Lesotho Transportation Tips by sunscreen202

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Bus
Getting TO/AROUND: Buses and taxis are quite frequent in Lesotho, even in the farthest reaches of the country. I was amazed at where the taxis went - on roads where I thought only four wheel drives could go. There is also a Biz bus that does the rounds, some folks staying at Malealea took it while we were there. There are even four wheel taxis that take the notorious route via Sani Pass between South Africa and Lesotho, which would make for an extremely bumpy ride I would imagine.

Leave a Comment

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: While only 20% of the roads in Lesotho are tarred, there are portions that have deteriorated so badly that they can hardly be described as 'tarred'. The section between Mokhotlong and Oxbow varies from excellent to 'gone back to dirt road'. Seems this section was badly constructed in the first place. Having said all that, the main roads are all in excellent condition, expecially the section towards Katse Dam, and can be travelled by any vehicle.

The dirt roads vary widely in quality, with some sections not qualifying as a road by rather as a collection of potholes. The rule of thumb is to avoid dirt roads during wet weather, or to enquire from people who had travelled the road recently. Don't take the word of locals - non-drivers - as gospel, as they will inevitably say the roads are 'a little good'.

Leave a Comment

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: Petrol and diesel if fairly widely available in Lesotho, especially the larger towns. In smaller ones the 'petrol station' may be an interesting place. It's best to fill up when passing a station, especially if you're driving a thirsty four wheel drive. It's also a good place to catch up on the quality of the roads from fellow travellers.

Leave a Comment

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: Lesotho has about a dozen border posts where you can enter from South Africa. Most of them are open from 8am-4pm, with the ones that are busy open till 10pm. The most popular border posts are those from Bethlehem and Fouriesburg in South Africa. Sometimes it's better to go via a smaller border post that has less traffic, and the roads are more quiet and interesting. Sepupas Gate near Wepener is a small post with good access roads on both sides. If you have access to a four wheel drive vehicle Sani Pass and Qachas Nek are good choices for entering and having fun at the same time. Monantha Pass is a remote border post in the north east that is a nice drive leading into Lesotho. It doesn't have a Lesotho border post for some reason.

Leave a Comment

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: If you're driving around, get a topographic map of Lesotho. Though the 'latest' edition is ten years old, it is well worth the investment. Many hotels and lodges stock them, most definitely Malealea Lodge. With it you'll be able to track your progress quite accurately and anticipate certain things like river crossings and steep inclines. It'll also help you discover out of the way roads that may not be indicated on ordinary road maps.

Leave a Comment