Living in Lesotho

In the latest census, the population of Lesotho is estimated at about 1.8 million. 'Basotho', as the inhabitants of Lesotho are known, are a people that pride themselves on living in one of Africa's last kingdoms where Sesotho and English are the two official languages. With a population of 278 thousand, sleepy Maseru (Sesotho, meaning "place of the red sandstone"), the capitol, is located on the northwest border with the Free state of South Africa.

Geography and Climate

Beautiful and untamed, the Lesotho experience is inimitable. Pure ever flowing rivers meander through the snow-capped Maloti Mountains which dominate three quarters of the country and gently marble the fertile lowlands where the majority of the people reside. For centuries the land has supported an array of agricultural efforts and serves as a backdrop for an amazing culture to be infused into traditions still present today.

Lesotho is landlocked within South Africa, making it the only one of its kind in the world. Consequently, Lesotho and South Africa share a unique relationship. As the "Roof of Africa," it does not have what one normally would think of as an African climate. Lesotho has the distinction of having the "highest low point" of any country on earth. Stated simply, this means that Lesotho's lowlands are a high plateau, and from there the only way to go is up!

Lesotho goes through all of the colorful and dramatic transitions of the four seasons. Due to the wide range of altitude in which it lies, the weather conditions fluctuate dramatically depending on where you are. The summer is hot with the hottest days being in January and February. The rainy season spans from October to April with most of the rain falling between March and May and October and November. Days are usually sunny, interrupted by afternoon showers. Temperatures range from around 30°C (86°F) in the lowlands and as the altitude increases temperatures drop, averaging about 18°C (64°F) in the mountains.

Bone chilling breezes signal the beginning of winter and the snow turns the otherwise green mountains white. Interestingly, snow can cover the mountains at any time of year, and the best alpine skiing in Africa is a short drive from Maseru. The winter grip usually starts from May until July and it is bitterly cold, predominantly in the highlands but days are usually clear and sunny. Temperatures can dip to -7°C (20°F) in the populated lowlands and -18°C (0°F) in the highlands. Spring marks the end of winter in September with the return of the birds and the sprouting of luscious greenery and the blossoming of a multitude of fruit and alomond trees. And with this the breathtaking cycle of the seasons comes full circle.

Food and Shopping

Staple foods in Lesotho include bread, potatoes and rice. Corn meal is boiled and made into a dish called "papa". Beans, cabbage and pumpkins are grown. Wild spinach can be found in a number of places. Mutton, chicken and eggs are produced locally. In areas near rivers, freshwater fish supplement the diet. Fried cakes, similar to doughnuts, are popular. Fruits grown locally include apples, apricots, peaches, pears and quinces.

In addition to local market stands, South African grocery chains Pick 'n Pay and Shoprite stock a full complement of grocery and household items. The recently opened Pioneer Mall, near the School, boasts a variety of boutiques and stores selling clothing and household items, as well as a movie theatre and several fast-food and South African chain restaurants, including Spur, Ocean Basket, Debonaire's Pizza and KFC! Besides local restaurants offering a variety of tasty stews and local specialties, international options including Indian, Italian, and Chinese are available in Maseru as well.

Though most basic items can be purchased from the variety of local merchants along Kingsway - Maseru's main thoroughfare - many locals and expats make Saturday trips to neighboring Ladybrand, just across the South African border, or further afield to Bloemfontein, South Africa - just 90 minutes away by car.

Cost of Living

The unit of currency in Lesotho is the Loti (plural-Maloti), and it is tied to the South African Rand; in fact Maloti and Rands are used interchangeably in Lesotho. As of January, 2010, the rate of exchange was US$1 = M7.40.

In a survey published in June, 2009 by human recources consultancy ECA International, examining the cost of living for expatriates in various world cities, Maseru ranked 370th out of 370 cities surveyed, making Maseru the "least expensive city" in the world for expatriates.

Opportunities for Travel

Driving Times from Maseru

In Southern Africa: