Maseru Safety Guide

Maseru lounges beside the Caledon River, its low-rise silhouette backed by the Maloti Mountains. The capital of Lesotho behaves more like an oversized village than a city: jacaranda-lined streets throw dust into the air, minibus taxis drone past, and the scent of wood smoke drifts from backyard braais. Petty crime is present, pickpockets work the crowds around Maseru Mall and the minibus rank. But violent attacks on travellers are uncommon. After dark the streets grow quiet and the smell of grilled maize drifts in. Take a taxi instead of walking through the dim blocks north of Kingsway Road. Most travellers leave Maseru with mellow memories: Basotho blankets in bright checks slung over shoulders, the salty tang of dried mohodu (tripe) snacks hawked at traffic lights, and shepherds in green gumboots steering sheep across roundabouts. A calm alertness, not paranoia, works best. Lock car doors at red lights, keep cameras out of sight, and the city greets you instead of grating on your nerves.