AROUND MASERU

More than in the City itself, it is in the surrounding countryside that the visitor will find things of interest to make the visit to Lesotho a memorable one. Maseru, with its fine hotels, is an ideal base from which to explore the western regions of Lesotho, with their history and culture, craft centres, and with a countryside that changes with the seasons.

In the springtime, billowing clouds of peach blossom in the nearby orchards provide a wonderful opportunity to explore the famous Peach Blossom route, either by car or on pony.

The National University, Roma is situated in a very scenic valley at Roma, 35km from the capital. It is an interesting site for a short excursion from Maseru. This has always been an educational centre, and is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Mission that was founded in 1862.

Not far from Maseru, is Thaba Bosiu a site, well worth an excursion. Buses and taxis run to the tourist office at the base of the mountain from the southern bus rank in Maseru. Guides are available at the tourist office. The senior guide, a direct descendant of Moshoeshoe the Great has a wealth of knowledge and stories about the place and he makes history come alive. It is not too stiff a climb to the top, where you will come across the ruins of Moshoeshoe's village. The royal graveyard is also located on the summit. Views are lovely, and just nearby is Qiloane, a strangely shaped mountain, the shape of which is supposed to have inspired the old Basotho-hat building in Maseru.

You can plan an overnight trip to Morija, which is a small town about 40 km south of Maseru. It is well worth a stay, but can also be visited as a day trip from Maseru. The only museum in Lesotho is located here. The museum has a lovely tea garden overlooking the surrounding hills. Pony trekking is possible from here.

NIGHT LIFE

Life and fun does not stop in Lesotho when the sun goes down. There are two casinos in Maseru, and gamblers can enjoy blackjack and roulette, as well as slots. There are cinema houses and most hotels provide television that features Lesotho Television, South African channels and satellite links.

Visitors will find a wide range of excellent restaurants in Maseru and other towns in Lesotho,. Fine dining experiences range from Chinese and Indian to Continental and tasty Southern Africa fare. In the warmer months, many people will also enjoy a braai — the Southern Africa barbecue.

The bars are welcoming and informal. A drink with friends under the starlit sky in summer, or round a cosy log fire in the winter, is a great way to finish off the day.

PASSPORTS : Required by all.

VISAS: Required by all except the following for stays of up to three months:
(a) nationals referred to in the chart above except 1. nationals of Czech Republic , Estonia, Hungary , Latvia, Lithuania , Poland, Slovak Republic and Slovenia who do need a visa;
(b) nationals of Commonwealth countries, except for nationals of Bangladesh, Cameroon, Fiji, Ghana, India, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan and Sri Lanka who do require a visa;
(c) nationals of Iceland, Israel, Madagascar, Norway, Switzerland and Zimbabwe.

Types of visa and cost: Tourist / Business : £30 (single-entry); £50 (multiple-entry).

Validity: Single-entry : up to three months. Multiple-entry : up to six months.

Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission); see Contact Addresses section.

Application requirements: (a) Valid passport. (b) Two application forms. (c) Two passport-size photos. (d) Return ticket. (e) Fee. Business : (a)-(e) and, (f) Letter from sponsor.

Working days required: One.

ACCOMMODATION

ACCESS