Living in Lesotho

Encircled by South Africa, the mountainous kingdom of Lesotho offers expats affordability, authentic culture and stunning highland scenery. From lively capital Maseru to remote villages, Lesotho rewards visitors with a warm-hearted experience. This guide covers everything you need to know about living in Lesotho.

Why Move to Lesotho?

Lesotho provides some compelling reasons to consider moving there:

• Breathtaking mountain landscapes including the iconic Maluti Mountains that offer hiking, biking, pony trekking and skiing.
• Lower cost of living with reasonable housing prices and affordable locally produced food. Allows income to stretch further.
• Unique Basotho culture preserved in villages still living traditional lifestyles through art, music, food and customs.
• Temperate highland climate providing 4 distinct seasons without extreme heat or cold. Snow in winter.
• Laidback, peaceful lifestyle free from hustle and stress. Basotho are known for their smiles and hospitality.
• Stability and democracy. Independent since 1966, Lesotho has avoided conflict and shaped its own path.
• English speaking population surrounded by South Africa provides more accessibility than other parts of Africa.
• Gateway for regional travel to South Africa sites like Johannesburg and Drakensberg Mountains just a few hours away by car.
• Tight knit expat community in the capital Maseru helps newcomers acclimate.

Living in Lesotho: Pros and Cons

While Lesotho has much to offer, some challenges exist:

Pros :

1. Breathtaking mountain landscapes
2. Lower cost of living
3. Unique and authentic Basotho culture
4. Four season highland climate
5. Laidback, peaceful lifestyle
6. Political stability
7. English widely spoken
8. Gateway to South Africa sites
9. Tight knit expat community

Cons :

1. Underdeveloped infrastructure in rural zones
2. High rates of poverty and unemployment
3. Challenging for farming – arid land, soil erosion
4. Many areas only accessible by 4×4
5. Limited healthcare services, especially specialties
6. High rates of HIV/Aids requiring caution
7. Imported goods and gas cost more
8. Bureaucracy and inefficiency in services
9. Struggles with corruption in government

While basics like housing are affordable, Lesotho faces development challenges. But the magnificent mountains and friendly locals captivate visitors.

The Cost of Living in Lesotho

Lesotho offers an affordable cost of living, especially for locally produced foods and basic services:

Housing

• Rents around M2,000–M3,000 ($130-$200) per month for modern apartments in Maseru.
• Houses for purchase average M800,000+ ($50,000+).

Food

• Local produce like vegetables and grains are very affordable.
• Groceries about M2,000 ($130) monthly for two people.
• Eating out is ~M100 ($7) per meal.

Transportation

• Shared taxis within cities average M20 ($1.25) per trip.
• Older used cars start around M50,000 ($3,200).
• Gasoline is ~M16 ($1) per liter.

Utilities

• Electricity, water, garbage, internet and cell phone service totals around M500 ($32) per month.

Healthcare

• Public healthcare is limited but inexpensive.
• Private clinics cost ~M250 ($16) per visit without insurance.

Education

• Lesotho schools instruction is in English.
• Private schools average M15,000-M25,000 ($950-$1,600) annually.

Activities

• Things like hiking, village homestays or cultural events often cost ~M50-M100 ($3-$6) per person.

Taxes

• Corporate tax is 25%. Top income tax rate is 30%. VAT is 15%.

Quality of Life in Lesotho

While underdeveloped, Lesotho offers a moderate but relaxed quality of life:

1. Affordability – Low costs, especially for local goods and services, allows disposable income to stretch further. But amenities are basic.
2. Healthcare – Public healthcare is limited but improving. Private clinics offer decent urgent care. Access is a challenge in isolated areas. Preventative medicine is uncommon.
3. Infrastructure – Major investments in roads and construction underway but still developing. Power and internet supply can be unreliable.
4. Safety & Security – Crime rates remain low with minimal violent crime. But petty theft exists in urban densities. Police enforcement continues to progress.
5. Environment – Natural beauty abounds but soil erosion negatively impacts farming. Water access impacts rural areas more.
6. Economy & Employment – Reliant on small manufacturing, agriculture and worker remittances from South Africa. Unemployment remains high at over 30%. Poverty is still common but steadily improving.
7. Leisure & Culture – Basotho relish simple pleasures like family, festivals, faith, music, food and exploring the outdoors. But economic opportunities remain limited.

A Beginner’s Guide to Lesotho Culture

Lesotho’s culture reflects various southern African ethnic groups:

• Main ethnic groups are Basotho and Basuto along with Zulu and Xhosa minorities. Most follow Christianity blended with indigenous beliefs.
• Lesotho’s official languages are Sesotho and English. Knowing a few Sesotho phrases goes a long way with locals.
• Traditional Basotho dress is still proudly worn. Cloaks called kobo cover dresses for women while men wear blankets as shawls and conical straw hats. Modern clothes also common in cities.
• Cuisine relies on corn, wheat and vegetables like beans, onions and peppers. Staples are papa (maize porridge) and moroho (spinach).
• Music plays a huge role, from lively accordion-infused concertina music to poetic famo gangster rap. Dance offs and mountain choir contests abound.
• Oral and written poetry are cornerstones of society, passed down to share history, values, and life lessons. Elders are respected.
• Villages organize “work parties” called mephato where the community pitches in together such as constructing homes before big celebrations.

Best Places to Live in Lesotho

Top spots for expats include:

1. Maseru – The capital and largest city offers the most opportunities and amenities while keeping a laidback vibe.
2. Teyateyaneng – Lesotho’s second city has major manufacturing and commercial industries along with historic sites. More affordable than Maseru.
3. Butha-Buthe – This northern town surrounded by mountains provides a jumping off point for hiking, hot springs and waterfalls.
4. Semonkong – Tiny remote village and adventure hub for whitewater rafting, abseiling, pony trekking and the iconic Semonkong Lodge.
5. Roma – Historic trading town with nearby dinosaur fossils and sandstone rock formations to explore.

No matter if you crave bustling Maseru or a tranquil village, Lesotho offers magnificent mountain scenery and a fascinating culture at an affordable rate. The natural beauty and Basotho hospitality captivate most visitors.