It’s high altitude has given it the name ‘Kingdom of the Sky’. Lesotho is a landlocked country surrounded by South Africa. It is a popular holiday destination for its scenic landscapes and deep-rooted culture. If you’re planning a trip down to Lesotho, take a look at our guide.
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
Expat Clubs
There are no expat meet up clubs as such in Lesotho and most expats communicate online through websites such as ExpatWoman.com.
International Schools
American International School of Lesotho
The American International School of Lesotho (AISL) is a nonprofit, independent coeducational day school which offers an American educational program to students from preschool (age 3) through grade 10. The School, founded in 1991, serves the needs of the American community and other students seeking an American-style, English-language education. The school year is divided into 3 trimesters extending from late August to November, December to March and March to mid-June. AISL is accredited by CES/MSA.
Curriculum: American
Address: P.O. Box 333, Maseru 100, Lesotho
Tel: +266 22 322 987
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.aisl.co.ls
Machabeng College – International School of Lesotho
Machabeng College - International School of Lesotho is an English Medium School which opened in 1977 in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Lesotho Ministry of Education. Her Majesty Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso, Queen of the Kingdom of Lesotho, is the Patron of Machabeng College. The school is a national asset, sited on government property, and within the constitutional framework is answerable to the Principal Secretary of Education. The school is a fully accredited international institution of learning, functioning within a national context. It is open to all academically qualified students, regardless of religious affiliation or national origin.
Curriculum: British
Address: Maseru 100, Lesotho
Tel: +266-22313224, +266-52304000
Fax: +266-22316109
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.machcoll.co.ls
Local News in English
AllAfrica – Lesotho
AllAfrica publishes around 2,000 reports a day from more than 130 news organizations and over 200 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. They publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons.
Website: allafrica.com/lesotho
Public Eye
Public Eye Daily is an online publication of the Public Eye (Pty) Ltd, the Lesotho’s based publishing company. Public Eye Daily is the sole independent news source and advertising website in Lesotho providing readers with breaking news in the absence of daily newspapers. The website also offers video and audio news services.
Website: publiceye.co.ls
Country Information
Central Intelligence Agency, 2005
Location: Africa
Capital City: Maseru
Currency: Maloti
Language: Sotho, English
Calling Code: +266
Internet TLD: .ls
Electricity: The country runs on 220V 50Hz. Electricity is provided by the Lesotho Electricity Company.
Address: 53 Moshoeshoe Road, Industrial Area, Maseru, Lesotho
Tel: +266 22 312 236
Fax: +266 22 310 093
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.lec.co.ls
Emergency Numbers: 121/122/123/124
Country Information
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesotho
Embassy Information
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
Citizens from North America, the EU and Australia may enter and stay in the country visa free for 14 days. Some African states, South American and Asian territories may enter and stay for 30 days visa free. Other countries will have to apply through a Lesotho embassy or consulate in their home or host country. The Lesotho embassy to the US has details on visa regulations for each country: www.lesothoemb-usa.gov.ls/services/visa_r_countries.php and www.lesothoemb-usa.gov.ls/services/visa_countries.php
Documents required (but not limited to)
- Original passport
- Copy of your passport
- Visa application form (In ZIP format)
- Passport-size photo
- Copy of your return ticket or itinerary
- Employment contract
- Bank statement
- A vaccination certificate is required if you are coming from countries where cholera or yellow fever is endemic.
- Police Clearance from country of origin. However, Representatives of tourist groups, well-known businesses, Government/ or International Organizations and holders of service (Official) and Diplomatic Passports are exempt from the policy.
- Invitation letter from the inviting party
- Pre-paid, self-addressed return envelope
Expats staying beyond 30 days must obtain a residence permit. This is done from within Lesotho, coursed through at the Immigration and Passport Services:
Address: Maseru on Linare Road, Maseru Central, Lesotho
Tel: +266 22 323 771
Accommodation
Expat travel in Lesotho is primarily for short-term stays, usually tourism. Most expats stay within the capital making use of hotels and bed and breakfasts. Foreigners are mostly lodged in Lancer’s Inn hotel because of its close proximity to amenities.
Rental apartments are in short supply and can be expensive at $750 per month. Maseru West, White City, Lower Thetsane, White City are good places to start looking for accommodations. The best way is through word of mouth and real estate agents. News papers also have classifieds that post listings.
Driving License
Expats must have their domestic license and an international license to drive legally in Lesotho for up to 6 months. Beyond this expats must exchange their domestic license for a Lesotho license through the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
To apply for a Lesotho license, documents required:
· 2 Passport size photos
· A valid passport
· M100.00 application fee payable at the revenue office
Healthcare
The facilities in the country are not adequate and below standards. Ambulatory and emergency services are also unreliable in most cases. Major treatments are referred to the neighbouring town of Bloemfontein, South Africa. It is therefore advised to make legal provisions to make such trips including visas to South Africa. Health insurance that covers and reimburses medical costs and repatriation is highly advised. Expats should also stock up on personal medication as these may not be available from within Lesotho.
HIV is prevalent in the country, expats should observe necessary safety precautions.
Hospitals
Healthy Lifestyle Clinic & Diabetes Centre
Address: Shop 7 Sefika Complex, Moshoeshoe Road, Maseru Lesotho
Tel: +266 2232 7000
Maseru Private Hospital
Address: Hatsane Road Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho
Tel: +266 2231 3260
Fax: +266 2231 0142
Wiilie's Clinic
Address: Khubetsoana, Bochabela 11, Main North 1 Road, Maseru, Lesotho
Tel: +266 2233 36000
