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Lesotho mountain hut

© Creative Commons / Tjeerd

Lesotho health care and vaccinations

Vaccination identifier Special precautions
Diphtheria

Yes
Hepatitis A

Yes
Malaria

No
Rabies

Sometimes
Tetanus

Yes
Typhoid

Yes
Yellow Fever

No*

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers arriving from infected areas, even if they do not leave the airport.

Since the most practical way to reach Lesotho is to go through South Africa, it is also necessary to conform to South African health regulations.

Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is recommended. Medical facilities in Lesotho are limited and there is no ambulance service. Treatments for some cases may require transfer to a South African hospital; good facilities are available in Blomfontein, 145km (90 miles) west of Maseru.

Food and drink: 

Tap water is considered safe to drink in cities. However, drinking water outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilisation is advisable. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Other risks: 

Hepatitis A and B occur throughout the region. There is a very high incidence of HIV/AIDS with aroun 25% of the adult population infected.

Precautions: 

Lesotho is at a very high altitude and visitors should take care to acclimatise to these surroundings before exerting themselves. Some may experience altitude sickness upon arrival but this will usually dissipate after a day or two of acclimatisation.

Recommended Sites:

Protect yourself from malaria
Before you travel, find out if your holiday destination is in a malaria zone.
(An educational initiative organised and funded by GlaxoSmithKline Travel Health. UK/MARK/0173/10 September 2010)
Travel insurance
For residents of over 150 countries. High levels of medical, evacuation, emergency & most adventure activities covered.