The Drakensberg Mountains in Lesotho are a great destination for exploration. These towering peaks offer breathtaking views, diverse flora and fauna, and a variety of outdoor activities. The Sani Pass, a rugged mountain road, provides access to the …
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Lesotho
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Backpacking Lesotho in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Lesotho with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Lesotho
Welcome to Lesotho, a pocket of paradise nestled within South Africa, beckoning backpackers with its mountainous landscapes and rich culture. Pros? Immerse yourself in traditional Basotho life, trek through stunning highlands, and enjoy the affordability of this lesser-traveled destination. However, limited infrastructure and transportation options may pose challenges. For those seeking an offbeat adventure, Lesotho's unique blend of culture and nature offers a backpacking experience where the unspoiled beauty of the mountains and warm hospitality create a distinct and memorable journey.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Lesotho
Mountains
💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Lesotho
- Explore the Maletsunyane Falls: Visit one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere. The breathtaking 192-meter cascade is a must-see natural wonder.
- Hike in the Maloti Mountains: Embark on a hiking adventure in Lesotho’s stunning mountain range. Enjoy panoramic views, encounter unique wildlife, and experience the country’s rugged beauty.
- Visit the Thaba-Bosiu Cultural Village: Immerse yourself in Lesotho’s rich cultural heritage at this historical site. Learn about the country’s history, traditions, and the founding of the Basotho nation.
- Go pony trekking: Discover Lesotho’s traditional mode of transport by embarking on a pony trek. Explore the countryside, interact with locals, and experience the unique charm of traveling on horseback.
- Experience the Sani Pass: Take a thrilling journey up the Sani Pass, a renowned mountain pass connecting Lesotho and South Africa. Enjoy breathtaking views, visit remote villages, and embrace the adventure of this iconic route.
But Lesotho offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Lesotho
The best time to visit Lesotho for backpacking is during the dry season, which runs from October to April. During this time, the weather is generally pleasant with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. This allows for easier hiking and outdoor activities. However, it's important to note that Lesotho experiences high altitude, so temperatures can drop significantly, especially during the winter months of June to August. It is advisable to pack warm clothing and be prepared for cold nights.
Risk level: medium (50%)Safety advice for Lesotho
- Violent and petty crime is common in Lesotho. Gun-related crimes and break-ins have targeted travellers. Security risks increase at night and on weekends. Avoid walking alone or at night. If you're a victim of violent crime, including sexual assault, seek immediate medical help.
- Protests may occur and can become violent. Political protests may occur in Maseru. Avoid demonstrations and large public gatherings as they can become violent.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
LesothoMy tips to get you on the way!Does Lesotho sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Lesotho. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Lesotho may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Lesotho. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Lesotho may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Lesotho, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Lesotho, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024