Lesotho

Lesotho Quick Facts
Official Name: Kingdom of Lesotho
Location: Lesotho is surrounded by South Africa,
Area: 30, 350 sq km.
Capital City: Maseru
Population: 1.9 Million people.
Currency: Maluti
Time Zone: GMT +2.00
Country Code: 255
Language: English, Sesotho (both official); Zulu, Xhosa
Religion: Mainland – Christian and indigenous beliefs
Climate: Lesotho weather is characterized by hot and rainy summer and cold winters. The climate is heavily dominated by its location in the Karoo basin. The altitude of Lesotho vary from 1400 meters to 3480 meters above sea level. The temperature varies with height. At a height of 3,000 meters, the weather of the country is influenced by westerly air current. Lesotho weather shows a great variation from warm sunny to biting cold days. Summer in Lesotho stretches from the month of October to April. January and February are the hottest period in the place. Electric thunderstorms visit Lesotho during afternoon hours. The temperature varies from 30°C in the lowlands to 18°C in the mountain regions. Light cotton wear is advisable for summer season. About 85{bd6c5963ae64e126c98faf06026d58f3008f3b550f04e603483c8bdcfcc48763} of rainfall takes place in summer months. Lesotho witnesses sunshine for more than 300 days in a year. The climate of Lesotho during winter becomes cold and dry. Winter in Lesotho arrives in the month of May and stays till the month of September. Snowfall takes place during the winter season especially in the highlands due to the influence of southerly polar cyclones. During this season, temperature recorded in Lesotho vary from -7°C in the lowlands to -18°C in the highlands. Heavy woollen garments are recommended during winter months.

---

Travel Highlights
Lesotho (le-soo-too) is called Southern Africa’s ‘Kingdom in the Sky’ for good reason. This stunningly beautiful, mountainous country is nestled island-like in the middle of South Africa and it is a fascinating travel detour from its larger neighbor. The country offers superb mountain scenery, a proud traditional people, endless hiking trails, and the chance to explore remote areas on Basotho ponies.

The ‘lowland’ areas offer some craft shopping and dinosaur footsteps, while the highlands in the northeast and center feature towering peaks (over 3000 m) and verdant valleys. Escape the rest of the world in Eastern Lesotho’s remote Sehlabathebe National Park, or hang out in the pleasant capital Maseru, where a slow pace and friendly locals ensure a memorable stay.

Lesotho came into being during the early 19th century, when both the difaqane (forced migration) and Boer incursions into the hinterlands were at their height. Under the leadership of the legendary king Moshoeshoe the Great, the Basotho people sought sanctuary and strategic advantage amid the forbidding terrain of the Drakensberg and Maluti Ranges. The small nation they forged continues to be an intriguing anomaly in a sea of modernity.

---

Projects Available in Lesotho

Volunteering Teaching of disadvantaged and vulnerable children in the rural areas schools, orphanages and secondary schools
Volunteering with both domesticated or wildlife animals, children and communities in Africa.
Volunteering in the Medical center to help with vaccinations, immunization, treatment, counseling, education and protection of diseases and health care issues!
Make a real impact in women empowerment, legal aid, advocacy and basic human right issues.
Volunteer with organizations and centers that work with disadvantaged teenage girls.
Work with project that cares for environment, agriculture, permaculture, wetlands and natural resources management.
Internship opportunities for students and participants.
Enjoy cultural tours, adventure trips and safaris

Application and Fees

Program Cost

---

• All airport pick up and drop off from the project
• Work permit application and arrangements
• Detailed Handbook for Volunteerism
• Country and Project orientation programs including safety briefings
• Full board and lodging stay, which includes all meals a day
• Tour and Game drives (subject to project)
• Assistance from Country coordinators
• Certificate of Participation

What the fee excludes:

• Personal travel insurance for the duration of your placement which must include cover for repatriation
• All transport to the destination (ie flights)
• All items of a personal nature, such as souvenirs, curios, gifts, clothing (work and other)
• Email/internet and telephone calls
• Soft drinks, Medications, and Entertainments
• All visas for border crossings
• Any excursions over and above your planned itinerary