Travel to Lesotho to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work, or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

Backpacking or traveling in Lesotho?

• Many people have never heard of this country, but you have landed on this page! Great, we are going up high because the “Kingdom in Heaven” is not a bad country to visit as a traveler or backpacker. Traveling in Lesotho means spending little money and gaining a lot of experiences. Think of remote mountain villages, beautiful hikes and authentic culture. Oh, and did you know that it is the only place where the entire country is above 1,000 meters? This makes the climate surprisingly cool, even in summer!
• Activities to spot: trek to Thaba Bosiu, the old fortress of King Moshoeshoe; explore the mountains on the back of a Basotho pony; take a ride over the Sani pass; admire the engineering of the Katse Dam; walk in Sehlabathebe National Park; abseil along the gigantic Maletsunyane waterfalls; explore the capital Maseru with beautiful traditional and modern influences; visit the remote Basotho villages; ski in the Afriski resort - yes really!; take a boat trip on the Orange River.
• Wildlife spotting: mountain antelope, birds of prey, zebras, leopards, otters, baboons, elands, dassies, klipspringers.
• Food spotting: pap-pap (I don't think we need to explain that?), motoho (fermented sorghum drink), nyekoe (dried meat), bohobe Basotho bread), moroho (stewed vegetables), sesotho stew (mutton), lekhotloane (mushroom stew), mofokotso (pumpkin or sweet potato fritters), chakalaka (spicy salad or sauce).

Studying in Lesotho?

• Lesotho has a growing education system, and although the choice of studies is more limited than in neighbouring countries, there are still reasonable and increasing opportunities. Popular studies include cultural studies, medicine, education, agriculture and development studies. You can combine studying with a great outdoor life, especially if you like mountains.
• Study cities: Maseru, Roma.
• Language: bilingual (Sesotho and English), but most academic lessons are taught in English.

Internships in Lesotho?

• There are quite a few internships possible in Lesotho! And the handy thing is that you can get started with knowledge of English. Think for example of internships in the field of engineering (such as water technology), healthcare, at international organizations such as the UN, but also the World Monetary Fund on international aviation organizations, in education, agriculture and at various NGOs. There is quite a lot to be found!
• Competencies: adaptability, professional English and Sesotho, intercultural communication, teamwork, problem solving skills, leadership.

Volunteering in Lesotho?

• There are various volunteer projects that you can get started with. For example, you can help in the areas of elderly and childcare, tourism, community development, education, construction and management and women's emancipation. For this, look in particular at local NGOs and international aid organizations.

Working in Lesotho?

• It is difficult to find paid work in Lesotho. You have the best chance with international (aid) organizations, but unfortunately even most locals have to go abroad to find a job there.

Working as a digital nomad in Lesotho?

• Lesotho is not a popular country for digital nomads. So little is known about the infrastructure and the internet... A good adventure and a lot to write back to us about!
• Favorite locations: we think Maseru.

Living in Lesotho?

• Lesotho is known for its beautiful landscape and the many hiking options, so living there means a lot of adventure with a pleasant temperature. And the fact that English is spoken makes life even easier! The country grew up on agriculture, but climate change has changed that to a GDP based on tourism, the diamond industry and water supply to South Africa. It is a beautiful country to live in, but don't expect a large expat community.
• Education: Lesotho has one of the highest literacy rates in the world and the country invests heavily in education. There are a few international schools in the capital Maseru.
• Safety: Beware of muggings in the city and at night. Outside the capital the risk is smaller. There can also be political unrest, so make sure you stay in a safe place.
• Climate: The climate in Lesotho varies from cool summers to cold winters, with the mountains often covered in snow in the winter. Ideal for skiers. Bringing a jacket is definitely not an unnecessary luxury, even in the summer.
• Culture & religion: The culture is strongly rooted in Basotho traditions and you will often see people in their characteristic Basotho blankets. Music and dance are important, especially during festivals and village gatherings. The main religion is Christianity.
• Please note: both Sesotho and English are widely spoken, the country can be somewhat bureaucratic and electricity and internet are not always reliable outside the cities.
• Health insurance: medical facilities are insufficient and limited and there are still many diseases including HIV. Many expats go to South Africa to get care there. So make sure you have your own good health insurance.

Safety, insurances and packinglist for Lesotho