Things to Do in Lesotho in March

March Weather in Lesotho

25°C (77°F) High Temp

10°C (50°F) Low Temp

85 mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak wildflower season - aloes bloom across the highlands creating spectacular red and orange landscapes, especially around Sani Pass and Mokhotlong
Perfect hiking temperatures - warm days averaging 25°C (77°F) with cool mornings ideal for starting long treks before afternoon storms
Green season scenery - recent summer rains leave landscapes lush and waterfalls at maximum flow, particularly Maletsunyane Falls at 192 m (630 ft)
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 20-30% less than peak winter months, with better availability at mountain lodges

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of days, typically 2-4pm, making high-altitude hiking dangerous due to lightning risk and sudden temperature drops to 5°C (41°F)
Muddy mountain roads - dirt tracks to remote areas like Thaba-Tseka become nearly impassable after rain, requiring 4WD and local drivers
Flash flood risk in river valleys - Senqu and Malibamatso rivers can rise rapidly, cutting off access to some pony trekking routes for 24-48 hours

Best Activities in March

Sani Pass 4WD Tours and Highest Pub Experience

March offers the best balance for this legendary mountain pass - roads are accessible but not yet icy, wildflowers line the route, and visibility is excellent on clear mornings before afternoon clouds roll in. The dramatic 1,332 m (4,370 ft) ascent through hairpin bends showcases blooming aloe plants against mountain backdrops.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through established operators with proper permits for border crossing. Tours typically cost $45-65 per person including border fees. Start early (7am) to avoid afternoon storms. Look for operators with backup vehicles and experienced Basotho drivers familiar with weather patterns.

Maletsunyane Falls Abseiling and Hiking

March is optimal for Southern Hemisphere's highest commercial abseil site - the 204 m (669 ft) waterfall runs at full capacity from summer rains, creating spectacular mist rainbows. Cool morning temperatures around 12°C (54°F) make the 3-hour hike comfortable, while afternoon storms add dramatic cloud formations.

Booking Tip: Reserve 14 days ahead as only licensed operators can access the site. Expect $85-120 per person for full-day including equipment. Weather window is crucial - morning slots (8am-11am) have 90% success rate versus 40% for afternoon due to storms and wind.

Katse Dam and Mohale Dam Circuit

March showcases these engineering marvels at peak water levels following summer inflows. The 185 m (607 ft) high Katse Dam wall creates mirror-like reflections of surrounding peaks, while blooming cosmos flowers line the approach roads. Water activities and boat tours operate at full capacity.

Booking Tip: Combine both dams in a 2-day circuit costing $120-180 including guide and accommodation. Book through Lesotho Highlands Development Authority approved operators. Road conditions require 4WD after rain - verify vehicle specifications and driver experience with mountain conditions.

Bokong Nature Reserve Wildflower Trails

March is prime wildflower season with over 200 species blooming, including endemic Lesotho aloes creating orange carpets across mountain slopes. The 1,970 m (6,463 ft) elevation provides perfect cool hiking conditions, while the Lepaqoa Waterfall runs at maximum flow creating spectacular 80 m (262 ft) cascades.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are $8 per person plus $15 for guides (mandatory for overnight hikes). Book accommodation 10-14 days ahead as the small rest camp fills quickly. Self-drive possible with high-clearance 4WD, or arrange transfers from Leribe for $35-50.

Traditional Basotho Village Cultural Stays

March coincides with harvest celebrations as communities gather crops planted in summer. Visitors experience authentic village life including traditional joala beer brewing, blanket weaving demonstrations, and Sesotho language immersion. Cool evenings are perfect for storytelling around fires while warm days allow participation in farming activities.

Booking Tip: Arrange through community-based tourism organizations 2-3 weeks ahead. Homestays cost $25-40 per person including meals and cultural activities. Bring gifts like sugar, tea, or school supplies. Best accessed through Malealea or Thaba-Bosiu areas with established programs.

Pony Trekking Through Mountain Passes

March offers ideal conditions for multi-day pony treks with comfortable daytime temperatures, lush grazing for horses, and spectacular flowering landscapes. The famous Basotho ponies are in excellent condition after summer feeding, while river crossings showcase dramatic waterfalls and swimming holes.

Booking Tip: Book certified pony trekking operators 14-21 days ahead for multi-day expeditions costing $60-85 per day including meals and camping equipment. Verify guide certification and emergency communication systems. Weather can change rapidly above 2,000 m (6,562 ft) - ensure operators provide adequate rain gear.

March Events & Festivals

Late March

Morija Arts and Cultural Festival

Southern Africa's premier arts festival featuring traditional Sesotho music, contemporary African art, poetry, and crafts. Local and international artists perform against the backdrop of the historic Morija mission station and museum. Traditional food stalls offer papa, morogo, and fresh trout from mountain streams.

Mid to Late March

Harvest Moon Celebrations

Village communities across Lesotho celebrate the end of harvest season with traditional ceremonies, folk dancing, and communal feasts. Visitors can participate in grinding maize, brewing traditional beer, and learning Sesotho praise poems dedicated to the harvest.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots rated for 500+ m (1,640+ ft) elevation changes - rocky terrain and muddy trails after rain require proper ankle support and grip

Lightning-fast rain jacket and pants - afternoon storms arrive in 10-15 minutes with temperature drops of 15°C (27°F), pack in daypack not luggage

Layering system: merino wool base layers, fleece mid-layer, waterproof shell - morning temps of 10°C (50°F) can rise to 25°C (77°F) by noon

SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm - UV index reaches 8 at altitude, with reflection off rocks and water intensifying exposure

Headlamp with extra batteries - frequent power outages in mountain areas during storms, plus essential for early morning hike starts

Altitude sickness medication - many activities occur above 2,000 m (6,562 ft) where some visitors experience symptoms

Cash in South African Rand - ATMs limited outside Maseru, budget $50-80/day for activities and meals in rural areas

Warm sleeping bag rated to 0°C (32°F) - mountain accommodation often lacks heating, nighttime temperatures drop significantly

Waterproof daypack with dry bags - protect electronics and documents during river crossings and sudden downpours

Sturdy trekking poles - essential for steep descents on wet rocks, particularly around waterfall areas and mountain passes

Insider Knowledge

Start outdoor activities by 6am - locals know afternoon storms arrive like clockwork between 2-4pm, with lightning making high-altitude areas deadly dangerous

Pack extra food for village visits - communities are incredibly hospitable but March is lean season between harvest and next planting, sharing meals shows respect

Learn basic Sesotho greetings (Lumela for hello, Kea leboha for thank you) - English isn't widely spoken outside Maseru, and locals deeply appreciate language effort

Book 4WD vehicles through established operators only - March's muddy roads require experienced local drivers who know alternate routes when main tracks become impassable

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating weather changes - tourists get caught in storms wearing cotton t-shirts at 2,500 m (8,202 ft) elevation where temperatures can drop to 5°C (41°F) in minutes

Attempting self-drive on mountain roads without 4WD experience - rental cars get stuck in mud requiring expensive rescue operations costing $200-400

Not carrying enough cash - expecting credit cards to work outside Maseru leaves travelers unable to pay for guides, food, or emergency accommodation