FAQ
What must I bring to Lesotho Sky?
Your bike must be well serviced before the race. The riding done over the few days will put good mileage on your bike! Not only does your body have to be fit for this event, but your bike, too. It will be covering a lot of distance and taxing technical terrain that will take its toll, so please ensure that your bike is ready to be abused, err sorry, used.
- Helmet (no helmet no ride)
- At least three sets of cycling kit
- Spare tubes (even if you are running tubeless)
- Tubeless repair kit/tube repair kit
- Bike tool
- Windbreaker (the weather turns rapidly and may get really cold)
- Warm cycling kit
- 3L of water capacity (there can be a long way between water refills)
- Adequate jackets and pants/trousers to cater for weather extremes
- Bathing suite
- Towel
- Ablutions
- Sunblock- spf 30 minimum, the sun is harsh
- Cash (you will be in remote places with no access to an ATM and the locals do not trade with credit cards)
You must be able to ride 60-120km a day for 6 days in very mountainous and physically taxing conditions. This event is no joke; you need to be very fit and well prepared. How should I train for Lesotho Sky?
Training for the Lesotho sky should involve a lot of hills. Just when you think you have done enough hills, do some more. Apart from the mountainous terrain, training should be as with any other stage race and involve a lot of endurance. Some big rides a month or so prior to the event would be beneficial. They should be +-75km with around 1800m of vertical accent. Take a look at the training guide that Hannele put together for us. If you have any other questions regarding training, feel free to contact us and we will do our best to steer you in the right direction. Can I bring my speedo/banana hammock?
No. Is Lesotho safe?
Lesotho is a safe place in general. It is however very remote and rural. There is no malaria and the local people are very friendly and helpful. Can I bring a second along?
Yes, but please inform us! There is a limited amount of accommodation available at some of the camps and we may need to make a plan to accommodate everyone. How do I travel to and from Lesotho?
There are direct flights from Johannesburg with South African Airways to Maseru Internationl Airport (MSU), they are not exactly cheap but probably the most convenient way of gettin to Lesotho. The closest airport in South Africa is Bloemfontein (135km to Maseru).
The driving distances from from Johannesburg (420km), Durban (550km) and Cape Town (1100km). The Maseru border post is open 24/7. Depending on where you are coming from it is more convenient to use other border posts. Click here to see their opening times. Coming from Durban, Ficksburg Bridge is most convenient and coming from Cape Town, Van Rooyen’s Gate will not only save you time but also take you on a scenic drive through Lesotho. Note that the main roads through Lesotho are in immaculate condition (watch out for unannounced speed humps!).
South African citizens need a valid passport to enter Lesotho. For international riders please also read the visa section below.
Lesotho is an independent state and thus passports are needed to enter. Holders of the following passports do not require visas for Lesotho: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Ireland, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland. The Netherlands. Canada, Israel and Japan. Others such as Australia, New Zealand. U.S.A., Belgium and Austria do need visas. Please make an enquiry at your nearest embassy.
If you do need a visa, get it in advance from a Lesotho embassy. The only one in Southern Africa is in Pretoria, please check online for the nearest one by you. To get a visa here takes 24 hours, costs R40 and you’ll need one passport photo. The visa section at the embassy is open from 9 – 12, Monday to Friday. You can also send your passport in by registered mail, but will need first to have them fax or send you the requisite forms.
As this information is subject to change, visitors should check the latest information with the nearest Lesotho diplomatic mission. Visitors returning to South Africa, and who require visas for South Africa, should ensure that they are in possession of a South African multiple entry.