High Commission of South Africa in Maseru, Lesotho; address Cnr Kingsway & Old School Road, Maseru; phone +2662222580. Head of mission: Ms. C Seoposengwe.
Head of mission: Ms. C Seoposengwe, High Commissioner (confirmed in the diplomatic list of South Africa, 15 Jan 2025)
South Africa offers a diverse and culturally rich experience, making it an appealing destination for some of the 2 million Basotho. Despite recent fluctuations in tourism, the country's resilience and potential continue to attract visitors.
South Africa's safety for tourists coming from Lesotho can be assessed through various crime statistics. According to the Global Peace Index, South Africa is ranked 125th out of 160 countries, while Lesotho is slightly better at 123rd. The murder rates are comparable, with Lesotho at 43.6 per 100,000 people and South Africa at 41.9. In terms of organized crime, Lesotho generally scores better than South Africa across several categories. For example, South Africa has higher indices for mafia groups (7.0), crime networks (7.0), and arms trafficking (8.0), indicating a more significant presence of organized crime. Overall, while both countries face safety challenges, tourists should remain vigilant and informed when traveling to South Africa from Lesotho.