Lesotho

Guide for dating in Lesotho helps you to meet the best girls. This dating guide gives you tips how to date Basotho women. You will learn rules where and how to flirt with local Basotho girls. We advise how to move from casual dating to the relationship and find the real love. We also tell the best dating sites in Lesotho. In this article below you will find more information where to meet and date girls in Lesotho, Africa.

Hot Girls of Lesotho at Cuban Linx club

Girls in Lesotho:

Looks of girls: 3 / 5

Attitude of girls: 3 / 5

Loyalty of girls: 2.5 / 5

Education level of girls: 4.5 / 5

Dating in Lesotho:

Chance of arranging dates: 3 / 5

Casual dating culture: 3.5 / 5

Online dating popularity: 2.5 / 5

Sex in Lesotho:

Women's sexual activity: 3.5 / 5

One-night stands: 3 / 5

More about Lesotho:

Nightlife in general: 3 / 5

Locals' English level: 4 / 5

Budget per day: US$50 - $500

Accommodation: US$20 - $200

Dating

The kingdom of Lesotho is a constitutional monarch in southern Africa. Lesotho is one of only three countries in the world that are surrounded by another country. Lesotho is enclaved within the territory of South Africa. Lesotho was previously known as the British Crown Colony of Basutoland before it declared independence from Britain in 1966. The country occupies a territory of about 30,000 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 2.2 million people. Out of this population, about 27% live in the urban centers as the rest live in the rural areas. Maseru is the largest city and the capital of Lesotho with a population of 350,000. Sesotho is the official language, spoken by more than 80% of the population but English is equally widely spoken, owing to the colonial past.

Dating Basotho girls is interesting and fun. Lesotho has one of the highest literacy rates in Africa and many young girls are educated and knowledgeable. These girls are also outgoing and will keep you enjoying your time together as they know how to take care of their men.

Dating Culture

The dating culture in Lesotho is similar to what you would find in many African countries i.e. a blend between conservative and liberal. For those who subscribe to the traditional culture, they only date when to marry someone. Such people only begin dating when they are ready to settle down. On the other hand, the more urban and liberal Basotho, dating is a part of life and they can date a few times along the way for the fun of it without thinking of marriage. When they are ready to settle down, they will get someone who may be very different in character from the people they were hitherto dating.

Sugar Dating

Sugar dating is one of the best ways to find a date in 2023. Men who are willing to buy gifts for sugar babies, will get physical or emotional pleasure for a return. Take a look of the wide selection of girls from SecretBenefits.

Online Dating

Dating in Lesotho can be a bit tricky due to not knowing if you have a solid connection, so your best bet is to sign up for a dating site before you venture to the night club or bar, so you can meet a few locals ahead of time. AdultFriendFinder.com lets you meet local members in Lesotho and get to know them on a personal basis before you meet in person. Take advantage of site features like live chat and member to member webcams so you can begin flirting before arranging a face-to-face meeting.

Webcam Dating

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Women

In 2017, 1.1 million women were living in Lesotho, making up 51.48% of the population. 33% of women are under 15 years of age, 61.4% are between 15 and 64 years old and 5.3% are over 64 years old. Historically women have wielded power as heads of households, with control over household financial decisions. The government has also taken steps to ensure more equal representation of genders in government with quotas, and women in Lesotho are more highly educated than men. Still, domestic abuse, sexual violence, lack of social mobility, and the aforementioned health crises are persistent issues. Social and economic movements, like the mass immigration of men to South Africa, and the rise of the garment industry, have contributed to both the progress and problems facing women in Lesotho today.

Lesotho is unique in that while most developing countries have education systems that favor men; women have a higher educational attainment rate than men do. In secondary education, there are 1.6 women for every man, which is the highest ratio in the world for female education attainment. There have been concerted efforts from the Lesotho government since 2000 to encourage female education and nation-wide literacy, dedicating the highest percentage of their GDP to the education of any country in the world. They succeeded with a women's literacy rate of 95%. While this is an accomplishment, according to much of the progress in women's educational attainment can be correlated to male immigration to South Africa due to economic hardship. The 1.6 ratio is more reflective of a society in which women outnumber men in the general population than of significant progress in education.

For decades, Lesotho's economy has struggled with high unemployment, falling household income, and about 60% of the population living below the national poverty line. Historically, women in Lesotho have been involved in the informal economy. While restricted to the domestic sphere, they were contributors to the national economy in industries like agriculture, animal herding and cottage-industry manufacturing. However, over time women have begun to enter the formal workforce in higher numbers. Female unemployment in 2017 was about 30%, which is higher than the all-time low of 26% in 2012.

There has been an increase in legislation over the last 20 years targeting gender equality. The government of Lesotho has seen increased women's political representation in government positions. In local government, following the Local Government Election Act of 2004, women were 58% of representative positions in 2005 and 49% in 2011. In the federal government, representation has decreased over time, with women holding 22.5% of the seats in the National Assembly and 22% of minister positions in 2017.

Before the Legal Capacity of Married Persons Act was passed, women were considered children in the eyes of the law. They were beholden to their husbands in all legal and financial matters. This act abolished married women's minor status, giving them increased women's legal rights, including the right to make medical decisions, enter into a contract, and own property. It also legally established that married partners held equal power within the marriage, allowing women to dispose of joint assets, contract debts using joint assets, and administer their joint estate. The women from Lesotho are traditional African beauties, with the voluptuous curves that are associated with African women.

Basotho Girls (age 18 - 29)

In the late 20th century, over half of the Basotho male population migrated to South Africa for better wage-earning opportunities. Because cross-border migration to South Africa was almost exclusively male with most Basotho males staying in South Africa from adolescence to retirement, women outnumbered men in the general population by a ratio of four-to-one. Employment rates of Basotho men in South Africa have since declined, but the same norms govern gender differences in education and labor force participation. This has resulted in many Basotho girls being able to finish their secondary education.

Most girls here belong to either the Sotho or Zulu ethnic groups. Sotho women are usually big-boned and curvy. There are also several Zulu women in the country; these women tend to be light-skinned beauties. These girls here are at the age of transition where girls leave teenage and get into adulthood. This transition results in the young girls here being the most beautiful. At this point, hormones are released into the body of these girls. The action of this hormone results in the development of secondary sexual features in women. The breasts which were hitherto flat protrude and become round and supple while the hips and buttock grow in size.

The general attitude of the girls in the city is pleasant. They are friendly people who enjoy having fun despite their busy lives. They are also curious and interested in learning things about people from other countries.

Once the girls finish their education, some will be fortunate and get employed in the country. As it has been mentioned, for a long time, the number of women who occupy formal jobs as compared to men has been significantly low. The country has also had generally high unemployment occurrences. However, many younger women are getting employed in formal jobs like in the government and other white-collar jobs. Due to the underdeveloped job market in Lesotho, many young girls move away from the country into South Africa with the hope of securing employment there. Once they move out, most settle abroad and only visit their homes occasionally.

It is also at this age that most young girls get married. In the past, the process of selecting spouses was done by elderly relatives. Things are now changing as the younger generation is moving out of the rural areas and settling in urban areas meaning that most couples are meeting away from their families and planning the wedding on their own only inviting their relatives as guests to the wedding.

Young girls of Lesotho partying at the Ba One club

Basotho Women (age 30 - 45)

Although for a long time the percentage of women in employment in the country was significantly lower, intervention by the government and sustained education of girls has seen this figure significantly rise. As a result of these interventions, Lesotho has made significant progress in closing the gender gap. Remarkably, the country ranks 9th out of 135 countries on the World Economic Forum (WEF)’s Global Gender Gap Index (GGI), 2011, well ahead of countries like the United Kingdom, the United States of America or France. Lesotho has closed the gender gap in literacy and education, and female educational gains are filtering into the jobs market.

Most notably, women aged 30 to 45 years now make up the majority of the high-skilled workforce. Women also hold the majority of positions at the local government level. These developments should be largely credited to the Government’s pro-women policies and strategies. They also relate to Lesotho’s migration history, as a large share of the Basotho male population historically migrated to work in South Africa’s mines, forcing women to take more active roles in society at home. Notwithstanding these achievements, major gender gaps persist in several critical areas.

Structural biases against women are evident in access to land and other productive resources. Health statistics also point to structural gender biases. The spread of HIV and AIDS has had a disproportionate impact on women, largely due to social and cultural factors, such as gender-based violence.

Basotho Ladies (age 45+)

Most Basotho women aged 45 years and above have settled down in families. According to statistics, Basotho mothers give birth to an average of three children. This number goes higher in rural areas where some men practice polygamy. In the urban areas, the figure is much lower due to financial constraints and family planning awareness.

In the urban areas, the ladies aged 45 years and above are employed, some in the public sector and some in private organizations. The fortunate ones occupy positions of power at their workplace. For those who live in rural areas, they are busy tending their farms as they take care of their families.

Women are left at home to be responsible for the families - the children and elderly parents. So they always have a heavy burden in making sure that the home runs properly like the children are fed, are taken care of and go to school, while the elderly parents have medical attention. They are hardworking and resourceful in feeding the family. Besides, Lesotho has a prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Most of the caregivers in rural areas who volunteer their time are women. They care for sick people voluntarily.

Foreign Girls (tourists, expats, students, etc.)

Most of the foreign girls in Lesotho are tourists. Tourism is a growing sector in Lesotho. Residents of South Africa, which surrounds Lesotho, make up over 90% of the visitors to the country. Many trips are to visit friends and family. Various outdoor pursuits form the most popular leisure activities for tourists in the country. The mountainous terrain draws tourists for hiking, pony trekking and skiing, as well as the use of four-wheel-drive trails. The Afriski ski resort operates during the winter months.

Another group of foreign girls in Lesotho is the expatriates who have come to help build the country. Due to its limited education capacity in the country, many expatriates are brought in to serve in different sectors of the economy. Based on its proximity, a majority of expatriates in Lesotho come from South Africa while others come from Eswatini, Kenya and Europe. The country's economy is largely dependent on agriculture and mining, and it's within these industries that expatriates will likely find work. A significant number of expatriates also relocate there to do aid or volunteer work.

Sex

There are many opportunities for sex with Basotho girls. Whether you are looking for a one-night sex experience or sex over a long relationship, the city presents the best opportunity. From any of the various groups of girls listed above, you only need to know what makes each one tick and how you can impress them to get that chance to bed them. It must however be noted that Lesotho has one of the highest numbers of HIV infections in the world. While this is an indicator of sexual activity in the country, it is a cause for you to proceed with caution as you approach a girl. It is advisable that unless you are sure of the status of the girl you are bedding, you should always use protection.

Sex Culture

Basothos are relatively less conservative as compared to many other African countries. While one-night stands and public display of emotions are still frowned upon, they are much more common than many other countries. This is because of the presence of many foreigners in Lesotho and the empowerment of girls. Casual sex is still practiced in many parts of the city albeit under the cover of darkness. The locals are always shy to be seen in compromising situations in public but once you penetrate the cover, you can have a good time with the ladies.

One-Night Stands

One-night stands are some of the easiest ways for you to engage in sex without a lot of commitment and investment. In many African countries, one-night stands are generally a new concept as many cultures are loudly against sex before marriage. This has led to a slower uptake in one-night stands and casual sexual affairs.

This is changing as more and more people are being exposed to the western way of life either through physical interaction, through studies and film. What was hitherto a taboo way of life is slowly gaining acceptance as an alternative way of life as opposed to having to wait till marriage before engaging in sex.

Basotho girls are some of the easiest girls have a one-night stand with as the girls are outgoing and sociable. The best girls to hit on if you are looking for a one-night stand are those found in the urban areas especially Maseru. Most of these girls have shed off the conservatism of the rural areas and are always ready to have a good time. However, as mentioned earlier, most of these girls are into material gifts and money meaning that being generous will go a long way in getting you a girl.

Best Places to Meet Single Girls

Even though Lesotho is one of the smallest countries in Africa and has its territory surrounded by South Africa, the country has many interesting places and things to do that can provide the perfect opportunity to meet single girls. With its reputation as one of the highest countries in the world, you cannot lack a place to go and meet beautiful girls.

Bars, Pubs and Nightclubs

Clubs and Entertainment Joints Even though three-quarters of Lesotho’s population live in the countryside, much of the entertainment is concentrated in the urban areas especially in the capital, Maseru.

Ba One: Maseru's top nightlife spot is sandwiched between the Maseru Mall and a children's carnival area, and there are good times to be had here. The divey main bar hosts karaoke every Thursday, and the VIP room lures all manner of local business folks, government ministers and foreigners with its hefty selection of premium gins and other tasty spirits. The club operates from Wednesday to Sunday between 4 pm and 6 am.

Lancer Inn: It is a modern hotel bar that is a comfortable city-center retreat in Maseru. It operates from 9 am to midnight every day.

Hotsoma Bar: Maseru’s expatriate community and local players climb the hill for sundowners with a view at Hotsoma Bar. Cocktails at the pool bar are a popular way to kick off summer weekends. The club opens on Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 5 am and closes at 3 am on the other says of the week.

Cuban Linx: Opened in 2017, this downtown Maseru club features comedy, Latin dance and hip-hop nights, along with an outdoor terrace that overlooks the main drag. It opens every day of the week from 10 am to midnight.

Good Times Café: The only non-hotel bar in Maseru likely to appeal to the tourist - can be very lively at weekends especially after pay-day (at end of the month) with live music and many of Lesotho's young and rich in attendance - but can be quiet on weeknights.

Party at the Ba One club in Lesotho

Shopping Malls

Some of the malls in Lesotho include:

Pioneer Mall in Maseru
Maseru Mall
LNDC Shopping Center, Maseru
Sefika Shopping Center, Maseru
NRH Center, Maseru

Outdoors

Outdoor adventure is what Lesotho is all about. With its unfenced highland vistas, unpolluted mountain air and predominantly rural population, the remote and mountainous "Switzerland of Africa” is an ideal holiday destination for active travelers seeking respite from the urbanization, 24-hour connectedness and other trappings of modern civilization. Key to Lesotho’s outdoor appeal is an organic network of bridle paths that crisscross the kingdom, passing through undulating green meadows scattered with colorful wildflowers, climbing uphill between towering sandstone escarpments to lofty basaltic plateaus, or winding down into verdant gorges carved by babbling mountain streams.

The country's top park, Ts'ehlanyane National Park in northwestern Lesotho, features a beautiful, 56-sq-km patch of rugged wilderness, including one of Lesotho’s only stands of indigenous forest, at a high altitude of 2000m to 3000m. This underrated and underused place is about as far away from it all as you can get, and is perfect for hiking, horse riding and spotting elands. In addition to daytime walks, there's a 39km day hike or pony trek to/from Bokong Nature Reserve, covering some of Lesotho’s most dramatic terrain. Heading north from Bokong to Ts’ehlanyane is easier, as Bokong is higher; the challenging route is also better tackled by horse.

Maletsunyane Falls: This stunning 200m-plus waterfall is the site of the longest single-drop commercial abseil in the world. You can rappel down the waterfall at your own pace, taking in the lovely plant life growing from between rocks and choosing how close you get to the thundering wall of water. Close to the bottom though, the wind can carry some spray in your direction; dress accordingly, with waterproof, warm clothing, and be ready to shed some layers during the gorgeous hike out of the valley.

Sani Mountain Lodge: You can rappel down the waterfall at your own pace, taking in the lovely plant life growing from between rocks and choosing how close you get to the thundering wall of water. Close to the bottom though, the wind can carry some spray in your direction; dress accordingly, with waterproof, warm clothing, and be ready to shed some layers during the gorgeous hike out of the valley.

Sehlabathebe National Park: It is a far-flung, lesser-visited park in southern Lesotho. The park offers stunning rock formations, rolling grasslands, wildflowers and a feeling of isolation, though there's also a shiny new headquarters and a few rondavels at the entrance. Bearded vultures and rheboks can be viewed here, along with some of the country's most well-preserved San cave paintings, and in the summer angling is possible in the dams and rivers.

Katse Dam: This engineering marvel stores 1950 million cubic meters of water-bound for thirsty Gauteng, South Africa's most populated province. The high-altitude, 36-square kilometer body of blue also generates hydroelectric power for Lesotho. Ringed by steep, green hillsides, the dam is a serene if surreal spot; even if you’re not impressed by engineering feats, the area makes for a relaxing pause.

Located 24km outside of the city of Maseru, Thaba Bosiu is a National Monument and Lesotho's foremost tourist destination holding great historical significance as the birthplace of the Basotho People.

Maletsunyane Falls

Universities and Colleges

National University of Lesotho
Lerotholi Polytechnic
Botho University
NHTC
Police Training College
Maluti Adventist College
Leloaleng College
Scott College of Nursing
Lesotho College of Education
Lesotho Agricultural College

Relationship

Just as it has been mentioned before, relationships in Lesotho are a blend of many cultures and traditions. The population of Lesotho is primarily made up of the Sotho people who make up almost 99% of the population and a small group of Zulu from neighboring South Africa. About 90 % of the population comprises of Christians with Catholics, Anglicans and Presbyterians taking up a large part of this. All this diversity has had an impact on relationships in Lesotho. Generally, the Basotho are very liberal in their relationships with some ladies having both a boyfriend and a girlfriend.

For many Basotho especially those in the rural areas, relationships are only a stepping stone towards marriage. Many of them approach relationships in a guarded manner as any person they get involved in is a potential spouse. In the urban areas, the approach is more liberal as the young men and women who have been exposed to other cultures especially through social media and mainstream media are prone to get into relationships as an escapade. It is this habit that has placed Lesotho on the map as one of the countries with the highest rates of infection of HIV/AIDS. Following this startling reality, the government and other players have been involved in a rigorous campaign to discourage the culture of casual sex and to encourage responsible behavior in the population.

Holiday Romance

As it has already been pointed out, Lesotho is one of the best places to get into a relationship, whether it is just for the holidays or for a longer period. The country has many attractive places and entertainment joints which can provide the two of you with enough alternatives as you move around. The country is also less conservative meaning that you can enjoy time with your partner without too many restrictions. However, just as anywhere else in Africa, the people here still frown upon too much display of affection in public.

The local girls here are always ready to welcome visitors here with their beautiful smiles. Even though you may not be able to go around kissing in public or showing each other romantic gestures, you can be assured of a great time in the hands of these girls. You only need to be willing to be patient enough to learn about the local culture before you step out so that you can fully enjoy your time in here without getting into any trouble.

Tips for Successful Relationship

In our daily activities, we are bound across other ladies who may seem to be better than your wife or girlfriend. In the same breath, your spouse is bound to meet potentially better men than you. Although it is a human characteristic to compare and have wishful thoughts, you need to protect your relationship from infidelity. The best way to protect it is to avoid any opportunity to cheat that may present itself. Your best chance at fidelity is to limit opportunities that might allow you to stray.

Every couple has disagreements, but how two people argue and resolve conflict has a big effect on both their relationships and their health. Many people try their best to avoid conflict, but relationship researchers say every conflict presents an opportunity to improve a relationship. The key is to learn to fight constructively in a way that leaves you feeling better about your partner. Trust is the bedrock of love which matures with time. You need to be patient to accomplish trust. The truth is that trust makes you open and not hesitant in sharing your dreams, achievement, fears, and worries to help your partner understand the real you better. That is what trust does in building a stable, successful relationship.

To gain happiness and satisfaction in your relationship, you need to work on something that can increase your bond like board games, watching movies, hiking or even cooking. As you do these, talk to your spouse about your expectations and requirements in a relationship. Ask your partner questions jokingly in a calm tone if there is any area he or she needs to see an adjustment or improvement. Questions and activities like this go a long way in making your bond stronger.

There is an ego in every human likewise a child. Every individual needs some alone time or needs to grab a drink with a friend to reminisce about the good old days. As partners, for you to have a successful relationship, you should respect your spouse's feelings. Do not try to put an end to your partner's friendship with other people.

The keyword to winning the heart of your partner is the ability to say I am sorry every single moment you falter in action and character. If you made a mistake or did wrong, and require you to say “I am sorry”, say it from the bottom of your heart and release yourself from that burden.

Love

Whether it is in Lesotho or anywhere else, the feeling of being in love is something that we all look forward to at a point in our lives. From birth and throughout, we are born with an innate longing to love and to be loved. At times, falling in love may be seen from a distance. However, most times you will never know how things happen but you will find yourself being attracted and later attached to someone who a while back was a stranger. With the many activities that Lesotho has to offer, being in love here is going to be one of the best things ever.

How to Make Sure She Is the One

While it may not be humanly possible to completely know the type of girl you are getting into a relationship with, it will be helpful to look out for some pointers to help you as you decide to settle down with someone.

The girl that you seek to marry should show compassion and support towards others and their struggles, including yours. You will have down days and you will feel upset, and your partner should be able to support you and relate to you during these times. Even though she may show this support to you out of obligation, she must extend the same to those around her.

Honesty is a very important trait in a long-term relationship; if you can’t trust your partner, how can you tell them anything in confidence, or believe anything they said to you? Find someone who respects you enough to be honest with you, even when it is difficult for them.

As well as supporting your dreams and goals, the woman you marry should have her dreams and ambitions, too. She will look to her future regularly and plan how to improve her life, rather than depending on you for a good and fulfilling life.

Admiring your partner and her attitude should motivate you to be a better version of yourself. From going to the gym to volunteering at a charity, you should want to be the best version of yourself for her—and yourself.

Marriage

Under the Marriage Act 1974, the minimum legal age of marriage is 18 years for boys and 16 years for girls. However, both boys and girls can marry before the ages of 18 and 16 years respectively with the permission of the Minister and with parental consent.

There are two systems of marriages in Lesotho, namely, the customary law system and the civil law system.

Lesotho is a blend of past and present, traditional and modern beliefs and practices. While church ceremonies are customary for weddings, the practice of extracting the bridewealth from the man's family continues, making a family of daughters a lucrative situation. In turn, the bride becomes the property of the man and leaves her family to live with the family of her husband.

In the Sesotho culture before the wedding takes place, the family of the groom his uncles specifically must visit the family of the bride to pay lobola for the bride, this can be achieved through paying with cows or money in our current generation. During the wedding process there must be two ceremonies, the first one which is usually on Saturdays are held at the family of the bride and both the families must wear their traditional clothing and the bride family must organize the ceremony, buy gifts for those getting married, slaughter a cow to welcome their new family.

On Sunday the wedding continues at the groom’s family and the bride’s family must guard their daughter on how to be a good wife and dress her in cultural clothing matching those of the groom’s family this is done in the morning before the ceremony begins. Then later on during the ceremony the family of the bride will hand her to the groom and his family, the bride will offer the groom water and the groom must accept and drink the water thus by doing so it will be official that their now married

Wedding

In Sotho culture, when a man marries a woman, he is expected to send a letter to the woman’s family that states his plea and the date of negotiations between the uncles from both families. With this approach, Sotho families feel respected. After the negotiations, the man’s family is expected to pay a requested amount of money to the woman’s family called “Mahadi”. Before the wedding day, the man’s family is expected to slaughter a cow, in this way the man’s family is introducing the bride to their ancestors.

Through this reaction, the woman’s family receives a message that their daughter is warmly welcomed and accepted. Before a Sotho woman leaves home to her new family, she needs to be taught by her elders how to handle her man, satisfy him and how to keep her marriage. In most African cultures including Sotho, a married woman needs to wear long skirts to show respect towards their husbands. On the wedding day, a Sotho woman is expected to wear a traditional dress called “seshoeshoe” with a blanket on top called “seanamarena” and the man is expected to wear a Sotho hat known as “mokorotlo”. During the wedding ceremony, girls practice a traditional dance called “mokgibo” to symbolize celebration.

Sesotho weddings are a blend of past and present, traditional and modern beliefs and practices. While church ceremonies are customary for weddings, the practice of extracting the bride's wealth (lobola) from the man's family continues. In turn, the bride becomes the property of the man and leaves her family to live with the family of her husband. Cultural rites are predominately centered on the sacrifice of a cow.

The purpose of this ritual is to spill the blood of the slaughtered animal and this is to communicate with the ancestors informing them about the impending marriage. A family's honor is dependent on the quality and quantity of food at the wedding. Though Basotho weddings are similar to western weddings, the notable difference is that on the way to the reception vehicles take part in a game of dice in which they swerve recklessly in between lanes. The guests hang out of vehicle windows and sunroof with flags and whistles, screaming in celebration.

Family Life

The family is still the dominant unit, and respect for the elder generation important. The domestic unit consists of any number of the extended family. Often second or third cousins become "brothers" or "sisters." Grandmothers become official mothers. By tribal custom, a widow becomes the wife of the brother or other male member of her deceased husband's family.

Compared to western standards, infant care in Lesotho is casual. The infant and young child spend much of their first two years bound to their mother's backs as she performs her household chores, hoes the fields, and markets or travels. Babies usually nurse for up to two years of age or until a new baby is born. At that time, an older sister usually assumes the caretaker role.

Basotho culture is centered on village life, and most traditions and festivals relate to local village life and the seasons of the year. Most of the agriculture and home building is done by women. They hoe, plant, and weed, and harvest the crops. They walk great distances to obtain firewood and carry the load home on their backs, often with an infant wedged between the tree branches. Water must be carried from the village pump for cooking, drinking, washing, and laundry.

It takes a village to raise a child" is a well-known and accurate description of African practices. Every village woman is eligible to correct an erring child, to rescue one in difficulty, and to encourage all. When a child can begin school (age varies from five to ten years) the mandatory school dress or shirt is passed from one family to another. Many boys do not attend school for years because they begin at age five or six to herd and care for the livestock.

Because of the sharp variations in climate, both men and women wear blankets, often multicolored, which they use as cloaks. Men and women also wear the typical Sotho hat, which is woven from reeds into conical shapes and has a decorative topknot.

Regions

Cities

Maseru — the capital
Hlotse (also known as Leribe) — regional market hub, with great craft shopping!
Mafeteng
Maputsoe
Mohale's Hoek
Mokhotlong
Qacha's Nek
Quthing — fantastic rock art nearby
Teyateyaneng (often referred to as just 'TY') — the craft centre of Lesotho
Thaba-Tseka