• Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
  • Advertising Disclosure
Live and Let's Fly
  • Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
  • Advertising Disclosure
Home  >  Africa • Trip Reports  >  Road Trip from Johannesburg to Lesotho
AfricaTrip Reports

Road Trip from Johannesburg to Lesotho

Matthew Klint Posted onFebruary 2, 2017 12 Comments

I am on a quest to visit every country in the world. My “first pass” through the world will often include more limited visits — sometimes just hours — but my goal is to experience a taste of life in every nation. Channeling the spirit of The Road More Traveled, I took a day in Johannesburg to make a 9-hour roundtrip journey by car to Maseru, Lesotho.

Lesotho, like Swaziland, is a landlocked country encircled by South Africa. Formerly known as Basutoland, it declared independence from the United Kingdom in 1966. Unlike the corrupt king of Swaziland, Lesotho has a constitutional monarchy style of government in which King Letsie III merely plays a ceremonial role. 40% of the country lives on less than $1.25/day and child labor is a huge problem.

Johanneburg to Maseru on N1

Driving from from the Hyatt in Johannesburg to the capital city of Maseru, thankfully just over the border, would be an all-day affair. Highways are generally well-maintained in South Africa and I would take N1 for most of the journey south, 424km in total. There were several (moderately-priced) toll booths through the journey.

Lesotho Road Trip Map

I left around 8am and made good time going down, with almost no traffic for the entire journey to Lesotho. The morning weather was beautiful: puffy clouds, blue skies, and moderate temperatures. There really is not much to see. Lots of rolling yellow fields and hills, dotted by the occasional village or cattle grazing:

Lesotho Road Trip - 2

Lesotho Road Trip - 3

Lesotho Road Trip - 4

Lesotho Road Trip - 5

Lesotho Road Trip - 7

As I approached Maseru, I drove by a picturesque mountain, through it has nothing on Table Mountain in Cape Town.

Lesotho Road Trip - 6

Lesotho Road Trip - 8

Arrival into Maseru, Lesotho

At around 1pm I arrived into Maseru. Just because it landlocked does not mean it is any less a sovereign nation. Border formalities are required and I first stamped out of South Africa before stamping into Lesotho.

Lesotho Road Trip - 9

Lesotho Road Trip - 10

Lesotho Road Trip - 11

Lesotho Road Trip - 12

Lesotho Road Trip - 13

Lesotho Road Trip - 14

Lesotho Road Trip - 15

Lesotho Road Trip - 16

Lesotho Road Trip - 17

Lesotho Road Trip - 18

Lesotho Road Trip - 19

Lesotho Road Trip - 20

Just past the border post is central Maseru, which honestly looks like a mid-sized South African city. In the city center is this–

Lesotho Road Trip - 22

Which also happens to appear on the flag of Lesotho. This is a mokorotlo or traditional Basotho straw hat that is the symbol of Lesotho.

Lesotho Road Trip - 23

Lesotho Road Trip - 24

Lesotho Road Trip - 25

Lesotho Road Trip - 27

Lesotho Road Trip - 31

Lesotho Road Trip - 28

Lesotho Road Trip - 29

Lesotho Road Trip - 30

I had some lunch and then tried to mail a stack of postcards at the central post office, but failed. Lesotho uses the South African post for international deliveries so with the ongoing postal strike, there was no strike. Interestingly, the man at the desk was happy to sell me stamps and take my postcards. It was not until I asked him about the postal strike that he confirmed my postcard would probably sit for months undelivered.

The Drive Back

By 3pm I was stamped out and on the road back to Johannesburg.

Lesotho Road Trip - 32

Lesotho Road Trip - 33

Lesotho Road Trip - 34

Lesotho Road Trip - 35

The weather was still beautiful leaving Lesotho.

Lesotho Road Trip - 37

Lesotho Road Trip - 38

Lesotho Road Trip - 39

Lesotho Road Trip - 1

But about an hour north, clouds billowed in and soon a great thunderstorm began. That slowed down the return even further. At least the car had Bluetooth so I could listen to music. Here are a couple videos I took during the drive back:

Sorry for the poor quality — I was just using my old iPhone!

I finally made it back to Johannesburg just before 8pm. My 12-hour day was over.

CONCLUSION

Yes, it was a long drive for a short stay. But it was very much worthwhile. If I had all the time in the world I would have spent a few nights in Lesotho. Beyond Maseru is great beauty and nature. Yet I was thankful for at least the taste I received of another country.


Read More of My Month in Africa Trip Report

Introduction: A Month in Africa
Review: Houston to Lagos in United Airlines 787 Business
Transit in Lagos: Bribing My Way Out
Review: Oasis Lounge Lagos (LOS)
Review: Gabfol Lounge Lagos (LOS)
Lagos to Johannesburg in South African Airways Economy Class
Setting Up Shop in Pretoria
How to Obtain a South African Police Report
A Safari in Kruger National Park
Review: Nkambeni Safari Camp
Driving Through Swaziland
Review: Mountain Inn Mbabane, Swaziland
Review: Johannesburg to Livingstone, Zambia in British Airways Comair Economy Class
Our Humble Abode in Zambia
Victoria Falls from the Zambian Side
From Hate to Great: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
The Old House Guest Lodge – Kasane, Botswana
A Visit to Impalila Island, Namibia
Kasane, Botswana to Johannesburg on South African Airways (Airlink)
Review: Hyatt Regency Johannesburg (Suite)
Review: South African Airways Domestic Voyager Lounge – JNB

Previous Article Want to Work for Lufthansa? Now is Your Chance!
Next Article Hilarious Ellen DeGeneres Parody of United Basic Economy

About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

Related Posts

  • United Airlines Pago Pago Trip Report

    Trip Report: United Airlines 787-9 Diversion To Pago Pago

    January 25, 2023
  • Middle East Adventure

    Introduction: A Middle East Adventure Many Times Over

    December 12, 2022
  • Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge Review

    Review: Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge Doha (DOH)

    November 22, 2022

12 Comments

  1. Brian Cohen Reply
    February 2, 2017 at 3:23 pm

    At least you did not have a flat tire and then wait at the border for four hours trying to get into Lesotho.

    I stayed overnight at a hotel near Katse Dam in the middle of the country, which I would recommend.

    One day, I will reveal about my little adventure after my stay when the time is right…

    • Matthew Reply
      February 2, 2017 at 4:49 pm

      Looking forward to hearing about it! Why not now?

      • Brian Cohen Reply
        February 2, 2017 at 6:07 pm

        Please contact me privately and I will tell you…

  2. MeanMeosh Reply
    February 2, 2017 at 3:39 pm

    Thanks for the shoutout! 🙂

    You have once again made me insanely jealous. That’s an awesome day trip. Of course, if it were me, I would have made it a journey in search of the best barbecued springbok in all of Lesotho, or something. 🙂

  3. Gibon Reply
    February 3, 2017 at 5:26 am

    Thanks for visiting Africa and thank God you found the weather a bit cool from Johannesburg to Lesotho other wise if it’s hot flat tyre would be part of your trip experience. I have been in Lesotho last year, i also enjoyed a 3 days trip. Now am in Uganda where i was born. Our weather here have been extremely hot but now its twice we are getting some drizzles of rain fall and all Ugandans are very happy to see to see this. @mathew you have been from all over Africa have you ever been in Uganda the pearl of Africa? If no, please pay us a visit you will tell the world. It’s more than nice here.

  4. Boitumelo Reply
    February 3, 2017 at 4:09 pm

    Lovely of you to pay small countries a visit and put them on the map but speaking as someone who has been to Lesotho quite a number of times this is a rather underwhelming representation, not to mention some irrelevant information stated. (even considering your short stay). hopefully you’ll be able to visit again in the future and experience a bit more of the Basotho Culture and see more of Lesotho.

  5. GD Reply
    February 4, 2017 at 4:18 pm

    That was a flying visit…not really worth the long car ride! If you get a chance another time I suggest a visit to Morija, 40ks south of Maseru. Stay a few days at the Morija Guest House http://www.morijaguesthouses.com … go horse riding or hiking, see lots of historic sites, visit the museum http://www.morija.co.ls check out the local art and craft at Meader House and Linotsing Studios, meet lots of locals, grab a pizza at Café Mojo or just lazy by one of the beautiful dams … watching the birds!

  6. Virshan Mutoa Reply
    December 10, 2018 at 5:51 am

    Beautiful route to Lesotho though it gets very monotonous until when you get to Lesotho and the the scenery changes from flat to mountains. Lesotho roads keep you very much awake and on tension. A slight mistake and you are in valley.

  7. Meike Reply
    May 9, 2019 at 7:43 am

    I am really confused, looks like you gave up on your project? Or why would you only reply to the first positive comment and then it just ends? I agree with Boitumelo. The information you give, will help represent the image of “underdeveloped or corrupt Africa”. There is so little information in this, why did you actually go to Lesotho? To send Postcards from there? I also want to see the whole World, but I think it should not be just a matter of ticking off boarders that have been crossed.

  8. LIEMO Reply
    September 20, 2019 at 6:56 am

    so lovely to see that there are those individuals who still do visit the little unknown countries …
    and its lovely how theey are suprised..

    thank you for vising the mountain kingdom

    kind Regards

    Liemo

  9. Eric Chiang Reply
    June 19, 2022 at 10:55 am

    Your post is extremely helpful for planning and expectation as this will be my first to Johannesburg and is planning to drive to Maseru for a day trip. Thank you

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      June 19, 2022 at 11:08 am

      Safe travels.

Leave a Reply

Cancel reply

Search

Recent Posts

  • Pre-Boarding With Children: How Old Until They Are Too Old? January 27, 2023
  • Dog Business Class Turkish Airlines
    Dachshund Flies Business Class To Paris…In Her Own Seat January 27, 2023
  • United Airlines Polaris Meal Service: The Sad State Of Affairs January 27, 2023
  • Jordan Visa On Arrival
    How To Obtain A Visa On Arrival In Jordan January 27, 2023

Categories

Popular Posts

  • Casting Couch? Kuwait Airways Forces Prospective Flight Attendants To Undress For “Research Purposes” January 4, 2023
  • Spirit Airlines Captain Runs Out Of Cockpit After Woman Yells “I Hope Y’All Crash And Die!” January 17, 2023
  • SWISS First Class Awards Bookable With United Airlines MileagePlus January 5, 2023
  • Helsinki Airport Train Guide
    Guide: How To Travel Via Train Between Helsinki Airport And City Center January 3, 2023

Archives

January 2023
M T W T F S S
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031  
« Dec    

As seen on:

live_and_lets_fly

The new United Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles The new United Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles is the most beautiful of all Polaris Lounges. Stay tuned for a detailed look and many more photos on the blog tomorrow. Well done @united.
@malaysiaairlines just announced it would retire i @malaysiaairlines just announced it would retire its A380 fleet. While not surprising, it is sad to see the growing list of carriers retiring this superjumbo jet. On Malaysia Airlines, I flew the #A380 once from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to London (LHR) and had the entire first class cabin to myself (full review on the blog). It was a beautiful flight that I will always remember.
Welcome to @fly_bur @aveloair! I am so excited tha Welcome to @fly_bur @aveloair! I am so excited that a new carrier, Avelo, has launched, especially from an airport just 12 minutes from my home!
I greatly miss the @lufthansa #747-8 at @flylaxair I greatly miss the @lufthansa #747-8 at @flylaxairport. Hopefully this summer it will return.

.
.
.
.
#Lufthansa #FirstClass #747 #747-8 #StarAlliance #Miles #Points
I recently spent a weekend at the @ventanabigsur. I recently spent a weekend at the @ventanabigsur. This is not only a lovely, all-inclusive resort, but one of the best properties to use your @hyatt World of Hyatt points.
.
.
.
.
#Hyatt #BigSur #California #WorldofHyatt #CA-1 #Points #Hotels
In terms of a spacious first class product, the @E In terms of a spacious first class product, the @Emirates suite on a 777-300ER is hard to beat. My preference is Suite 2K.

.
.
.
.
#Emirates #777 #firstclass
Nearly five years ago, I took a “break” from I Nearly five years ago, I took a “break” from Instagram ahead of the birth of my first child. Goodness, how time flies. While I’ve enjoyed catching up on others over the years, now it is time for me to return to Instagram. In this first post, I highlight two joys in my life, my two children, whom I trust will grow up to be prolific travelers that circumnavigate the globe as ambassadors of love and respect.

.
.
.
.
.

#travel #airplanes #airlines #miles #points #familytravel #human #integrity #honor
United Airlines' new Polaris seat is a huge improv United Airlines' new Polaris seat is a huge improvement over UA's current business class seat. Check out my blog at liveandletsfly.com for 70+ photos of how @united is transforming its entire business class experience starting this December!
The perfect @flysas name tag for #Longyearben! The perfect @flysas name tag for #Longyearben!
Spotted four #polarbear outside of #longyearbyen - Spotted four #polarbear outside of #longyearbyen -- oh, and I love 40°F summer weather!
One of the best crews I have ever had the pleasure One of the best crews I have ever had the pleasure of flying with in all my years of flying. Thank you @flysas SK940 on 11 Aug 2016
Next stop ARN! But dear @flysas , next time if I a Next stop ARN! But dear @flysas , next time if I assign a window seat months in advance, don't move me to a center seat "for my convenience" with no way to get my original seat back... 😞
Ready for #PIA from #MAN to #JFK -- we will be rac Ready for #PIA from #MAN to #JFK -- we will be racing the #Delta flight to JFK at the gate next to us, which also departs at 12:45p. With @onemileatatime
Another room with a beautiful view... #hyattregenc Another room with a beautiful view... #hyattregencycasablanca #cassablanca #hyatt
Enjoying #shanghai with @onemileatatime from the i Enjoying #shanghai with @onemileatatime from the inside of the @grandhyatt_shanghai ... It is 40°C outside! 😓
From my front gate to my boarding gate in 15 minut From my front gate to my boarding gate in 15 minutes flat. I ❤️ #bur #burbankairport
@malaysiaairlines #747 out of retirement and in se @malaysiaairlines #747 out of retirement and in service at #kul -- beautiful livery!
View from my 61st floor room at the beautiful bran View from my 61st floor room at the beautiful brand new @parkhyattguangzhou -- look for a full review coming soon on the blog #hyatt #parkhyatt #guangzhou #parkhyattguangzhou
Will miss the @united #globalfirstlounge at #ord, Will miss the @united #globalfirstlounge at #ord, which closes tomorrow and the Queen of the Skies #747 which will be retired in 2018.
The colonial #architecture of #mumbai is stunning. The colonial #architecture of #mumbai is stunning. If you're ever here, get up at 5am and have a walk around the city before it gets busy. You can hear the birds instead of honking horns.
Load More... Follow on Instagram
facebook twitter instagram rss

This site is for entertainment purposes only. The owner of this site is not an investment advisor, financial planner, nor legal or tax professional and articles here are of an opinion and general nature and should not be relied upon for individual circumstances.

 

Advertiser Disclosure: Some links to credit cards and other products on this website will earn an affiliate commission. Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. While we do try to list all the best miles and points deals, the site does not include all card companies or credit card offers available in the marketplace. Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners.

 

Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any entity mentioned herein. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.