Planning a trip to Lesotho doesn't have to be difficult. Known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, this country is a stunning destination. Our travel cost guide will help you plan a perfect trip on your ideal budget. We've collected tons of travel cost data from previous travelers, and we're revealing average hotel prices and dining costs along with sightseeing and transportation tips. Now you'll be able to craft a memorable adventure without blowing your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Lesotho?
You should plan to spend around $85 (LSL1,491) per day on your vacation in Lesotho. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $49 (LSL860) on meals
- $10 (LSL183) on local transportation
- $47 (LSL821) on hotels
A one week trip to Lesotho for two people costs, on average, $1,188 (LSL20,874). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Lesotho expensive to visit?
Lesotho is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability. If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.
Within Africa, Lesotho is reasonably affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 25% of countries in Africa for its affordability. You can find more affordable countries such as Nigeria, but there are also more expensive countries, such as Zambia.
In Lesotho, you'll find accommodation and activities that cater to both budget travelers and those seeking a more lavish experience. You'll find budget hotels if you're looking to save, but there are also luxurious options for those who want to spend more, plus mid-range hotels for families and couples.
Lesotho doesn't have to break the bank if you follow simple tips like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $37 (LSL653) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $84 (LSL1,491) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $161 (LSL2,850) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Lesotho.
For more details, see Is Lesotho Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Lesotho?
The average Lesotho trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Lesotho travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Lesotho cost?
Lesotho on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$10
(LSL180)
|
$23
(LSL411)
|
$45
(LSL785)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$4.55
(LSL80)
|
$10
(LSL183)
|
$20
(LSL349)
|
|
Food 2
|
$21
(LSL376)
|
$49
(LSL860)
|
$94
(LSL1,644)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$6.94
(LSL122)
|
$16
(LSL279)
|
$30
(LSL532)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$1-3
(LSL17-52)
|
$2-7
(LSL39-118)
|
$4-13
(LSL75-225)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations about your travel budget. While many people consider themselves "budget" travelers, the truth is that most people don't find this shoestring travel style to be enjoyable. Consider what you genuinely appreciate on a trip and think about your previous travel experiences. Do you lean more towards staying in nice resorts, or mid-range hotels, or maybe even hostels? Is dining out in nice restaurants something you prioritize? Your answers will have a big impact on your overall travel budget.
The Truth on Budget Travel
People often say you can visit Lesotho for just $37 daily, but unless you're okay with sacrificing many comforts, be ready to shell out a lot more.
Backpackers can typically make that budget work, but it usually requires sleeping in dorm-style hostels, eating at the most affordable restaurants or fast food spots, taking public transit or walking, and sticking to free sights.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're on vacation as a couple or with family, you'll likely choose a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the must-see attractions, which often come with entry fees. Most travelers will want to visit the major sights, and landmarks. As most things cost money, it's best to expect a daily budget of about $84 per person.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
To experience a truly luxurious getaway, where everything from the service to the accommodation is elevated, plan for a daily price near $161. This means booking luxury hotels, dining in five-star restaurants, enjoying exclusive excursions, and hiring private drivers. You'll be vacationing among the wealthy in destinations like the major cities and resort areas.
Accommodation Budget in Lesotho
Lesotho offers hotels with a wide range of prices. You might be surprised at the difference between budget and high-end options, especially during peak season when prices increase significantly. To save, visit in the off-season, and book early for better deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Lesotho for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $47 (LSL821). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $23 (LSL411) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Lesotho? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Lesotho
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $10 (LSL183) per person, per day, on local transportation in Lesotho. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Lesotho is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$10
LSL183
If you're in Lesotho, you'll find that public transportation is quite limited. It's probably a good idea to rent a car or organize some form of transportation ahead of time, like a tour or taxi service. However, this could reduce your overall trip budget.
Food Budget in Lesotho
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Lesotho can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Lesotho is $49 (LSL860) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$49
LSL860
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Lesotho is about $49 (LSL860) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $21 to $93 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Lesotho are as follows:
- Breakfast: $9 to $15
- Lunch: $7 to $24
- Dinner: $17 to $39
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
Cuisine of the Basotho people is ingrained in African tradition with some British influences as well. It also tends to share certain culinary practices with its neighbor, South Africa, with ingredients largely consisting of potato, seafood, rice, vegetables, and corn based dishes. Most dishes contain sauces, though less spicy than other countries in Africa, and beetroot salad is a common side dish. Oxtail stews, peanut stews, curries, and kabobs are also very traditional. Ginger beer, local brews, and ting or fermented porridge are popular beverages.
Mieliepap: A traditional porridge or polenta made from mielie-meal (a ground maize). Different variations have different consistencies and textures like the smooth slap pap, the thicker stywe pap, and the more crumbly phuthu pap. The pap is usually accompanied by savories like green vegetables flavored with chili, or served with meat and a kind of tomato stew. It is also a common breakfast staple, usually eaten with milk, butter, and sugar. (recipe here)
Transportation
By plane, Moshoeshoe I International Airport serves the capital city of Maseru. South African Airways and Airlink operate daily flights between Maseru and Johannesburg. It is important to arrange a taxi in advance as there are none at the airport.
As Losotho is surrounded on all sides by South Africa, by car you will be entering from South Africa. The major border posts are Caledonspoort, Ficksburg Bridge, Makhaleng Bridge, Maseru Bridge, Ngoangoma Gate, Peka Bridge, Qacha's Nek, Ramatseliso's Gate, Sani Pass, Sephaphos Gate, Tele Bridge and Van Rooyen's Gate. Be aware that gas is scarce, and the terrain may be rugged.
By bus, Vaal-Maseru runs a coach service between Johannesburg and Maseru.
Traveling with kids? Look for restaurants that have a dedicated kids menu. This can help you save some cash since those meals are often cheaper. Additionally, some restaurants might not list the childrens' options, so don't forget to ask the waiter first.
Many hotels have breakfast included in the room rate, while some charge for it separately. The cost and quality of breakfast can differ from hotel to hotel. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you choose whether to enjoy the hotel buffet or opt for a more affordable option at a nearby bakery or café.
Opt to carry a water bottle with you instead of splurging on drinks all the time. It's a choice that benefits the environment too.
If you're organizing a tour, take the time to find out which meals are included ahead of time. Having to pay for some of your meals can increase your total expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Lesotho
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Lesotho typically cost an average of $16 (LSL279) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$16
LSL279
Nightlife Budget in Lesotho
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $4.47 (LSL79) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Lesotho per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$4.47
LSL79
Nightlife can be fun, but trimming your drink expenses can make a big difference in your travel savings.
Traveling in Lesotho
Lesotho
Lesotho is a unique little country, made mostly of mountains, and completely surrounded by South Africa. Known as the "Kingdom in the Sky" because of its high altitude, it has the highest lowest point of any country in the world. It is crisscrossed by a network of rivers and mountains, with opportunities for seeing beautiful waterfalls, impressive cave dwellings, rock art, dinosaur footprints, and the ruins of a 19th century kingdom.
At A Glance
Maseru is the capital city of Lesotho, located on its northwestern border with South Africa. As far as attractions go, the city is more of a home base for expeditions and travels deeper into the country. Hlotse, also known as Leribe, is located a bit further north and serves as a regional market hub - a great place for craft shopping and stocking up before venturing into the Highlands. Teyateyaneng is another important market for locally made crafts, while Quthing in the south is known to be near impressive rock and cave art of the San people.
As far as the landscape goes, Lesotho's topography changes from lowlands in the west, to foothills, and then mountains which make up most of the country's eastern half. Then there is also the Senqu River Valley at the junction of the Makhaleng and Orange rivers in the south.
Lesotho's high altitude and rugged terrain draw many visitors for outdoor activities, especially hiking. Hiking in the country's highlands is not for the inexperienced, and having a guide is preferable. The Department of Tourism can find you a guide, who can then navigate the way, often staying in remote villages overnight. Guided trekking and climbing in the Maluti/ Drakensberg mountains is another common venture, which can be planned through GoVertical Mountaineering Adventures.
If trekking on foot is not what you have in mind, pony-trekking is also available at either Malealea, Semonkong, or at the Basotho Pony-Trekking Centre. It's a great way to see the Lesotho countryside as the ponies can navigate where the cars cannot, through far-off villages and steep mountainsides.
When wintertime does come, the slopes at Oxbow are also well-frequented by visitors.
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Top Tourist Attractions
The striking landscape of Lesotho's highlands is truly one of the top attractions in the country. As mentioned earlier, one can see the rugged countryside on foot, bicycle, or by pony. The mountains are grand enough, but there are also a few hidden gems nestled within them.
Sani Pass: The high road up to Sani Top is the highest pass in South Africa and crosses the border between S.A. and Lesotho. This is a great trip to make because of the stunning views, rugged terrain, and physical challenge. Read this great article about taking a road trip to Sani Pass, Lesotho.
Kome Caves: Built by the Basotho people to hide from cannibals, these impressive cave dwellings are a sight not to be missed. They are located about an hour's drive from Maseru in the Berea district.
Maletsunyane (Semonkong) Falls: Located near the small town of Semonkong in central Lesotho, these falls drop 200 meters in one great plunge. In the summertime the pond that lies below is popular for swimming, while in the winter the waterfall freezes into a single column.
Rock Art and Dinosaur footprints: Evidence of prehistoric times lies preserved in the landscape of Lesotho as well. The most accessible of the dinosaur footprints can be seen near the towns of Moyeni and Morija, while some of the most impressive rock art can be found within Liphofung Cave.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.