Maseru is the largest city in Lesotho as well as its capital. It is located on South African’s north Western border. Its positioning makes it easier to access both the judicial and academic centers of Bloemfontein as well as the major harbor of Durban. After it gained independence in 1966, Maseru achieved impressive and steady growth.
It has a population of approximately 227,880. The manufacturing activities taking place in this area include electronic assembly, clothing, and textiles. The Kingsway Street Business Centre has most of the banks, the main post office and ministerial. Maseru is an excellent tourist location since it also has international restaurants and hotels, chain stores and casinos as well as variety of fun places and supermarkets.
Major Attractions
Thaba-Bosiu National Monument
This is a perfect way to spend your morning or afternoon in Maseru. The steep hike to the top is adventurous and you get to view where the ancient King used to live. You will grasp the history behind the Thaba Bosiu National Mountain after only you have climbed up the historical site. This is a pleasurable historical getaway. It may not be very spectacular but certainly a nice way to exercise.
AfriSki
Actually, this is the only skiing resort available in Lesotho. It is used for Mountain Adventure Sport during summer time between October and April, and skiing during wintertime between June and September.
Ts’ehlanyane National Park
This is Lesotho’s Largest National Park and is situated in the Maloti Mountains in Butha-Buthe District, Lesotho. You cannot afford to leave Lesotho without visiting its largest National Park.
Katse Dam
Katse Dam is a concrete arch dam on the Malibamat’so River in Lesotho. It is Africa’s second largest dam. The scenery on the way and the drive to the dam will leave you astound. It is startling and worth seeing.
The Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Victories
This majestic colonial style structure is located directly on the main entry into Lesotho. It is surely worth paying it a visit.
Lancer’s Gap
You will find it on the road, north side from Maseru. It offers lovely views of the Caledon Valley and of the City. The site is also a must visit being that it was a famous battle of Basotho warriors back in 1852.
Where to Eat
Lancers Inn Restaurant
The restaurant is located in the main road in Maseru. If you looking for excellent steaks, then this is the right, eat out joint to choose. They main serve African Cuisines.
Regal Restaurant
It can be traced on Kingsway, Basotho Hat Complex in Maseru. It offers a very quiet atmosphere with absolute fabulous food. The service is good and the prices reasonable. It is the only known place in Maseru serving Indian dishes. The restaurant has a good stock of local and imported beer as well as South African white and red wines.
Rendezvous
It is located along Kingsway and Pioneer Road corner in Maseru. They serve international cuisine and the foods are overall good. The place is normally busy during evening hours but they always maintain high quality.
Ocean Basket
It can be found in Pioneer Mall, along Pioneer Road. The best spot for causal dinner or lunch. They offer friendly service with a nice selection of South African wines at an affordable price.
Piri Piri
This is an ideal eating joint to hangout with your pals after a long working day. They have organized and friendly waiters. In addition, the food is good. This is one of the best restaurants in Maseru.
Ying Tao Grill
This restaurant offers a combination of Chinese and Thai cuisines. There is a wide selection of dishes to choose from. You will definitely experience a taste of sensation like no other.
Shopping
Everyone loves coming back home with new stuffs from a foreign country. It is a good way of remembering the good time you had in that particular country. Following are some shopping areas you can visit in Maseru.
Pioneer Shopping Centre
This mall has many stores under one roof such as fast food outlets, Pick n Pay supermarket, a travel agency and Lesotho’s first cinema is located here. It is located along Pioneer Road. The Pick n Pay is a well-stocked liquor store and South African supermarket.
Fruits and Vegetable City
This shopping centre at Kingsway has better vegetables and fruits. It has some random section of Italian deli selling Italian wine and tasty pasta
OK Shoprite
Ok Shoprite is a good place to do your shopping before heading to the mountains.
Bensons Quality Fresh Meats
Best place to find fresh quality meat. It is located at the main North road.
Basotho Hat
If you are looking to buy a souvenir for a friend or loved one, Basotho Hat is the place to visit. The craft store is run by the government and stocks crafts, which are locally made. There is a wide variety of beautiful dresses, ceramics and copper handmade jeweler as well as push toys.
Cash Crusaders
This retailer sells a range of quality second hand goods and directly imported brand new products including sporting equipments, electronics, household appliances, and musical equipment at decent prices. They are located at Development House LNDC, Kingsway Street.
Where to Have Fun
Moteng Pass
The pass is fascinating as it leads you up through the geological outline from the Clarens sandstone outside Buth Buthe. This is a great way to spend your afternoon.
Meloding Club
You can hang out with your friends at the Meloding Club in Hotel Victoria. Local reggae, hip-hop, and dance hall stars take over the stage on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. There is no exciting way of starting your weekend like clubbing at this joint.
Maseru, Lesotho
Many hotels arrange tours to visit the strange living area where cannibals used to live. Confirm with your hotel whether they arrange for tour to this interesting place. This site will arouse your interest.
Thorkild Hand Weaving and Moteng Weavers
This beautiful craft centre offers visitors a chance beautifully handmade crafts that can make the perfect souvenir or gift.
Pony Trekking and Mountain Hiking
Maluti Mountains offers many outdoor activities including mountain hiking and pony trekking. You can find something that you have always longed to explore like the 4×4 excursions.
How to Get Around
Minibus Taxi
There is always a sign in front of the window indicating where the minibus taxi is going. Make sure you confirm if it is heading towards your destination in Maseru before entering. To avoid overcharging foreigners the government has laid down fixed prices. Always check the fare for the minibus taxi before getting in to avoid embarrassment.
Car
Another alternative is to hire a car for moving around in Maseru. Sun hotels in Maseru and the airports offer cars for hire.
Taxi
All you need to do is phone and they pick you up as per the agreed time frame. Confirming the taxi cost before going in also applies for regular taxi.
