Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Check your routine vaccinations like MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, and polio. Consider Hepatitis A and Typhoid as they can be contracted through contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B is advised if you’re planning on getting a tattoo or any medical procedures. Rabies is recommended if you’ll be interacting with animals or spending a lot of time outdoors. Malaria isn’t a major concern in Lesotho, but always good to check current health advisories.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Lesotho, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for LesothoCulture & Customs
Respect is a big deal in Lesotho. Always greet with a handshake and a smile. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas; women should avoid wearing shorts. Homosexuality isn’t widely accepted, so discretion is advised for LGBTQ+ travelers. Ask permission before taking photos, especially of people. Avoid using your left hand to give or receive items as it’s considered impolite. Tipping isn’t mandatory but appreciated, especially in restaurants. Be mindful of local customs and try to learn a few words in Sesotho—it goes a long way!
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Lesotho.
- Pap-pap: This is a staple porridge made from maize meal, similar to polenta. It’s a vital part of many meals and often served with meat or vegetables. Its popularity lies in its simplicity and the way it complements the heartier flavors of other dishes.
- Moroke: A traditional dish made from wild spinach or local greens. Often cooked with potatoes and sometimes meat, it reflects the resourcefulness and connection to the land that’s central to Basotho culture.
- Nyekoe: A comforting soup made from a mix of beans and maize. It’s a common and filling meal that showcases the use of local ingredients and the importance of hearty, communal eating.
- Khohlela: A sour porridge made from fermented maize. It’s a bit of an acquired taste but beloved for its unique tang and nutritional value. Often enjoyed as a breakfast or light meal.
- Sesotho Chicken: Typically prepared with local spices and served with rice or pap, this dish highlights the flavors of Lesotho with its hearty and slightly spicy profile.
Locals in Lesotho often drink tap water, but it’s not consistently treated, so tourists should be cautious. It’s recommended to drink bottled or filtered water to avoid any potential stomach issues. Always carry a portable water filter or purification tablets just in case bottled water isn’t available.
The main language in Lesotho is
Sesotho. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Sesotho skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Lesotho includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - is widely spoken in Lesotho, primarily as the official language alongside Sesotho. It is used in government, education, and the media, making it accessible for travelers. Most urban areas, particularly in the capital, Maseru, have a population that can communicate effectively in English.
In rural regions, while many people may understand basic English, proficiency can vary. Older generations may have limited English skills, while younger individuals, especially students, are generally more fluent due to the education system emphasizing English.
Travelers will find that hotel staff, tour guides, and those in the hospitality industry often speak English well, facilitating communication. However, learning a few phrases in Sesotho can enhance interactions and show respect for the local culture. Overall, while English is commonly spoken, being prepared for varying levels of proficiency can enrich your experience in Lesotho.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Lesotho is LSL (M).
When backpacking in Lesotho, it’s wise to carry some cash in local currency, the Lesotho loti (LSL), as rural areas might not have ATM access. ATMs are mostly available in bigger towns like Maseru, but don’t rely on them too much. Always have some backup cash in South African rand (ZAR), which is widely accepted and has a 1:1 exchange rate with the loti.
As for cards, don’t expect widespread acceptance. Most places are cash-only, so save your card mainly for emergencies or larger purchases in urban areas. If you’re carrying dollars or euros, exchange them at banks or official exchange offices in major towns. Avoid street money exchangers to dodge getting scammed.
Lastly, if you’re crossing from South Africa, grab some LSL or ZAR before entering Lesotho to avoid the hassle of finding an ATM immediately upon arrival.
Tipping in Lesotho isn’t widespread, but it’s appreciated. In restaurants, leaving a 10% tip for good service is a nice gesture. For porters or hotel staff, a small amount like 5-10 maloti can go a long way.
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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.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.