As can be determined by its name, Maseru is not only the capital City of Lesotho but also the centre of the district by the same name. Located in the lowlands to the west of the country, it is to be found on the banks of the Caledon (“Mohokare” in Sesotho) river. It was established as a small trading post in 1869, and is close to the Maseru Bridge border post with South Africa. Being the capital city, it serves as the customs and immigration gateway to South Africa, although most of the same services are now to be found at the many other border crossings.

Maseru is the first port of call for most visitors to Lesotho, from which they will then travel inland to explore the Mountain Kingdom. The first landmarks one encounters upon arrival in Maseru are the Basotho Hat and Basotho Shield buildings, the first being a Craft shop selling traditional Basotho arts and crafts and the second being the Tourism Information office of the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation. At the Basotho Shield, visitors will find maps, guide books and other sources of information for their visit inland. 

 

Maseru is the seat of government and hosts the King’s primary (official) residence. It has a population of approximately 200, 000 (2006 census). Lesotho’s parliament and government are also based in Maseru, as are all the representatives of major organisations, and the Embassies and High Commissions of foreign governments. Most of Lesotho’s industrial and commercial activity is also to be found in Maseru, including banking, manufacturing and assembly plants, International and local hotels and casinos, entertainment centres, as well as shopping centres with some of the major Southern African department stores also represented here.