Lesotho is a landlocked country and is completely surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. Most visitors to Lesotho arrive by motor vehicles, and enter through the various border posts it has with the republic. The border posts with their operating times are listed below.

 

 

Driving licenses from most countries around the world are accepted, but must either be printed in English, or be accompanied by a certified translation. International Driving permits are also accepted.

 

It is important to note that Lesotho has some traffic laws that are different to those found in most other countries, and these can create some uncomfortable moments for visitors. The traffic police have a habit of setting up road blocks not only at odd hours but in places that one would not expect. They will prefer to stop vehicles with foreign registration (licence) plates. The most common request, after asking for one's driving licence is for the 'three corner' or reflective triangle used to warn other motorists of a stationery vehicle. Most visitors are not aware that apparently Lesotho traffic laws require each motorist to have two, not one as is supplied by most motor vehicle manufacturers. The traffic police will ask to see two and although in the main, one will get away with a stiff warning, this can occassionally cause delays.

 

It is therefore better safe than sorry. Ensure that vehicles are roadworthy, with all lights working and with spare tyres and two reflective triangles available at all times. The AA and other similar organisations do not exist in Lesotho and even though one's vehicle may be covered by some manufacturer's emergency assistance programme, most of these do not cover visitors travelling in Lesotho.

Lesotho has decent tarred roads to most of the major centres, but due to their being in the mountains that are exposed to the elements, drivers must be careful as they can encounter the unexpected. Livestock, pedestrians and boulders alike can be found in the middle of these mountain roads as one comes round corners and care must be taken not to speed.
  

For those who belong to organisations such as the Landcruisers Club of South Africa however, one will find that fellow members are always keen to assist as long as a message can be sent through to them.

 

Lesotho’s main airport, Moshoeshoe I international airport, is located some 20 kilometres outside the capital, Maseru at Masianokeng. Here flights operate twice daily between Maseru and Johannesburg, South Africa.

Maseru’s first major airport is located in the suburb of Moshoeshoe II in Maseru, and is used primarily by the Lesotho Defence Force (Air Wing) and other private organisations today.

Most of the other districts boast airstrips and airfields which are used for domestic air travel and by the defence force and other private organisations. These can be and are often closed during the winter months when the highlands of Lesotho are mostly covered in snow.