Lesotho Travel Safety

General safety

Tourist facilities are developing in Lesotho but remain very limited. Check the level of security provided at the hotel or accommodation you are contemplating before making reservations.

Precautions

Walking or driving after dark is extremely risky. Avoid walking alone, even during daylight hours. Do not resist assailants if attacked or robbed., Avoid eye contact with the assailant, if possible. Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Road safety

Livestock, pedestrians, vehicles moving without lights and other hazards are occur frequently. Local driving habits pose a risk in Maseru. There are few gas stations outside of cities and large towns. There are no road side assistance services operating in Lesotho. Always close and lock windows and doors. Do not offer rides to hitchhikers, who may be dangerous. Be vigilant when stopping at scenic points or rest stations. You should park in well-lit areas. All Lesotho-South Africa border crossings and 8 of Lesotho's 10 district capitals are linked by good roads. Rural communities are linked by secondary gravel roads that are in bad condition, poorly lit and best suited to four-wheel drive vehicles. If you rent a car in South Africa, you may bring it into Lesotho with a letter of authorization from the rental company. Be sure to check with the rental company because some rental companies do not issue letters of authorization. Many rural areas, particularly in mountainous areas, can be reached only by basic dirt roads or on horseback.

Identification

You should carry identification documents at all times.

Public transportation

Avoid using minibus taxis, they are poorly maintained and often involved in accidents.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Leotho, incidents of attacks and sexual assault against foreign women, including rape and murder might occur. Be extremely vigilant at isolated places and while dealing with strangers. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Female visitors and residents should take care when walking or travelling alone even during daylight hours. Exercise a very high degree of caution during travel. Extra caution should be exercised while walking through downtown Maseru, both at night and during the day.

Crime

Violent crime occurs, particularly in Maseru between local hotels and the business district. Foreigners are often targeted. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and mugging, is prevalent. It increases at night and on weekends. Armed robbery, carjacking and residential break-ins occur, especially in large towns including: Leribe Maputsoe Maseru, Foreign tourists and expatriates have experienced such incidents. There is no visible police presence at night.

LGBT

Homosexuality is illegal. LGBT travellers should be aware of local sensitivities, particularly when visiting rural areas.

Illegal drugs

Possession of drugs is a serious offence and punishments can be severe.

Driving

Traffic drives on the left. You must carry an International Driving Permit.