Maseru
Close to the ground.
GPS: S 29 18.763 E 027 28.695 | pop. 250,000 | elevation 1,538 m/5,046 ft
Maseru (meaning "the place of red sandstone"), which hugs the South African border, is the capital of Lesotho. It’s by far the most developed and largest city in the country and continues to expand as more people move to the area. Many visitors to Lesotho stop in Maseru for its selection of accommodation, restaurants, shops and modern conveniences before heading off into the interior.
Basotho Hat
Basotho Hat is a craft store with a good selection of traditional woven Basotho hats, masks, wood crafts and pottery.
Pioneer Mall
Pioneer Mall is Lesotho's largest and newest shopping mall with a Pick 'n Pay, cinema, a number of chain restaurants and an FNB bank.
ShopRite
ShopRite is the largest store in the central downtown area and is surrounded by smaller shops and fast food stores.
Sefika Shopping Center
Sefika Shopping Center has a large Shoprite as well as a few clothing and department stores in the central business district.
Budget
Maseru Backpackers
Maseru Backpackers is a basic facility run by the Lesotho Anglican Dioceses that hosts travelers in addition to providing outdoor activities and HIV/AIDS training for area children. There are a few six-bed dorm rooms and one luxury two-story self-catering rondavel. Basic meals can be prepared with advance notice. While a bit far from the city center, there is a large grassy area to camp right on the lake. To get there, head out of town on Airport Rd and turn right about 200 m past the runway at the sign that says Lesotho Durham Link.
Mid-range
Foothills Guesthouse
Foothills Guesthouse is a comfortable and well-maintained guesthouse in the residential Maseru West neighborhood with eight rooms and a separate self-catering unit. There is a central living room and sunroom where guests can eat breakfast or lounge during the day. At the large lapa and fire pit in the backyard, guests can braai and enjoy drinks.
Lancer's Inn
Lancer's Inn is a centrally located 40-room lodge with good but standard rooms, each with AC, a TV and a small desk. Some of the rooms have a small deck that opens onto the courtyard swimming pool.
Black Swan B&B
Black Swan B&B is a newer B&B located in a quiet residential neighborhood beside a small lake that attracts a number of birds - including black swans. The clean rooms are all en suite with satellite TV, and there is a small indoor pool and fitness room onsite. A few of the rooms are self-catering, and there is a central gazebo with a braai outside.
Top-end
Maseru Sun
Maseru Sun is a 180-room hotel that is just slightly past its prime and ranks second only to its sister hotel the Lesotho Sun. The rooms have balconies surrounding a large courtyard swimming pool, and there is a restaurant and bar on the main level.
Mimmo's Italian Deli
Mimmo's Italian Deli has some tasty wood-fired thin crust pizza and a selection of pastas in a cozy atmosphere with a fireplace in the winter. It also has great sangria.
Rendezvous
Rendezvous is one of the fancier restaurants in town with linen table cloths, a fireplace and a cocktail bar. The food is good, the atmosphere friendly, and the menu includes a handful of international dishes.
Times Café
Times Café is a second-story upmarket café, restaurant and bar overlooking Kingsway Road, with a good mix of local specialties and curries as well as burgers and sandwiches. In the evenings it is a mixed restaurant and bar scene.
The Regal Restaurant
The Regal Restaurant is a second-story thatched roof restaurant with an outdoor verandah and a small café on the main level. The restaurant serves primarily Indian food but also has a small selection of Chinese food and grills.
Me'diterranee Restaurant
Me'diterranee Restaurant is an outdoor café and espresso bar. It serves mostly pizza and a few Ethiopian dishes in addition to more standard fare.
Ouh La La Café
Ouh La La Café brings a little bit of the French café lifestyle to Maseru. Small tables dot the outdoor garden, where you can enjoy a coffee, crepes, pastries and sandwiches as well as a selection of South African bière.
Beijing Orchid
Beijing Orchid serves up heaping portions of authentic Chinese food at value prices in an unpretentious atmosphere. On weekend evenings the side rooms in the back hall break out with some serious Beijing-style karaoke.
Maseru Club
Maseru Club is the city's gentlemen's bar and sports club where locals, businessmen and expats come to unwind over drinks or to catch a sports game. The official policy is members only, but it is loosely enforced and if you're passing through you should be able to enjoy a few drinks.
Times Café
Times Café is an upmarket bar and cocktail lounge in town on the main drag. It has an outdoor deck overlooking Kingsway Road.
Litaleng Night Club
Litaleng Night Club is a new club off of Moshoeshoe Road near the central bank. It is a fairly basic establishment but draws a large crowd that packs the outdoor courtyard on the weekend. Have fun but watch your pockets.