Journey through South Africa

Flight options to and from South Africa are somewhat restricted. Reach out to your travel provider for more information. When journeying through South Africa, it is essential to familiarize yourself with its entry and transit requirements.

Journeying from South Africa to Lesotho by road can present challenges due to the road conditions, including potholes, and the routes are frequently traversed by cargo trucks.

South Africa has unique documentation requirements for children.

South Africa does not recognize provisional travel documents.

To embark on your journey to South Africa, ensure you have a yellow fever vaccination certificate in hand.

Additional details:

Exploring South Africa

Passport Duration

Certain countries have entry requirements that stipulate your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date. This holds true even if you are merely passing through or taking a brief pause.

Certain foreign governments and airlines seem to apply the rule in a way that varies greatly. Explorers often encounter a variety of perspectives from numerous sources.

In Lesotho, your passport needs to be valid for six months from your planned departure date. Without a valid passport for more than 6 months or two blank pages, you might find yourself in a tricky situation.

The rules are not established by the Australian Government. Make sure to verify the expiry date on your passport before embarking on your journey. If you are uncertain about its validity lasting, think about obtaining a new passport.

Misplaced or taken passport

Your passport is an essential document. It draws in individuals who might seek to exploit your identity for unlawful activities.

Beware, as there are those who might attempt to deceive you into handing over your passport. Always store it in a secure location.

If your passport goes missing or is taken, notify the Australian Government without delay:

In Australia, reach out to the Australian Passport Information Service.
If you are abroad, reach out to the closest Australian embassy or consulate.
Wealth
The currency used here is the Lesotho Loti (LSL).

The South African Rand enjoys broad acceptance.

ATMs can be quite unpredictable.

Major centres welcome credit cards.

Inquire with your bank about the usability of your cards in Lesotho.

Exploring nearby destinations

License to drive
To navigate the roads of Lesotho, you require both:

a legitimate Australian driver’s licence an International Driving Permit (IDP)
Make sure to secure your IDP before setting off from Australia.

Journeying by road

In Lesotho, the chances of facing a fatal motor vehicle accident are higher compared to Australia.

The perils of driving encompass:

subpar local driving habits

vehicles in disrepair rough and uneven pathways dimly lit streets
creatures of the wild and farm animals roaming the streets
winding and rugged mountain paths
rugged cliffs
The roads connecting the main urban centres are in decent shape.

In certain rural areas, a 4WD vehicle is essential for your journey.

If you are gearing up for a road trip:

ensure you possess sufficient insurance coverage
explore the local traffic regulations and gain hands-on driving experience
stay vigilant for potential hazards, including wildlife and people crossing the streets
Additional details:

Traveling on wheels

Motorbikes

Be aware that your travel insurance policy might not provide coverage while riding a motorbike, quad bike, or similar vehicle.

Always don your helmet.

For your journeys, opt for registered taxis, ideally organized through your hotel for a seamless experience.

Steer clear of hailing taxis on the street, as they tend to be in less than ideal condition.

Public transport

Steer clear of buses or taxis, as they tend to be overcrowded and not in the best condition. In Lesotho, the choices for public transport are quite restricted and may not always feel secure or dependable.

Explore the car rental services offered in Maseru. When you rent a car in South Africa, you can take it into Lesotho as long as you have a letter of authorization from the rental company. Be sure to confirm with the rental company that they provide letters of authorization.

Flying through the skies

DFAT does not offer insights regarding the safety of specific commercial airlines or their flight routes.

Explore Lesotho’s air safety profile through the Aviation Safety Network.