurance[edit]

Unsure

Where to purchase vehicle insurance[edit]

N/A

Driving license[edit]

Anything should be fine.

Driving side of road[edit]

Left.
LHD vehicles can be driven in Lesotho without a problem.

Mandatory items in vehicle[edit]

You probably need two safety triangles, first aid kit, fire extinguisher and a bright yellow safety vest for every person in the vehicle. It's a good idea to have them to avoid a ticket or bribery attempts.

Roads[edit]

General Road quality[edit]

Lesotho has good tarmac roads for highways, and reasonable gravel roads for secondary. However, a few roads are not always well maintained, potholes as a result. You can find these all over the country.

Road signs[edit]

Road signs are frequent and generally good quality. Street names are hit or miss.

Toll roads[edit]

None

Bribery in Lesotho[edit]

Bribery a rarity. If you do get asked for money it is usually best not to pay and rather keep calm with a persistent smile. See the bribery tips page for advice.

Checkpoints[edit]

Police checkpoints are setup randomly throughout the country, but are not common. Usually they are routine stops to check you have a license and proper registration. They are much more common at night. Police are generally friendly and the stops don't take more than a few minutes. Bribes can happen, but are becoming less frequent.

Traveling with pets[edit]

List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.

Gas and Diesel price in Lesotho[edit]

Last updated: November 2017

Currency and unit to display:

Gasoline Grade Price
Unleaded R12.90 ZAR per Liter
Diesel R11.35 ZAR per Liter

Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency[edit]

Gas shortages are rare, though if you venture into very remote places you won't find stations, so fill up when you can.

Gas and Diesel Quality[edit]

Diesel is mostly available in 50ppm and 500ppm. Petrol quality is generally clean.

Safety and Security Considerations[edit]

Driving at night[edit]

Driving at night is common in Lesotho, but should be avoided if possible. Many vehicle drive without headlights. If driving at night, use caution.

Vehicle parking[edit]

As with most parts of the world, some areas are safer than others, use your instincts. Most parking lots have attendants to help watch over vehicles, although they aren't always as attentive as they should be.

Special driving considerations[edit]

Nothing in particular

Security advisories and information[edit]

Camping in Lesotho[edit]

There are a few official campsites scattered around the country, and plenty of stunning wilderness where you can wild camp. Even if locals are nearby they are friendly and welcoming, and you need not be worried.

Camping guide books[edit]

List and link to books specifically for camping.

Drinking water[edit]

Water from taps is safe to drink in many parts of the country. Of course, proper water filtration is the safest option.

Navigation[edit]

Paper maps[edit]

Reise Know-How are among the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in Lesotho

South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland 1:1,400,000 Travel M...
South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland 1:1,400,000 Travel M...
by Reise Knowhow
From $12.95 on Amazon
South Africa (including Lesotho And Swaziland) 1:1.5m ...
South Africa (including Lesotho And Swaziland) 1:1.5m ...
by ITM Canada
From $6.00 on Amazon
South Africa (including Lesotho And Swaziland) 1:1.5m ...
South Africa (including Lesotho And Swaziland) 1:1.5m ...
by ITM Canada
From $10.36 on Amazon
Lonely Planet South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland (trave...
Lonely Planet South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland (trave...
by Lonely Planet, James Bainbridge, Jean-Bernard Cari...
From $15.74 on Amazon

GPS Maps of Lesotho[edit]

Tracks4Africa are the undisputed best GPS maps for Africa.
Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.

Gps Map Of Africa
Gps Map Of Africa
From $click on Amazon

GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in Lesotho[edit]

  • iOverlander is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.

Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.

Special Overland Travel interests[edit]

  • Be sure to stay at the Lodge in Semonkong in the middle of the country. They have camping, and you can walk to the mighty waterfalls nearby which are well, well worth it.
  • A drive up or down Sani Pass is a highlight, as is a drink and food at "Africa's Highest Pub" at the top in Lesotho.

Vehicle Maintenance[edit]

Dealers[edit]

4x4s / Trucks

Motorbikes

Local Garages[edit]

Add known good mechanics here.

Buy or sell a car or motorbike in Lesotho[edit]

Buy
It might just be easier in South Africa.

Sell
Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'

References[edit]

Links to the source of any information - blogs or discussion forums, etc.


Helpful External links[edit]

Add any helpful external links here.