Lesotho: Getting there & around

South African Airways flies daily between Moshoeshoe international airport, 18km (11mi) south-east of Maseru, and Johannesburg.

There are no longer any direct buses between major South African cities and Maseru. You'll need to take a bus to Bloemfontein or Ladybrand and catch a minibus taxi from there. Minibus taxis run between Jo'burg and Maseru. Buses from Maseru for South African destinations leave from the bridge on the South African side of the border.

Hire cars are a popular option in South Africa and, if organised at the time of hire, can be freely driven in Lesotho. Entry via Sani Pass is only possible if you're in a 4WD, but if you're adventurous you can leave Lesotho by that route - though you might feel like you're in free-fall some of the way. There is a road tax for everyone leaving Lesotho, set at a whopping US$0.40 .

With the closing of Lesotho Airways, getting around the country by air is pretty difficult. Private charter companies in Maseru might be able to help out. There is a good network of slow buses, but be prepared for long delays on the road. Buy short-distance tickets to allow for bus-hopping, rather than one long-distance ticket committing yourself to extended waits in one-pony towns. Unusually for Africa, all buses are non-smoking. Minibuses are slightly quicker, but don't cover the same distances. There are no trains in Lesotho.

Car hire is available in Maseru, but hire rates are significantly cheaper in South Africa.