Lesotho

Recommended Vaccinations For Lesotho

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against the disease.

For Some Travellers

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

A BCG vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated adults and children under 16 years of age, staying in the country for more than 3 months. A tuberculin skin test is required prior to administering vaccination for all children from 6 years of age.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

One dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) is recommended to infants 6 to 11 months prior to international travel.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Cholera Vaccine

The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the cholera vaccine for travellers who are 18-64 years of age and who plan to travel to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that most travellers do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission, and that safe food and water practices can prevent many cholera infections.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Lesotho

There are no recommendations for Lesotho at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Lesotho

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Lesotho.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Lesotho through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Cholera

Cholera outbreaks occur in Lesotho. The risk to travellers is low unless living or working in poor sanitary conditions, drinking untreated water or eating poorly cooked or raw seafood in this country.

For Some Travellers

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of acquiring the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever in Lesotho.

Measles

There is a risk of exposure to measles in the country.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever may occur in Lesotho.

West Nile Fever

The virus is transmitted to animals, birds and humans by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea, and skin rash.

African Tick Bite Fever

This disease may occur in the country.

Rift Valley Fever (RVF)

Commonly spread via contact with domesticated animals infected with the virus. These include cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels, among others.

Sleeping Sickness (Type 1)

African trypanosomiasis (“sleeping sickness”) occurs in this country. Symptoms include fatigue, high fever, headaches, and muscle aches. If not treated, the disease can cause death.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Lesotho. Travellers to Lesotho are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Lesotho. Bats may also carry rabies-like viruses. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Lesotho, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Safety & Security in Lesotho

Personal Safety

Lesotho experiences high rates of opportunistic and violent crime, particularly in urban areas. Maseru, the capital, reports crime rates five times higher than other districts, with Leribe and Maputsoe also facing elevated levels. Foreigners are frequently targeted for armed robbery, carjacking, home invasion, and sexual assault. Gun-related crimes are increasing, and incidents occur in broad daylight at popular restaurants, business districts, and poorly lit roads. Police response times vary widely due to limited resources, and there is minimal police presence at night. Criminal attacks can happen anywhere, including remote mountainous areas. Don’t resist if confronted by criminals as violence is common. Security risks increase significantly at night and on weekends. Organized crime involving South African, Pakistani, and Chinese criminal groups operates in the country, focusing on human trafficking and vehicle theft. Recent reports indicate gang violence has led to multiple killings, including attacks on police officers. Corruption remains widespread throughout law enforcement and government institutions.

Extreme Violence

Lesotho ranks ninth globally with a murder rate of 38.24 per 100,000 people. Gang violence has escalated significantly, with armed gangs responsible for multiple killings. In January 2021, an armed gang killed eight villagers in Mokhotlong District over disputes related to illegal gold mining. Between January and August 2021, more than 10 police officers were killed, primarily by gang members. Famo gangs operate with characteristics similar to organized crime groups, using violence and maintaining links to illicit activities including illegal mining in South Africa. These groups have established systems of criminal governance through violence and threats. Vigilante mob violence occurs periodically, with communities beating suspected criminals to death. Ritual killings are reported across the country, involving the removal of body parts and organs. Gang members have access to firearms, sometimes obtained through corruption within police ranks or from the military. Armed attacks on communities have caused displacement of residents. The government declared war on gangs in August 2021 following escalating violence. Despite these issues, overall violence levels are considered moderate compared to regional neighbors.

Political Unrest

Lesotho has experienced significant political instability tied to military involvement and security agency politicization. A coup attempt occurred in August 2014, forcing the prime minister to flee to South Africa. This followed the suspension of parliament and resulted in early elections in February 2015. In June 2015, the brutal killing of a former army chief in front of his children triggered another crisis, with opposition leaders fleeing the country. Historical unrest includes the 1998 crisis following disputed elections, which led to regional intervention by South African forces with widespread violence, looting, and property destruction. The army’s involvement in politics has created ongoing security concerns. Protests and demonstrations occur periodically and can turn violent without warning. In May 2022, police beat and tortured 35 demonstrators protesting electricity cuts in Liseleng. In June 2022, police opened fire with live ammunition at National University of Lesotho students protesting cuts to living allowances, killing one student and injuring others. Political violence has discouraged open political debate in recent years. While elections have been generally peaceful, with the 2022 and 2023 elections seeing no violence, political instability remains linked to coalition disputes and security force factionalism.

Areas To Avoid

Urban areas carry the highest risk, with Maseru experiencing crime rates five times greater than other districts. The capital’s business district and the stretch between major hotels are notorious for robberies and should be approached with caution even during daylight. Downtown Maseru requires extra vigilance at all times. Leribe, Maputsoe, and Mafeteng report elevated crime levels with frequent armed robberies, carjackings, and residential break-ins. The Drakensberg range in the east is popular with cannabis smugglers and livestock rustlers who use mountain trails to cross into South Africa. Interactions with donkey trains or cattle herders in isolated mountain areas should be avoided as they may be involved in criminal activity. Rural mountainous communities have limited or no law enforcement presence. Areas near illegal mining sites experience violence and territorial disputes. Border crossings are hotspots for smuggling operations involving vehicles, cannabis, diamonds, and human trafficking. The absence of police presence at night across most areas creates dangerous conditions. Remote mountainous regions have minimal infrastructure, making assistance difficult to obtain.