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- Destinations
- Africa
- Lesotho
- Maseru
Maseru
For a modern capital city, Maseru is quite a strange place, as
tourists visiting Lesotho will soon find out. Way off the beaten
tourist track, the main commercial and administrative centre of
'The Kingdom of the Sky' is a sleepy, dilapidated city with a
distinct small-town feel. Most mid-range and budget accommodation
is basic, shopping opportunities are few, and the restaurant scene
isn't exactly sophisticated.
Maseru is, however, sited in one of the most beautiful regions
in the whole of Africa - in the foothills of the
prehistoric-looking Maluti Mountains, with a view of the jagged
peaks of South Africa's Drakensberg mountain range extending to the
east. Despite being situated in a slight valley (an area known as
Hlabeng-Sa-Likhama), Maseru is still 5,200 feet (1,600m) above
sea-leavel - a fact which, though contributing to harsh weather in
winter - makes for impossibly beautiful, clear and crisp skies, and
great mountain air.
Although there is not much to see and do in Maseru, outdoor
enthusiasts will soon come to view Lesotho as a giant playground of
sorts. A country full of walking and hiking trails, leading
tourists up into the mountains and past rural villages and hamlets
where life goes on in blissful disregard for modernity, there are
also some great outdoor activities for tourists to try their hands
at in Lesotho. Activities diverse as pony trekking, fishing,
birding, abseiling, skiing and even paragliding are available - and
these are well organised, and easy to get involved in (just enquire
at any upmarket hotel in Maseru).
For well-heeled travellers looking to do Lesotho in style, the
country also has a small but up-market selection of four and
five-star hotels, game lodges (such as Maliba Mountain Lodge) and
even a hotel/casino complex in the form of the Maseru Sun
International Hotel.
With a famously friendly local population, a slow pace of life
and outstanding natural scenery, Maseru can be a gentle
introduction to the African continent for foreign tourists - and is
a must-see place for those looking to try some outdoor activities
while on holiday in southern Africa.
Information & Facts
Climate
Maseru has a subtropical highland climate. This translates to
two distinct seasons, warm summers (September to March, hottest in
January) characterised by beautiful, refreshing electric afternoon
thunderstorms; and cold, dry winters (April to August, coldest in
June). Maseru's temperatures generally range from between 79°F
(26°C) and 54°F (12°C) in summer, and 61°F (16°C) and 27°F (0°C) in
the winter - though sub-zero temperatures are common in June and
July.
Language
English is the official language, but Sesotho, Xhosa and
Zulu are widely spoken.
Money
The official currency is the Loti (LSL) or plural Maloti, which
is divided into 100 lisente. It has the same value as the South
African Rand, and rands are accepted as legal currency. Banks and
exchange bureaus are found in Maseru and in most main towns. Most
major hotels, shops, restaurants and travel agencies accept credit
cards; though it is best to check with credit and debit card
companies as to their acceptance before leaving home. Travellers
cheques can be cashed at banks in Maseru. Local ATMs in Lesotho
have the facility to accept international ATM cards but are
unreliable.
Shopping
Maseru isn't full of great shopping opportunities but does,
however, boast some unique local art and craft products that make
for great souvenirs. Hand-woven mohair blankets and tapestries are
probably the country's most famous export - but tourists will also
find hand-made traditional music instruments, clay pottery, wire
and tin figurines (these are wonderful trinkets), and beaded
jewellery.
Sightseeing
Maseru isn't blessed with many tourist sights - rather, it
should be thought of a good base from which to explore its
surrounding rural areas, where Lesotho's culture can be experienced
in true fashion. However, while you're in Maseru, be sure to check
out the Royal Palace, the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of
Victories and the St. John's Anglican Church, all of which are
impressive buildings.