Africa
Is Lesotho safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Lesotho safe?
Rural areas are calm; Maseru has crime, including street robbery after dark. Roads and weather in the highlands are the biggest hazards.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-06-16.
- Homicide rate: 38.2 per 100,000 people (2008, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 31.9 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 123 · Ambulance 121 · Fire 122.
- Solo women: Fine in rural areas and tourist lodges; in Maseru avoid walking alone at night, as sexual violence rates are high in the country.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Street robbery and car theft in Maseru
- Winter snow and ice closing mountain passes
- Livestock on roads and poor night driving conditions
- Flash floods and lightning in summer storms
Laws visitors break by accident
- Do not photograph the royal palace, police or military installations
- Carry ID or a passport copy, as police stop vehicles often
Safety by place in Lesotho
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Maseru | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Lesotho safe for tourists?
Rural areas are calm; Maseru has crime, including street robbery after dark. Roads and weather in the highlands are the biggest hazards.
Is Lesotho safe for solo female travelers?
Fine in rural areas and tourist lodges; in Maseru avoid walking alone at night, as sexual violence rates are high in the country.
What is the emergency number in Lesotho?
Police 123 · Ambulance 121 · Fire 122.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Lesotho
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.