Maseru travel guide

Maseru must be one of the world’s sleepiest capital cities – though, in comparison with the rest of the country, life here seems almost frantic. The city centre straggles along the Clarendon River, with most of the shops, offices, hotels and restaurants strung along one long central street, called Kingsway. Even this main road is surprisingly quiet, however, with the languid pace of life broken only by beeping minibus taxis. Although largely modern and unremarkable with very few sights, it is a pleasant enough place for a wander and a good spot to soak up the vibrant feel of an African town. The Basotho people are outstandingly friendly, and it’s not uncommon for people to approach you in the street simply to ask how you are and where you come from. During the day safety isn’t an issue, but it’s best to avoid wandering around after dark, particularly around the eastern end of Kingsway. Approaching from the rural farmland on the South African side, the city centre appears unexpectedly and even the newer tower blocks look pretty behind the numerous trees of the more affluent suburbs above the river. In the other direction, the city sprawls for miles of poorer, often unplanned, suburbs.