Maseru is the capital of Lesotho as well as the capital of the Maseru District. The city of Maseru in Lesotho is situated on the Caledon River, bordering South Africa. At the beginning of the twentieth century, Maseru was a small settlement that consisted of a small number of colonial administrative buildings, a trading store, and several outlying villages. It later grew into a busy market town.

The name of the city is a Sesotho word which can be translated as “place of the red sandstone”. Today, approximately 80% of the city’s population is Christian and 20% practice indigenous beliefs.

How to get to Maseru

South Africa and Lesotho are connected by a border post at the Maseru Bridge, which crosses the river. On the South African side, Ladybrand is the town closest to Maseru. Maseru nestles in a shallow valley at the foot of the Hlabeng-Sa-Likhama, in the foothills of the Maloti Mountains. Maseru Moshoeshoe I International Airport serves Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. The airport is located 18km southeast of the city in the town of Mazenod and is operated by the Department of Civil Aviation. Maseru Airport is served only by South African Airways.

Sights N Sound in Maseru

The unique looking Basotho Hat shop at the city’s entrance is a popular source for souvenirs. The main tourist attractions of Lesotho include Lancer’s Gap, Sani Pass, Afri-Ski resort, Katse dam, Thaba Bosiu and the Maluti Mountains which are located in close proximity from Maseru.

Where to stay in Maseru

Maseru in Lesotho is home to several hotels, two of which feature casinos: the Lesotho Sun and the Maseru Sun.