Maseru
Maseru is the capital and largest city of Lesotho.
It is also the capital of the Maseru District. Located on the Caledon River, Maseru lies directly on the Lesotho–South Africa border. Maseru had a population of 330,760 in the 2016 census. The city was established as a police camp and assigned as the capital after the country became a British protectorate in 1869. When the country achieved independence in 1966, Maseru retained its status as capital. The name of the city is a Sesotho word meaning "red sandstones".
Getting to Maseru
You can get into Maseru by car through the entry point from South Africa. Maseru Bridge Border Post is a drop off point for most South African national coach services, from where you can catch a taxi into Maseru. Vaal-Maseru Bus Services,. Sometimes runs a Johannesburg to Maseru service. It's best to call them for up-to-date information. Local bus from Bloemfontein.
Worth seeing
There is not a huge deal to see in Maseru, as the city is essentially a base for expeditions and travels deeper into Lesotho. The Mokorotlo. One of the country's most monumental buildings, the Mokorotlo is the traditional hut built in a modern sophisticated style, it is a virtual museum where you can learn more about the cultures and tradition of the friendly Basotho nation.
Things to do
The Lehakoe Club and Gym, Moshoeshoe Road (next to the Central Bank, near the Houses of Parliament) Excellent gym by any standards, with 2 swimming pools, tennis & squash courts, steam rooms and sauna. M400 per month membership, also daily and weekly membership available. Lesotho National Tennis Courts Kingsway bypass, functional and cheap tennis courts, tuition available.
Where to eat
White Box Food, not a restaurant, but a good budget eating option - on Kingsway at lunchtime lots of food vendors are cooking up chicken, pork, rice and papa and serving it to the office workers in town for around M12-15 a box - very tasty and very filling.
Getting around Maseru the local way
- Get inBeing the transport hub of Lesotho, anywhere in Lesotho that's connected by road to here will have a Minibus taxi service to Maseru.
- Get inThey offer charter flights to amongst other places, Mokhotlong, Thaba-Tseka and Katse, and are contactable on +266 2232 5699.
- Go nextIn Lesotho: Leribe - town in the north of the country Semonkong - pony trekking in the Highlands and to the impressive falls Mafika Lisiu pass - a sealed road alpine pass reaching 3090 metres with impressive views on the A25 (between Pitseng and Ha Lejone) Malealea - pony trekking in the Highlands from the large lodge Thaba Bosiu - historic mountain fortress of the Masotho In South Africa: Ladybrand - the closest town across the border.
From Wikivoyage: Maseru, CC BY-SA. Not yet checked by us. Last edited 2026-09.
Text adapted from Wikipedia and Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons (see file page), Wikimedia Commons.