2.3 Lesotho Road Network

Overview
Distance Matrix
Road Security
Weighbridges and Axle Load Limits
Road Reserve and Building Restriction Areas

Overview

The Kingdom of Lesotho has a largely rugged topography that has made development of road and other transport network a challenge. This has a significant implication for transport modes and accessibility throughout the country. The creation of an integrated transport system remans central to the government’s infrastructure development program. The total road network in Lesotho is approximately 6906.26 kms in length of which 1798.76 kms are paved. The remainder is made up of 3830.52 km of gravel roads and 1276.98 km of earth tracks. Two agencies are responsible for management of the road network (Roads Directorate and the Ministry of Local Government (Urban and Rural)). Asset value of roads is 42 billion Maloti. Road maintenance technical needs was 2 billion Maloti (including administration, rehabilitation and maintenance) up to 2004 and has increased to 4 billion (include upgrading). Financing of maintenance is made through road fund consolidation and the GoL capital budget.

While passenger and cargo transport are provided largely by the private sector operator which includes buses, taxi and privately owned trucks, the Government provides a regulatory framework and policy to allow these industries to provide services. The Government is responsible for the Lesotho Freight and Bus Services which has been run down by inefficiency and poor management and been grounded. Due to challenging topography and infrastructure costs, some areas of the country do not have good roads network and there is no accessibility during bad weather, including rain and snow.

The Roads Directorate (RD) which is responsible for the regulatory framework and policy was established by legislation, Roads Directorate Act No. 16 of 2010 (through merging and restructuring former Roads Branch and Department of Rural Roads) to carry out road development and maintenance core functions of the road sub-sector. The changing needs of the economy and population of a country mean that strategies in any sub- sector need to be developed and regularly reviewed and updated as required. In democratic countries, the strategy review and development includes the views, knowledge and expertise of the role players in the sub-sectors.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.

Distance Matrix

The distances given below are from the capital city Maseru to major towns only and are over the most practicable routes; these are not necessarily the best or the fastest.

Travel Distance between Major Towns (km)
	Maseru	Berea	Leribe	Mafeteng	Mohale’s Hoek	Mokhotlong	Qacha’s Nek	Quthing	Thaba Tseka	Butha Buthe
Maseru		58	96	77.7	124	277	228	176	167	123
Berea	58		106	132	178	254	255	231	195	100
Leribe	96	106		203	249	186	353	301	179	32
Mafeteng	77.7	132	203		46.3	351	265	98.5	215	197
Mohale’s Hoek	124	178	249	46.3		397	218	52.2	262	243
Mokhotlong	277	254	186	351	397		502	450	121	155
Qacha’s Nek	228	255	353	265	218	502		171	344	349
Quthing	176	231	301	98.5	52.2	450	171		314	249
Thaba Tseka	167	195	179	215	262	121	344	314		202
Butha Buthe	123	100	32	197	243	155	249	249	202

Distance from Capital City to Major Towns
From	To	Distance (km)
Maseru Circle	Alwynskop	167.48
Maseru Circle	Boinyatso	25.71
Maseru Circle	Butha Buthe	121.80
Maseru Circle	Caledonspoort	130.69
Maseru Circle	Ficksburg Bridge	83.97
Maseru Circle	Ha Jonathane	103.67
Maseru Circle	Ha Khabo	125.58
Maseru Circle	Ha Koali	41.61
Maseru Circle	Ha Lejone	163.51
Maseru Circle	Ha Makhakhe	64.37
Maseru Circle	Ha 'Makhoroana	79.10
Maseru Circle	Ha 'Mamathe	50.18
Maseru Circle	Ha Mokhalinyane	54.78
Maseru Circle	Ha Mopeli	126.20
Maseru Circle	Ha Mosala	68.19
Maseru Circle	Ha Ramabanta	65.18
Maseru Circle	Ha Sekake	294.14
Maseru Circle	Ha Seshote	194.54
Maseru Circle	Hleoheng	72.63
Maseru Circle	Hlotse	93.34
Maseru Circle	Katse	216.57
Maseru Circle	Khanyane	99.71
Maseru Circle	Khobotle	95.66
Maseru Circle	Khukhune	142.47
Maseru Circle	Kolo	73.95
Maseru Circle	Lekokoaneng	30.68
Maseru Circle	Likalaneng	79.65
Maseru Circle	Likhoele	80.91
Maseru Circle	Mafeteng	75.72
Maseru Circle	Mahobong	109.97
Maseru Circle	Makhaleng Bridge	130.14
Maseru Circle	Makhunoane	151.30
Maseru Circle	'Mants'Ebo	24.23
Maseru Circle	Mants'Onyane	120.11
Maseru Circle	Mapholaneng	253.97
Maseru Circle	Mapoteng	69.82
Maseru Circle	Maputsoe	83.25
Maseru Circle	Marakabei	103.05
Maseru Circle	Maseru Bridge	4.16
Maseru Circle	Matelile	70.14

Travel Time from Capital City to Major Towns (Hours)
	Maseru	Berea	Leribe	Mafeteng	Mohale’s Hoek	Mokhotlong	Qacha’s Nek	Quthing	Thaba Tseka	Butha Buthe
Maseru		1:24	1:50	1:20	1:56	5:03	3:52	2:45	3:10	2:17
Berea	1:24		1:26	2:40	3:16	4:37	4:54	4:05	4:12	1:52
Leribe	1:50	1:26		3:05	3:41	3:13	5:35	4:31	4:04	0:28
Mafeteng	1:20	2:40	3:05		0:36	6:23	4:07	1:25	3:40	3:37
Mohale’s Hoek	1:56	3:16	3:41	0:36		6:56	3:32	0:49	4:17	4:11
Mokhotlong	5:03	4:37	3:13	6:23	6:56		8:47	7:39	2:59	2:45
Qacha’s Nek	3:52	4:54	5:35	4:07	3:32	8:47		2:52	5:54	6:01
Quthing	2:45	4:05	4:31	1:25	0:49	7:39	2:52		5:06
Thaba Tseka	3:10	4:12	4:04	3:40	4:17	2:59	5:54	5:06		4:31
Butha Buthe	2:17	1:52	0:28	3:37	4:11	2:25	6:01	5:03	4:31

Road Security

In general, most roads within Lesotho are secure and transporters operate with few, if any, difficulties. There are no alarming cases of highway banditry and insecurity. Police patrols are visible and consistent along the main highways that link the main districts.

Driving is one of the biggest risks to personal safety and security. Vehicles traffic circulates on the left (keep left). Many vehicles are not roadworthy, and not all drivers are properly trained. The average speed limit in the cities is 50 km/hr and outside the city speed limit is 80 km/hr. However, most vehicle do not keep the speed limit. It is common to come up behind a vehicle moving at slower speed. Over speeding is also very common as the country traffic police do not have speed guns.

Other challenging factors include poorly lit roadways. Very few road signs on most of the highways. While many roads are in poor state of disrepair, inexperience and irresponsible drivers are also a great risk. All drivers should be aware of potholes and careless pedestrians, the presence of non-roadworthy vehicles plying the roads. The drivers frequently change the lanes into oncoming traffic without adequate viewing and caution. Street and traffic lights are frequently non-functional or nonexistence altogether.

The overall mission of the Ministry Transport and Communication is to formulate and monitor the implementation of appropriate, comprehensive and robust transport and construction sectors and maintain a dynamic and effective institutional and legal framework, which, provides an enabling environment for sustainable development of transport and construction industries and thus contribute to the achievement of the overall national development objectives.

Weighbridges and Axle Load Limits

The Ministry of Transport and Communication is yet to enact the Weighbridge and Axle Legislation. Since the neighbouring South Africa has Weighbridge legislation, most heavy vehicle in Lesotho Country will keep the maximum weigh applicable in South Africa. However this appears to have an impact on the Lesotho roads which are of lower capacity.

Source: https://lesothotradeportal.org.ls/kcfinder/upload/files/-%20Schedule%20No%201%20Part%203E.pdf

Axle Load Limits	Lesotho	South Africa
Truck with 2 Axles	18,000 Kg	18,000 Kg
Truck with 3 Axles	24,000 Kg	24,000 Kg
Truck with 4 Axles	TBA	TBA
Semi-trailer with 3 Axles	TBA	TBA
Semi-trailer with 4 Axles	TBA	TBA
Semi-trailer with 5 Axles	TBA	TBA
Semi-trailer with 6 Axles	TBA	TBA
Truck & Drawbar Trailer with 4 Axles	TBA	TBA
Truck & Drawbar Trailer with 5 Axles	TBA	TBA
Truck & Drawbar Trailer with 6 Axles	TBA	TBA
Truck & Drawbar Trailer with 7 Axles	TBA	TBA

Road Reserve and Building Restriction Areas

To protect the investment in road building, a road reserve and, outside urban areas, a building restriction area should be located equally about the road centre-line, as shown in the table below

Road Classification	Width Each Side of Road Centre Line (m)
Road Classification	Road Reserve (m)	Building Restriction Width (m)
A	15	30
B (major – links districts)	15	30
B (minor – links local centres to A Class Roads)	10	20
C	10	20
D	10	20

Note: The building restriction width includes the road reserve width.

Class	Km	% of network	Description
Classified Network & Gazetted
A	1525.21	22	Primary roads linking major towns and district centres and main border posts
B	1401.24	20	Secondary roads connecting districts and linking local centres to the primary network
C	539.93	8	Tertiary roads connecting local centres within districts, and linking to secondary or primary roads
D	2421.14	35	Access/Feeder roads to one or more villages
Sub-Total	5887.52	85	Total km that are in the current road Classification
Unclassified Network & Not Gazetted
Rural Roads	651.70	10	Access/Feeder roads to one or more villages
Urban Roads	367.04	5	Estimated paved and unpaved roads in urban areas. Streets within major towns
Sub-Total	1018.74	15	Total km that are in the current road classified
Total	6,906.26	100	Density is 0.243 km/km². Per capita is 0.00338 km/person

Of the total road network; the classified network is under the direct management of the Roads Directorate and is disbursed as follows per surface type:

Description	Equipment-based maintenance	Labour-based maintenance	Total Km
Surfaced roads	1628.79	0	1628.79
Gravel roads	888.98	2111.89	3000.87
Earth roads	0	1150.70	1150.70
Tracks	0	107.16	107.16
Totals	2517.77	3369.75	5887.52

DESCRIPTION	RURAL ROADS (KM)
Surfaced roads	0.00
Gravel roads	615.02
Earth roads	36.68
Tracks	0.00
Total	651.70

DESCRIPTION	URBAN ROADS (KM)
Paved roads	169.97
Gravel roads	214.63
Earth roads	50.74
Tracks	84.7
Total	367.04

2.3.1 Lesotho Land Border Crossing of Maseru Bridge

Overview
Daily Capacity
Customs Clearance
Other Relevant Information

Overview

This is the most active border post that is easily accessed.

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Lesotho: Maseru Bridge South Africa: Maseru Bridge
Province or District	Maseru
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Maseru (4.12 km) Ladybrand (11.6 km)
Latitude	-29.299149
Longitude	27.456379
Managing Authority / Agency	Lesotho Revenue Authority
Contact Details	+ 266 22312204

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport	Moshoeshoe 1 International Airport (25.6 km) Truck Travel Time: 1 hr Car Travel time: 45 mins
Nearest Port	Durban Port, South Africa (552 km) Truck Travel Time: 9 hrs Car Travel time: 6 Hours 30 mins
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity	Maseru (4.12 km) Truck Travel Time: 30 mins Car Travel time: 15 mins
Other Information	Weighing bridge is by the bridge. Maseru branch line railway also crosses here.

Travel Times

Nearest International Airport

Moshoeshoe 1 International Airport (25.6 km)

Truck Travel Time: 1 hr

Car Travel time: 45 mins

Nearest Port

Durban Port, South Africa (552 km)

Truck Travel Time: 9 hrs

Car Travel time: 6 Hours 30 mins

Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets,

or with significant manufacturing or production capacity

Maseru (4.12 km)

Truck Travel Time: 30 mins

Car Travel time: 15 mins

Other Information

Weighing bridge is by the bridge.

Maseru branch line railway also crosses here.

Hours of Operation
Mondays	24 hrs
Tuesdays	24 hrs
Wednesdays	24 hrs
Thursdays	24 hrs
Fridays	24 hrs
Saturdays	24 hrs
Sundays	24 hrs
National Holidays	24 hrs
Seasonal Constraints	N/A

Daily Capacity

Traffic is normally heavy during month end, there is one lane coming into Lesotho, but amidst coronavirus regulations there is simple movement for trucks as there are limited number of private cars. The management of Maseru bridge has tried to separate the private and trucks lanes, but it is not much. However, trucks takes their toll gate where there is weighing bridge.

Customs Clearance

In order to be cleared at Maseru bridge, note that An original tax invoice should have the following normal/ usual requirements of a valid Tax invoice:

Be a Tax Invoice from a VAT registered South African vendor
Be a Tax Invoice (Tax Invoice written)
Be an original
Bear a South African VAT Registration number with 10 digits that start with 4
Have a unique invoice number
Tax invoice date
Standard rate of VAT charge must be shown (e.g. 14%)
Tax invoice is valid for 90 days from the date of purchase.

For more information on customs in Mozambique, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.

Other Relevant Information

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.

2.3.2 Lesotho Land Border Crossing of Peka Bridge

Overview
Daily Capacity
Customs Clearance
Other Relevant Information

Overview

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Lesotho: Peka Bridge South Africa: Peka Bridge
Province or District	Leribe
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Lesotho: Peka (6.2 km) South Africa: Ficksburg (22 km)
Latitude	-28.946753
Longitude	27.735308
Managing Authority / Agency	Lesotho Revenue Authority
Contact Details	+266 2232 4452

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport		Moshoeshoe 1 International Airport (92.8 km) Car Travel time: 1 Hour 30 mins
Nearest Port		Durban Port, South Africa (494 km) Car Travel time: 5 Hours 30 mins
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity		Peka (6.2 km)
Other Information		N/A

Operation
Mondays	24 hrs
Tuesdays	24 hrs
Wednesdays	24 hrs
Thursdays	24 hrs
Fridays	24 hrs
Saturdays	24 hrs
Sundays	24 hrs
National Holidays	24 hrs
Seasonal Constraints	N/A

Daily Capacity

This is a small border post with little capacity.

Customs Clearance

For more information on customs in Lesotho, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information

Other Relevant Information

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List

2.3.3 Lesotho Land Border Crossing of Maputsoe Bridge

Overview
Daily Capacity
Customs Clearance
Other Relevant Information

Overview

This is a very active border crossing between Lesotho and South Africa and is open 24 hours.

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Lesotho: Maputsoe Bridge South Africa: Ficksburg Bridge
Province or District	Leribe
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Lesotho: Maputsoe (2.7 km) South Africa: Ficksburg (3 km)
Latitude	-28.885692
Longitude	27.892633
Managing Authority / Agency	Lesotho Revenue Authority
Contact Person	Ha Mathata, Lesotho +266 22 430 257 +266 22 431 175

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport		Moshoeshoe 1 International Airport (106.2 km) Car Travel time: 1 hour 42 mins
Nearest Port		Durban Port, South Africa (473 km) Car Travel time: 5 Hours 35 mins
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity		Maputsoe (2.7 km) Travel time: 7 mins
Other Information		Documents required to enter Lesotho is a valid passport, original vehicle registration papers, vehicle license papers, valid driver's license. The toll fee for entering Lesotho is determined by the weight of your vehicle.

Hours of Operation
Mondays	24 hrs
Tuesdays	24 hrs
Wednesdays	24 hrs
Thursdays	24 hrs
Fridays	24 hrs
Saturdays	24 hrs
Sundays	24 hrs
National Holidays	24 hrs
Seasonal Constraints	N/A

Daily Capacity

This is a small border post with little capacity.

Customs Clearance

In order to be cleared at Maputsoe Bridge, note that an original tax invoice should have the following normal/ usual requirements of a valid tax invoice:

Be a Tax Invoice from a VAT registered South African vendor
Be a Tax Invoice (Tax Invoice written)
Be an original
Bear a South African VAT Registration number with 10 digits that start with 4
Have a unique invoice number
Tax invoice date
Standard rate of VAT charge must be shown (e.g. 14%)
Tax invoice is valid for 90 days from the date of purchase.

Vehicles crossing Tariffs

Vehicle Classes	Local Registered	Foreign Registered
Class 1 - Light vehicle	M50	M70
Class 2 - Medium Heavy	M90	M120
Class 3 - Large Heavy	M130	M180
Class 4 - Extra Heavy	M310	M410

For more information on customs in Mozambique, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information

Other Relevant Information

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List

2.3.4 Lesotho Land Border Crossing of Caledonspoort Bridge

Overview
Daily Capacity
Customs Clearance
Other Relevant Information

Overview

The Caledonspoort Border Control Post manages access in to and out of Lesotho. This route can get very busy, particularly on Friday and Sunday afternoons.

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Lesotho: Caledonspoort Bridge South Africa: Caledonspoort Bridge
Province or District	Butha-Buthe
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Lesotho: Butha-Buthe (9 km) South Africa: Fouriesburg (10 km)
Latitude	-28.696335
Longitude	28.234843
Managing Authority / Agency	Lesotho Revenue Authority
Contact Details	+ 266 2232 4452

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport		Moshoeshoe 1 International Airport (106.4 km) Car Travel time: 2 hrs 25 mins
Nearest Port		Durban Port, South Africa (433 km) Car Travel time: 5 hrs
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity		Butha-Buthe (9 km) Car Travel time: 11 mins
Other Information		The road surface is good for the most part, but there are bad sections in which worn tar becomes a gravel road.

Hours of Operation
Mondays	0600 - 2200 H
Tuesdays	0600 - 2200 H
Wednesdays	0600 - 2200 H
Thursdays	0600 - 2200 H
Fridays	0600 - 2200 H
Saturdays	0600 - 2200 H
Sundays	0600 - 2200 H
National Holidays	0600 - 2200 H
Seasonal Constraints	N/A

Daily Capacity

This is a small border post with little capacity.

Customs Clearance

In order to be cleared at Caledonspoort Bridge, note that an original tax invoice should have the following normal/ usual requirements of a valid tax invoice:

Be a Tax Invoice from a VAT registered South African vendor
Be a Tax Invoice (Tax Invoice written)
Be an original
Bear a South African VAT Registration number with 10 digits that start with 4
Have a unique invoice number
Tax invoice date
Standard rate of VAT charge must be shown (e.g. 14%)
Tax invoice is valid for 90 days from the date of purchase.

Vehicles crossing Tariffs

Vehicle Classes	Local Registered	Foreign Registered
Class 1 - Light vehicle	M50	M70
Class 2 - Medium Heavy	M90	M120
Class 3 - Large Heavy	M130	M180
Class 4 - Extra Heavy	M310	M410

For more information on customs in Lesotho, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information

Other Relevant Information

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List

2.3.5 Lesotho Land Border Crossing of Monantsa Pass

Overview
Daily Capacity
Customs Clearance
Other Relevant Information

Overview

This border post between South Africa and Lesotho is not very busy. On the South African side there is a border post, the Monantsa Pass Border control, but there is no border control point on the Lesotho side of the border.

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	South Africa: Monantsa Pass
Province or District	Butha-Buthe
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Lesotho: Libono (11.2 km) South Africa: Phuthaditjhaba (16.5 km)
Latitude	-28.6826
Longitude	28.5902
Managing Authority / Agency	South African Revenue Service
Contact Details	+27(0)58 713 1600 +27(0)58 713 5843

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport		Moshoeshoe 1 International Airport (235.9 km) Travel time: 3 hrs 33 mins
Nearest Port		Durban Port, South Africa (366 km) Travel time: 4 hrs 23 mins
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity		Phuthaditjhaba (16.5 km) Travel time: 30 mins
Other Information		N/A

Hours of Operation
Mondays	8:00 – 16:00
Tuesdays	8:00 – 16:00
Wednesdays	8:00 – 16:00
Thursdays	8:00 – 16:00
Fridays	8:00 – 16:00
Saturdays	8:00 – 16:00
Sundays	8:00 – 16:00
National Holidays	8:00 – 16:00
Seasonal Constraints	N/A

Daily Capacity

This is a small border post with little capacity.

Customs Clearance

In order to be cleared at Monantsa Pass, note that an original tax invoice should have the following normal/ usual requirements of a valid tax invoice:

Be a Tax Invoice from a VAT registered South African vendor
Be a Tax Invoice (Tax Invoice written)
Be an original
Bear a South African VAT Registration number with 10 digits that start with 4
Have a unique invoice number
Tax invoice date
Standard rate of VAT charge must be shown (e.g. 14%)
Tax invoice is valid for 90 days from the date of purchase.

Vehicles crossing Tariffs

Vehicle Classes	Local Registered	Foreign Registered
Class 1 - Light vehicle	M50	M70
Class 2 - Medium Heavy	M90	M120
Class 3 - Large Heavy	M130	M180
Class 4 - Extra Heavy	M310	M410

For more information on customs in Lesotho, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information

Other Relevant Information

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.

2.3.6 Lesotho Land Border Crossing of Sani Pass

Overview
Daily Capacity
Customs Clearance
Other Relevant Information

Overview

The Sani Pass border post is at the bottom of the pass, and the RSA border post is about 8 km further apart. The gravel roads are in fair condition and are often only accessible by 4x4 vehicles beyond the border post.

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Lesotho: Sani Top / Pass South Africa: Sani Top / Pass
Province or District	Mokhotlong
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Lesotho: Mokhotlong (50 km) South Africa: Himeville (32 km)
Latitude	-29.584695
Longitude	29.285566
Managing Authority / Agency	Lesotho Revenue Authority
Contact	+27 826395050

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport		Moshoeshoe 1 International Airport (350.1 km) Travel time: 6 hrs
Nearest Port		Durban Port, South Africa (272 km) Travel time: 4 hrs
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity		Himeville (32 km)
Other Information		Four wheel drive vehicles and motorcycles are better suited for the road. Driving Sani Pass very much depend on current weather and road conditions. During the rains (October to March), the road can be very badly washed away, muddy and driving up Sani Pass in these conditions, can be pretty challenging. A vehicle with good ground clearance, and four wheel drive, is required. In wintertime, with no rain, the road conditions should be better, but Sani Pass also gets some snow in winter which leads to muddy conditions when the snow melts. If the road was not repaired after the rain, you will still encounter some bad ruts.

Hours of Operation
Mondays	0600H - 1800H
Tuesdays	0600H - 1800H
Wednesdays	0600H - 1800H
Thursdays	0600H - 1800H
Fridays	0600H - 1800H
Saturdays	0600H - 1800H
Sundays	0600H - 1800H
National Holidays	0600H - 1800H
Seasonal Constraints	N/A

Daily Capacity

This is a small border post with little capacity.

Customs Clearance

In order to be cleared at Sani Pass, note that an original tax invoice should have the following normal/ usual requirements of a valid tax invoice:

Be a Tax Invoice from a VAT registered South African vendor
Be a Tax Invoice (Tax Invoice written)
Be an original
Bear a South African VAT Registration number with 10 digits that start with 4
Have a unique invoice number
Tax invoice date
Standard rate of VAT charge must be shown (e.g. 14%)
Tax invoice is valid for 90 days from the date of purchase.

Vehicles crossing Tariffs

Vehicle Classes	Local Registered	Foreign Registered
Class 1 - Light vehicle	M50	M70
Class 2 - Medium Heavy	M90	M120
Class 3 - Large Heavy	M130	M180
Class 4 - Extra Heavy	M310	M410

For more information on customs in Lesotho, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information

Other Relevant Information

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.

2.3.7 Lesotho Land Border Crossing of Ngoangoana

Overview
Daily Capacity
Customs Clearance
Other Relevant Information

Overview

This border post is currently closed to all vehicle traffic between the two countries at this stage. Only pedestrians and motorbikes currently use it.

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Lesotho: Ngoanagoana South Africa: Boesmansnek
Province or District	Boesmansnek
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Lesotho: Boesmansnek South Africa: Coleford Drakensberg (2.5km)
Latitude	29.1532
Longitude	29.8849
Managing Authority / Agency	Lesotho Revenue Authority
Contact Details	+266 2232 4452

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport		Moshoeshoe 1 International Airport
Nearest Port		Durban Port, South Africa
Other Information		Closed

Hours of Operation
Mondays	Closed
Tuesdays	Closed
Wednesdays	Closed
Thursdays	Closed
Fridays	Closed
Saturdays	Closed
Sundays	Closed
National Holidays	Closed
Seasonal Constraints	N/A

Daily Capacity

This is a small border post with little capacity.

Customs Clearance

For more information on customs in Lesotho, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information

Other Relevant Information

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List

2.3.8 Lesotho Land Border Crossing of Ramats’eliso Gate

Overview
Daily Capacity
Customs Clearance
Other Relevant Information

Overview

This is a small border post that is easily accessed due to paved roads However, there is not much traffic between the two countries at this stage. It is one of five automated commercial land border posts in Lesotho. Pre-clearance of goods through the ASYCUDA system is encouraged for prompt clearing of goods into Lesotho.

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Lesotho: Ramats’eliso Gate South Africa: Ramats’eliso Gate
Province or District	Mokhotlong
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Lesotho: Ramats’eliso Gate (1 km) South Africa: Maluti, Matatiele (38 km)
Latitude	-30.050231
Longitude	28.933673
Managing Authority / Agency	Lesotho Revenue Authority
Contact Person	+27 39 256 4443 +27823468945

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport		Moshoeshoe 1 International Airport (266 km) Travel time: 5 hrs
Nearest Port		Durban Port, South Africa (312 km) Travel time: 4 hrs 51 mins
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity		Maluti, Matatiele (38 km) Travel time: 40 mins
Other Information		Closed

Hours of Operation
Mondays	Closed
Tuesdays	Closed
Wednesdays	Closed
Thursdays	Closed
Fridays	Closed
Saturdays	Closed
Sundays	Closed
National Holidays	Closed
Seasonal Constraints	N/A

Daily Capacity

This is a small border post with little capacity.

Customs Clearance

In order to be cleared at Sani Pass, note that an original tax invoice should have the following normal/ usual requirements of a valid tax invoice:

Be a Tax Invoice from a VAT registered South African vendor
Be a Tax Invoice (Tax Invoice written)
Be an original
Bear a South African VAT Registration number with 10 digits that start with 4
Have a unique invoice number
Tax invoice date
Standard rate of VAT charge must be shown (e.g. 14%)
Tax invoice is valid for 90 days from the date of purchase.

Vehicles crossing Tariffs

Vehicle Classes	Local Registered	Foreign Registered
Class 1 - Light vehicle	M50	M70
Class 2 - Medium Heavy	M90	M120
Class 3 - Large Heavy	M130	M180
Class 4 - Extra Heavy	M310	M410

For more information on customs in Lesotho, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information

Other Relevant Information

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List

2.3.9 Lesotho Land Border Crossing of Qacha's Nek

Overview
Daily Capacity
Customs Clearance
Other Relevant Information

Overview

This is a small border post that is easily accessed due to paved roads However, there is not much traffic between the two countries at this stage.

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Lesotho: Qacha’s Nek South Africa: Qacha’s Nek
Province or District	Qacha’s Nek
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Lesotho: Qacha’s Nek (2 km) South Africa: Maluti (17.9 km)
Latitude	-30.129335
Longitude	28.685536
Managing Authority / Agency	Lesotho Revenue Authority
Contact Person	+266 22950290

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport		Moshoeshoe 1 International Airport (219 km) Travel time: 3 hrs 43 mins
Nearest Port		Durban Port, South Africa (353 km) Travel time: 4 hrs 58 mins
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity		Maluti (17.9 km) Travel time: 25 mins
Other Information		N/A

Hours of Operation
Mondays	08:00-22:00
Tuesdays	08:00-22:00
Wednesdays	08:00-22:00
Thursdays	08:00-22:00
Fridays	08:00-22:00
Saturdays	08:00-22:00
Sundays	08:00-22:00
National Holidays	08:00-22:00
Seasonal Constraints	N/A

Daily Capacity

This is a small border post with little capacity.

Customs Clearance

In order to be cleared at Qacha's Nek, note that an original tax invoice should have the following normal/ usual requirements of a valid tax invoice:

Be a Tax Invoice from a VAT registered South African vendor
Be a Tax Invoice (Tax Invoice written)
Be an original
Bear a South African VAT Registration number with 10 digits that start with 4
Have a unique invoice number
Tax invoice date
Standard rate of VAT charge must be shown (e.g. 14%)
Tax invoice is valid for 90 days from the date of purchase.

Vehicles crossing Tariffs

Vehicle Classes	Local Registered	Foreign Registered
Class 1 - Light vehicle	M50	M70
Class 2 - Medium Heavy	M90	M120
Class 3 - Large Heavy	M130	M180
Class 4 - Extra Heavy	M310	M410

For more information on customs in Lesotho, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information

Other Relevant Information

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List

2.3.10 Lesotho Land Border Crossing of Ongeluksnek

Overview
Daily Capacity
Customs Clearance
Other Relevant Information

Overview

There is currently no border control point here for Lesotho only a border control point further on for RSA. Vehicles rarely drive through here. When entering Lesotho from Ongeluksnek, travellers are only stamped out from South Africa and not stamped into Lesotho and vice versa when travelling in the other direction.

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Lesotho: Ongeluksnek South Africa: Ongeluksnek
Province or District	Quthing
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Lesotho: Mphaki (40 km) South Africa: Mariazell Mission (13 km)
Latitude	28.2519
Longitude	30.3383
Managing Authority / Agency	Lesotho Revenue Authority
Contact Person	+266 2232 4452

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport		Moshoeshoe 1 International Airport (222.2 km) Travel time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Nearest Port		Durban Port, South Africa (380 km) Travel time: 5 hrs 10 mins
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity		Mariazell Mission (13 km) Travel time: 27 mins
Other Information		Four wheel drive vehicles and motorcycles required at this border crossing.

Hours of Operation
Mondays	08:00-16:00
Tuesdays	08:00-16:00
Wednesdays	08:00-16:00
Thursdays	08:00-16:00
Fridays	08:00-16:00
Saturdays	08:00-16:00
Sundays	08:00-16:00
National Holidays	08:00-16:00
Seasonal Constraints	N/A

Daily Capacity

This is a small border post with little capacity.

Customs Clearance

For more information on customs in Lesotho, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information

Other Relevant Information

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.

2.3.11 Lesotho Land Border Crossing of Tele Bridge

Overview
Daily Capacity
Customs Clearance
Other Relevant Information

Overview

This is a small border post that is poorly accessed due to the mountainous road terrain.

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Lesotho: Tele Bridge South Africa: Telle Bridge Border Post
Province or District	Quthing
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Lesotho: Quthing (14 km) South Africa: Palmietfontein (3.9 km)
Latitude	-30.432488
Longitude	27.568022
Managing Authority / Agency	Lesotho Revenue Authority
Contact	+26658987814

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport		Moshoeshoe 1 International Airport (751 km) Travel time: 9 hrs 40 mins
Nearest Port		Durban Port, South Africa (380 km) Travel time: 5 hrs 10 mins
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity		Quthing (14 km) Travel time: 25 mins
Other Information		Four wheel drive vehicles and motorcycles required at this border crossing.

Hours of Operation
Mondays	08:00-22:00
Tuesdays	08:00-22:00
Wednesdays	08:00-22:00
Thursdays	08:00-22:00
Fridays	08:00-22:00
Saturdays	08:00-22:00
Sundays	08:00-22:00
National Holidays	08:00-22:00
Seasonal Constraints	N/A

Daily Capacity

This is a small border post with little capacity.

Customs Clearance

In order to be cleared at Sani Pass, note that an original tax invoice should have the following normal/ usual requirements of a valid tax invoice:

Be a Tax Invoice from a VAT registered South African vendor
Be a Tax Invoice (Tax Invoice written)
Be an original
Bear a South African VAT Registration number with 10 digits that start with 4
Have a unique invoice number
Tax invoice date
Standard rate of VAT charge must be shown (e.g. 14%)
Tax invoice is valid for 90 days from the date of purchase.

Vehicles Crossing Tariffs

Vehicle Classes	Local Registered	Foreign Registered
Class 1 - Light vehicle	M50	M70
Class 2 - Medium Heavy	M90	M120
Class 3 - Large Heavy	M130	M180
Class 4 - Extra Heavy	M310	M410

For more information on customs in Lesotho, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information

Other Relevant Information

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List

2.3.12 Lesotho Land Border Crossing of Makhaleng Bridge

Overview
Daily Capacity
Customs Clearance
Other Relevant Information

Overview

This is the border between Lesotho and South Africa and its on the A2 road towards Mohale's Hoek.

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Lesotho: Makhaleng Bridge South Africa: Makhaleng Bridge
Province or District	Mohale’s Hoek
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Lesotho: Mohale’s Hoek (8 km) South Africa: Zastron (40 km)
Latitude	-30.165181
Longitude	27.400337
Managing Authority / Agency	Lesotho Revenue Authority
Contact Person	+266 2232 4452

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport		Moshoeshoe 1 International Airport (103.4 km) Travel time: 1 hr 27 mins
Nearest Port		Durban Port, South Africa (553 km) Travel time: 8 hrs 30 mins
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity		Mohale’s Hoek (8 km) Travel time: 10 mins
Other Information		N/A

Hours of Operation
Mondays	08:00-18:00
Tuesdays	08:00-18:00
Wednesdays	08:00-18:00
Thursdays	08:00-18:00
Fridays	08:00-18:00
Saturdays	08:00-18:00
Sundays	08:00-18:00
National Holidays	08:00-18:00
Seasonal Constraints	N/A

Daily Capacity

This is a small border post with little capacity.

Customs Clearance

In order to be cleared at Makhaleng Bridge, note that an original tax invoice should have the following normal/ usual requirements of a valid tax invoice:

Be a Tax Invoice from a VAT registered South African vendor
Be a Tax Invoice (Tax Invoice written)
Be an original
Bear a South African VAT Registration number with 10 digits that start with 4
Have a unique invoice number
Tax invoice date
Standard rate of VAT charge must be shown (e.g. 14%)
Tax invoice is valid for 90 days from the date of purchase.

Vehicles Crossing Tariffs

Vehicle Classes	Local Registered	Foreign Registered
Class 1 - Light vehicle	M50	M70
Class 2 - Medium Heavy	M90	M120
Class 3 - Large Heavy	M130	M180
Class 4 - Extra Heavy	M310	M410

For more information on customs in Lesotho, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.

Other Relevant Information

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.

2.3.13 Lesotho Land Border Crossing of Sephapus Gate

Overview
Daily Capacity
Customs Clearance
Other Relevant Information

Overview

This is an active border post between South Africa and Lesotho with the South African town of Wepener on the other side of the border.

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Lesotho: Sepaphus Gate South Africa: Sepaphus Gate
Province or District	Mohale’s Hoek
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Lesotho: Mafeteng (15 km) South Africa: Vanstadensrus (28 km)
Latitude	27.1993
Longitude	29.9476
Managing Authority / Agency	Lesotho Revenue Authority
Contact Person	+266 2232 4452

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport		Moshoeshoe 1 International Airport (82.5 km) Travel time: 1 hr 25 mins
Nearest Port		Durban Port, South Africa (666 km) Car Travel time: 8Hrs 14mins
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity		Mafeteng (15 km) Travel time: 26 mins
Other Information		N/A

Hours of Operation
Mondays	08:00-16:00
Tuesdays	08:00-16:00
Wednesdays	08:00-16:00
Thursdays	08:00-16:00
Fridays	08:00-16:00
Saturdays	08:00-16:00
Sundays	08:00-16:00
National Holidays	08:00-16:00
Seasonal Constraints	N/A

Daily Capacity

This is a small border post with little capacity.

Customs Clearance

For more information on customs in Lesotho, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information

Other Relevant Information

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.

2.3.14 Lesotho Land Border Crossing of Van Rooyen's Gate

Overview
Daily Capacity
Customs Clearance
Other Relevant Information

Overview

This is the border between Lesotho and South Africa and its on the A2 road towards Mohale's Hoek.

Border Crossing Location and Contact
Name of Border Crossing	Lesotho: Van Rooyen's Gate South Africa: Van Rooyen's Gate
Province or District	Mafeteng
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing	Lesotho: Mafeteng (16 km) South Africa: Wepener (12 km)
Latitude	-29.756147
Longitude	27.110988
Managing Authority / Agency	Lesotho Revenue Authority
Contact	+266 22785329

Travel Times
Nearest International Airport		Moshoeshoe 1 International Airport (80.8 km) Travel time: 1 hr 11 mins
Nearest Port		Durban Port, South Africa (639 km) Travel time: 7 hrs 40 mins
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity		Mafeteng (16 km) Travel time: 20 mins
Other Information		N/A

Hours of Operation
Mondays	08:00-22:00
Tuesdays	08:00-22:00
Wednesdays	08:00-22:00
Thursdays	08:00-22:00
Fridays	08:00-22:00
Saturdays	08:00-22:00
Sundays	08:00-22:00
National Holidays	08:00-22:00
Seasonal Constraints	N/A

Daily Capacity

This is a small border post with little capacity.

Customs Clearance

In order to be cleared at Makhaleng Bridge, note that an original tax invoice should have the following normal/ usual requirements of a valid tax invoice:

Be a Tax Invoice from a VAT registered South African vendor
Be a Tax Invoice (Tax Invoice written)
Be an original
Bear a South African VAT Registration number with 10 digits that start with 4
Have a unique invoice number
Tax invoice date
Standard rate of VAT charge must be shown (e.g. 14%)
Tax invoice is valid for 90 days from the date of purchase.

Vehicles Crossing Tariffs

Vehicle Classes	Local Registered	Foreign Registered
Class 1 - Light vehicle	M50	M70
Class 2 - Medium Heavy	M90	M120
Class 3 - Large Heavy	M130	M180
Class 4 - Extra Heavy	M310	M410

For more information on customs in Lesotho, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information

Other Relevant Information

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List