Travel Vaccines and Advice for Lesotho
Water and diamonds are Lesotho’s largest natural resources. Dams provide water throughout the region and diamonds mines dot the landscape. Due to its mountainous terrain, Lesotho is a sought after location for serious hikers.
Sesotho is the official language of Lesotho and is spoken by the largest ethnic group in Lesotho: the Basotho. 90% of the population practices Christianity.
When traveling to Lesotho, remember to always respond when spoken to and never get angry. Both are seen as highly disrespectful.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Lesotho?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Lesotho
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Lesotho?
What Is the Climate Like in Lesotho?
How Safe Is Lesotho?
Hiking in Lesotho
What Should I Take to Lesotho?
U.S. Embassy in Lesotho
Do I Need Vaccines for Lesotho?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Lesotho. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Lesotho: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for certain travelers based on destination, activities and length of stay. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Lesotho |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for certain travelers based on destination, activities and length of stay. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Lesotho |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Salmonella Typhi causes typhoid, a potentially life-threatening illness spread through contaminated food and water. Vaccination is a critical preventive measure, especially for travelers heading to endemic regions or individuals with an increased risk of exposure.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A, caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), is a contagious liver infection. It spreads through contaminated food, water, and close contact. Preventive measures include vaccination, good hygiene, and avoiding raw shellfish. The hepatitis A vaccine is highly effective, requiring two doses for long-term protection.
- Rabies – Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects mammals and spreads through the saliva of infected animals, primarily through bites or scratches. Preventing rabies involves vaccinating pets, avoiding contact with wild animals, and seeking immediate medical attention if exposed. The rabies vaccine is a crucial preventive measure that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the virus.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, primarily spread through blood and bodily fluids. The hepatitis B vaccine, given in a series of injections, effectively prevents the infection, offering long-term protection against this potentially life-threatening disease.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are contagious viral infections, causing various symptoms and complications. To prevent them, vaccination is key. The MMR vaccine, given in two doses, safeguards against all three diseases and helps establish herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks.
Medical facilities are scarce in Lesotho and there are no ambulance services. Depending on the treatment needed, you may be sent to South Africa. Good facilities are located in Blomfontein.
Medicare does not cover procedures done in Lesotho. It is recommended to get comprehensive travel medical insurance.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Lesotho
Prevent Bug Bites in Lesotho
Keep bugs at bay by dressing smartly and applying EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or OLE. In case of a bug bite, cleanse the area, refrain from scratching, and find relief with readily available remedies. If symptoms worsen, consult a healthcare professional.
Food and Water Safety in Lesotho
When traveling, ensure food safety by adhering to CDC recommendations, which include eating fully cooked foods, avoiding raw seafood, and selecting reputable dining places. Safely drink bottled beverages, avoiding ice in uncertain water sources, and consume alcohol in moderation. Prevent travelers’ diarrhea through hand hygiene and avoiding street food in unsanitary areas.
Altitude Sickness in Lesotho
Altitude sickness, triggered by low oxygen levels at high elevations, presents with symptoms such as headache and fatigue. Avoiding AMS involves gradual ascent, hydration, and possibly using medications like acetazolamide. If AMS symptoms emerge, swift descent to lower altitudes, rest and medical attention are imperative.
Infections To Be Aware of in Lesotho
- African Tick-Bite Fever – African Tick-Bite Fever (ATBF) is a tick-borne disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Preventive measures include wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks.
- Schistosomiasis – Schistosomiasis is a waterborne disease caused by parasitic worms. Prevention includes avoiding activities in contaminated water and using protective measures like clothing. Recognizing symptoms early, such as fever and abdominal pain, and seeking medical assistance promptly can lead to timely diagnosis and intervention, reducing health risks.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Lesotho?
U.S. travelers must have a passport for travel to Lesotho. The country does not require a visa for stays under 180 days within a 12-month period.
Lesotho Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Lesotho? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Lesotho and U.S. State Department
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is not required if traveling from the United States. But, it may be necessary if coming to Lesotho from another African country.
What Is the Climate Like in Lesotho?
Lesotho is a mountainous country, the weather can be different depending on where you are. Maseru, which is the capital city, is in the lowlands and has mild weather. The temperature there is usually between 70 and 80 degrees in the summer and 50 to 60 in the winter.
Semonkong is in the highlands and is cooler than Maseru. The temperature there is usually between 60 and 70 in the summer and 40 to 50 in the winter. Thaba Bosiu is also in the lowlands and has weather like Maseru. Katse Dam is in the highlands and is cooler like Semonkong. It rains a lot in Semonkong and Katse Dam, especially from October to April.
It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before planning a trip because the weather in Lesotho can be unpredictable.
How Safe Is Lesotho?
Lesotho is a generally safe country to visit, but there are things you can do to stay safe while you’re there. Here are some tips:
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables close.
- Stay in a safe and reputable hotel or guesthouse.
- Don’t walk alone at night and use a taxi or ride-sharing app instead.
- Be respectful of the local culture and customs.
- Don’t carry too much cash and keep your wallet or purse close to you.
- Stay up-to-date on current events in Lesotho.
- Make sure to get vaccinated before traveling to Lesotho.
Following these tips can help you stay safe during your trip to Lesotho.
Hiking in Lesotho
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
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Due to its mountainous geography, Lesotho is considered a paradise to many hikers. Although there are not a lot of official hiking trails, there are many walking trails which allow hikers to more freedom to explore.
Hikes in Lesotho include rivers, gorges, caves and a variety of rock formations.
Some of the best hiking (and lodging) can be found in Lesotho’s National Parks such as Sehlabathebe National Park, Ts’ehlanyane National Park and the Bokong Nature Reserve.
If you plan on hiking in Lesotho, have map reading skills due to the number of unmarked trails.
What Should I Take to Lesotho?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Lesotho:
- Get Loti (official currency) before coming to Lesotho. Cashing travelers checks can be a lengthy process and there are a limited amount of ATMs. Once out of big cities, most establishments won’t accept credit cards.
- Hand sanitizer
- Scarves. To protect from the elements and for rural areas where women must wear scarves to cover their heads.
- Prescription and emergency medications as pharmacies are hard to come by.
- If you go during the rainy season (May-September), bring rain gear.
U.S. Embassy in Lesotho
All Americans visiting Lesotho should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
Once in Lesotho, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:
U.S. Embassy Maseru
254 Kingsway Avenue
Maseru 100, Lesotho
Telephone: +(266) 2231-2666
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(266) 5888-4035
Fax: +(266) 2231-0116
Email: USConsularMaseru@state.gov
If you have any questions about traveling to Lesotho or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Lesotho
“The nurse was very professional and thorough. I have a much better understanding of the medical and security issues associated with traveling to Lesotho. I was very concerned about going to get the necessary shots and she put me at ease and explained everything. Receiving the antibiotics package was very helpful as well as the repellent. Overall had a great experience at this location.”
“The RN and team provided specific information on the process of vaccination and additional information far beyond what I anticipated for my upcoming travel to Lesotho and South Africa. I was very happy to have a service provided by Passport Health by the Travel Health Specialist and do plan to refer future travelers to this establishment.”
“The RN was a joy , she put my daughters fears to rest. She was very personable and knowledgeable on the immunizations , that my daughter needed for our Lesotho trip. I was very impressed with the Morristown office.”
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