Arrival & Border Crossings

Maseru Moshoeshoe I International Airport has daily flights to and from Johannesburg (about 1 hour), making it the top choice for most travelers. Major land border crossings include Maseru Bridge (near the airport, long opening hours), Maputsoe, and Van Rooyens Gate in the southwest. Sani Pass is only open during daylight and requires joining a permitted 4WD convoy for the South African side.

Major Border Crossings & Routes

In-Country Transport

• Car Rental/Self-Drive: High-clearance vehicles are essential. Main A-grade roads are decent, but district roads and rural tracks are often rough.
• 4WD Convoys: Mandatory for Sani Pass and Semonkong; daily fixed departures from Underberg.
• Minibus: Available from Maseru to major towns; cheap but irregular schedules and often carry cargo.
• Pony Trekking: The primary mode of transport in roadless pastoral areas and a travel experience in itself.

Tips

• Fuel stations are concentrated in Maseru and district towns—fill up whenever possible in mountainous areas.
• Drive on the left. Livestock and children often share the road. Avoid driving after dark.
• Check border posts and lodges for winter mountain pass closure updates.
• Renting a South African vehicle for cross-border use requires prior written permission from the rental company.

How to Connect Pony Trekking Routes

Pony trekking camps are mostly located in Semonkong, the Maloti Mountains, and around Mohale’s Hoek. Reputable camps can arrange transfers to and from Maseru. Multi-day treks typically involve 4–6 hours of riding per day, with luggage carried by pack horses and only a small daypack for personal items. Confirm with the camp that the start and end points match your plans to avoid being stranded. Overnight stays are usually in shepherd’s stone huts—bring your own sleeping bag and headlamp. There is no domestic rail service; intercity travel relies almost entirely on road transport. Plan your itinerary at an average speed of 150–250 km per day, allowing extra time for mountainous stretches.