Maseru

Get around

Google Maps now have very detailed maps of Maseru and Lesotho.

See

There is not a huge deal to see in Maseru, as the city is essentially a base for expeditions and travels deeper into Lesotho.

The Mokorotlo. One of the country's most monumental buildings, the Mokorotlo is the traditional hut built in a modern sophisticated style, it is a virtual museum where you can learn more about the cultures and tradition of the friendly Basotho nation. Thetsane is worth having a wander around on a weekday - two kilometres south of Maseru on Pioneer Road (past the Pope's Podium) are a cluster of factories that churn out t-shirts and jeans for numerous US chain stores, including Children's Place and Gap (if you've ever bought an Old Navy top chances are it was stitched together here). The chaotic hustle and bustle of Thetsane contrasts sharply with the slow pace of life elsewhere in Lesotho, and it's a fascinating place to see what African industrialisation looks like. Lesotho National Museum. A museum that holds traditional sculptures and a wide range of traditional art and historical artifacts devoted to Lesotho's history.

Do

The Lehakoe Club and Gym, Moshoeshoe Road (next to the Central Bank, near the Houses of Parliament) Excellent gym by any standards, with 2 swimming pools, tennis & squash courts, steam rooms and sauna. M400 per month membership, also daily and weekly membership available. Lesotho National Tennis Courts Kingsway bypass, functional and cheap tennis courts, tuition available. Maseru Golf Course, play a round with some alcoholic expats. Moeshoeshoe Day is celebrated in Maseru in early March with colourful processions through the city centre. Hike up the Hill behind the casino. Behind the hotel is a rocky hill (where Chinese built the parliament building - Lesotho supports the One China policy). Should take about 30 minutes to climb but is well worth the effort - go before sunset and take your camera!

Drink

Good Times Cafe LNDC Centre, Kingsway (above the Vodacom shop) - the only non-hotel bar in Maseru likely to appeal to the tourist - can be very lively at weekends especially after pay-day (at end of the month) with live music and many of Lesotho's young and rich in attendance - but can be quiet on week nights. Lesotho Sun - Pool bar - Great for sundowners. Buy-1-get-1-free on Fridays 5PM-7PM (very popular) UN Club - the opening times are a little unpredictable, but worth a try for the more adventurous - it's next to the Sparrows bar and gas station behind Lancers Inn (GPS / Google Earth coordinates 29°18'57.63"S 27°28'48.57"E) Local bar in the suburbs - want to get off the tourist trail and see some suburban Maseru life? Try this bar - safe and friendly (and cheap), with a pleasant beer garden out back used for hosting the occasional wedding reception. About 2 km southeast of the cathedral traffic circle, just off main south (GPS / Google Earth coordinates 29°19'40.17"S 27°30'24.83"E)

Go next

In Lesotho: Leribe - town in the north of the country Semonkong - pony trekking in the Highlands and to the impressive falls Mafika Lisiu pass - a sealed road alpine pass reaching 3090 metres with impressive views on the A25 (between Pitseng and Ha Lejone) Malealea - pony trekking in the Highlands from the large lodge Thaba Bosiu - historic mountain fortress of the Masotho

In South Africa: Ladybrand - the closest town across the border. A nice place to escape to if you are living in Lesotho and are craving Western-ness! Bloemfontein - the nearest cinema (again, will only be useful to know this if you are living in Lesotho!)