Health Advice
The US Center For Disease Control maintains an updated list of medical advice for those travelling to Lesotho
The CDC recommends being up to date with all your regular shots. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot
- COVID-19 remains a risk in Lesotho.
- The rate of HIV/AIDS infection is very high. Take precautions if you engage in any high-risk activities.
- Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. Boil all drinking water. Drink bottled water with intact seals. The list includes:
- tuberculosis
- hepatitis
- typhoid
- rabies
- Medication may be in short supply. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Medications
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in your home country is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by your doctor at home
If you plan to bring medication, check if it’s legal in Lesotho. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Pharmaceutical products may be in short supply in Lesotho.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
- what the medications are
- how much you’ll take
- that it’s for personal use
Healthcare
If the borders are open, use facilities in Bloemfontein, South Africa, 140km from Maseru.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you’ll need to be evacuated to a major centre in South Africa or another place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
Food Safety
Only eat food that is cooked and served hot. Eat fruits and vegetables that you have personally washed in clean water or peeled yourself. Never eat food sold by street vendors. Only drink boiled water that is sealed and has been filtered and disinfected. Prefer carbonated drinks, hot coffee or tea, and pasteurized milk.
Safety
- Police resources are varied throughout Lesotho.
- Common crimes, especially in Maseru, include:
- muggings and armed robbery
- carjacking
- petty theft
- pickpocketing
- Gun-related crimes and break-ins have targeted travellers.
- Security risks increase at night and on weekends.
To protect yourself from violent crime:
- avoid walking alone or at night
- always keep car doors locked and windows up, even when moving
- use ATMs in controlled areas such as banks, shops and shopping centres
- always keep your credit card in sight when paying bills at restaurants and shops
Local Laws
- Drug taking and smuggling are serious offences. The punishments can be severe.
- Taking photographs or using video equipment near military and government installations is prohibited.
- Same-sex relationships are illegal
- Serious crimes, such as murder and rape, can attract the death penalty.
Useful emergency numbers
Police 123
Ambulance 121
Fire 122
