The Kingdom of Lesotho is the state of southern Africa, surrounded on all sides by South Africa. This country is very small and occupies a little more than 30 thousand km². There are about 17 airports in Lesotho, but only two of them are of interest to tourists.
Moshveshve International Airport
The only international airport of Lesotho is called Maseru Moshoeshoe I International Airport and is located 18 km from the capital of the state - the city of Maseru . The air gate of Moshveshve is located at an altitude of 1630 m above sea level. The airport infrastructure is represented by:
- 1 runway at 3200 m;
- 1 by the functioning output terminal.
Local airline Lesotho Airways is not allowed to fly internationally, so it is solely engaged in domestic transportation. The only international communication is with Johannesburg (South Africa), from which regular flights to the airport of Lesotho are carried out by South African Airways and FlexFlightAps. Also, Moshveshve airfield accepts charter flights.
The airport is named in honor of Moshveshve I, who was the leader of the Basuto people and united them in the struggle against the colonists.
Airport Matekane
The second airport of Lesotho is known to the tourist world as one of the most dangerous airports in the world . The Matekane airfield represents one runway, 400 meters long and ending at the edge of the abyss. The depth of the abyss is more than 600 m.
The design of the runway was carried out in such a way that after the disperse the aircraft made a free fall, which would allow it to gain sufficient flight speed.
In 2009, with the government's decision, the air port of Matekane was closed to local and international traffic. To date, this airport Lesotho is used only by small private aviation companies. Small aircraft have enough available runway to set the necessary speed without the element of free fall. Charitable flights are carried out here, delivering doctors and other assistance to residents of the area.
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How to get there?
To reach the international airport in Lesotho Moshveshoe I can be direct flights from Johannesburg (South Africa). The flight lasts for 55 minutes. Prices for a one way ticket start from $ 75.
To get to the Mosshveve airfield by car, you need to move 18 km to the south-east from the capital of the kingdom - the city of Maseru .
The Matekane air gate does not have access from the roads, as they are surrounded by an impregnable mountainous terrain. The only way to get on the dangerous runway of the kingdom is the use of private aircraft by the Matekane Group of Companies.
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