Maseru, Lesotho

Kingsway in Maseru, Lesotho
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:KingswayMaseru.jpg
Author: Michael Denne


Maseru is the capital and only town of any substantial size in Lesotho. Located at an elevation of 1,600 m (5,200 ft) above sea level, it covers 138 sq km (53 sq mi) and has a population of 230,000 people (2012 estimate).

Maseru comes from the local Sesotho word for "place of the red sandstone". It began as a police camp in 1869, after the country, then Basutoland, became a British protectorate at the end of the Free State-Basotho Wars. It was part of the conquered territories carved out of the Orange Free State, today Free State provide of South Africa.

Maseru began serving as the administrative capital of Basutoland in 1869. A period of warfare took place from 1871 to 1884, but in the end, it has its status as Crown colony restored, and was again made capital. Upon independence in 1966, Basutoland became the Kingdom of Lesotho, with Maseru as its capital.

The Basotho Hat Shop in Maseru
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BasothoHatShop.jpg
Author: Michael Denne

Visiting Maseru

The Moshoeshoe I International Airport, on the west central part of Lesotho, is the airport serving the country. Located 18 km (11 mi) to the southeast of Maseru, it receives all flights from Johannesburg.

Places of Interest in Maseru

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