Packing Guidance for Lesotho

In general, most items you will need are available in country and locally acquired items are often the best at helping you integrate into your community. However, locally available items may not be the brands, quality, prices, or sizes you are used to. Bringing some key items from home might make your transition to service more comfortable.

This guidance has been compiled by Peace Corps staff and Volunteers and is based on their experience. Use this information as an informal guide as you make your own packing list, bearing in mind that each experience is individual. There is no perfect packing list!

This packing guidance is designed to help you think through different categories of items and consider what you might want to bring, considering work expectations, cultural considerations, and your own personal preferences.

Be prepared for all seasons; Lesotho experiences extreme temperatures and weather, so layering is key. For example, Lesotho daily temperatures can range from 0 °F in the highlands in winter to 86 °F in the summer.

Winters are very cold—pack warm, quality items such as wool base layers, fleece jackets, and insulated coats that are available at outdoor clothing stores or websites.

Peace Corps Volunteers are not allowed to take:

• Pets
• Weapons
• Explosives
• Radio transmitters (shortwave radios are permitted)
• Drones
• Automobiles or motorcycles
• Flammable materials or liquids such as lighter fluid, cleaning solvents, hair spray, or aerosol containers
• Valuables such as precious jewelry or family heirlooms

Drugs

Do not bring any drug that has not been authorized by the Peace Corps for medical purposes without prior consultation with Office of Health Services Pre-Service. This includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Illicit drugs, including marijuana and related products such as CBD and herbal substances such as kratom, are prohibited during Peace Corps service, even if they are legal in your home of residence. If you use, possess, or distribute illicit drugs, you will be administratively separated from service.

This guidance is designed to describe appropriate clothing, the cultural context where you will be living and working, and the professional expectations of your workplace.

As you decide what to bring, keep in mind there is a 100-pound weight limit on checked baggage.

Overview

In general, most items you will need are available in-country, and locally acquired items are often the best at helping you integrate into your community. However, locally available items may not be the brands, quality, prices, or sizes you are used to. Bringing some key items from home might make your transition to service more comfortable.

This guidance has been compiled by Peace Corps staff and Volunteers and is based on their experience. Use this information as an informal guide as you make your own packing list, bearing in mind that each experience is individual. There is no perfect packing list!

Items not to bring

Peace Corps Volunteers are not allowed to take:

• Pets
• Weapons
• Explosives
• Radio transmitters (shortwave radios are permitted)
• Drones
• Automobiles or motorcycles
• Flammable materials or liquids such as lighter fluid, cleaning solvents, hair spray, or aerosol containers
• Valuables such as precious jewelry or family heirlooms
• Drugs (including marijuana, CBD, kratom—even if legal at home)

Clothing

Clothing should be durable, not easily wrinkled, and easy to hand wash. Virtually every Volunteer washes clothes by hand. Light-colored clothes are more difficult to keep clean.

Appropriate professional attire includes:

• Nice slacks
• Skirts/dresses at or below the knee
• Blouses
• Nice tops
• Polo, collared, or button-down shirts
• Bring colors, not just black
• Avoid sleeveless tops, low-cut shirts, midriff-baring tops, and tight jeans
• Cold weather clothing such as warm fleeces, hoodies, or vests help keep you warm without taking up too much space. Light sweaters are great for layering. Warm lightweight gloves, scarf, and thick stockings/leggings are helpful for cold winter nights.
• Rain jacket for the rainy season
• Wristwatch - very handy in a land where clocks are few and far between

Additional tips:

• Merino wool shirts are excellent for layering and odor resistance.
• Bring clothes that mix and match easily for versatility.
• Include a winter coat for freezing temperatures.
• Pack a belt that adjusts easily for weight fluctuation.
• Comfy clothes for lounging (sweatshirts, jeans, shorts) and pajamas.

Shoes

Volunteers should bring business casual dress shoes for the workplace. Closed-toe shoes must be worn in training sessions. Women may also wear nice sandals.

Many Volunteers value their hiking boots, as Lesotho has a rocky and mountainous terrain.

Fashionable winter shoes are important; note that hiking boots with skirts are not appropriate.

Volunteers may wear sandals/flip-flops for vacation and slippers for walking around your house. Sizes above men’s 10 are difficult to come by.

Additional recommendations:

• Durable everyday boots are highly recommended for all weather and terrain.
• Sneakers for athletics, sport sandals, and house shoes/slippers for cold floors.
• Hiking boots with waterproofing and ankle support.

Toiletries

Bring a 3-month supply of any prescription and/or over-the-counter medications you use that are authorized/approved by the Peace Corps.

Peace Corps supplies all Volunteers with a medical kit containing basic over-the-counter medications and multivitamins.

If you wear eyeglasses, bring two pairs (current prescription). Contact lens use will be considered case-by-case.

Additional items to consider:

• Dry shampoo, deodorant (if picky), hairbrush, razor and blades, nail clippers, hair elastics.
• Head covering (bandana/headband/scarf) for meeting the chief.
• Feminine hygiene products (cloth pads, period underwear, tampons, pads/liners).
• Small mirror, sunglasses, sunscreen (Peace Corps provides, but quality may vary).

You should bring a 3-month supply of any prescription and/or over the counter medications you use that are authorized/approved by the Peace Corps.

Prior to service, Peace Corps supplies all Volunteers with a medical kit containing basic over-the-counter medications as well as multivitamins.

The medical unit will replenish prescriptions after the initial 3-month training.

If you wear eyeglasses, bring two pairs (of the current prescription) with you. Contact lens use will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Additional guidance: Medical Care During Service

Items that former Volunteers have found useful:

• Solar charger
• Shortwave AM/FM radio
• Camera with lots of memory
• Flash drive/external hard drive
• Flashlight/headlamp
• Electrical adapters (Lesotho uses 220-240 V, Type M plugs)

Additional recommendations:

• Unlocked cell phone with SIM slot.
• Kindle or e-reader for books.
• Laptop/tablet/iPad.
• Power banks (plural), surge protector, plug adapters (USB-C, USB-A, HDMI).
• Bluetooth speaker, wired headphones, batteries, Airtags (optional), luggage scale.
• Mini projector (optional but great for education).

Bedding & household

• Sheets and towels (available locally, but quality varies)
• Sleep sack/liner
• Sleeping bag (mummy style for warmth)
• Compression sacks
• Sleeping pad
• Things to hang on your wall (pictures, posters, maps)

Travel

• Backpack (day/weekend pack 25–35 liters)
• Sunglasses, sunblock, hat
• Ear plugs
• Swiss army/leatherman knife
• Driver’s license (not required for driving)
• Travel board games, playing cards

Entertainment & extras

• Books or e-reader
• Art supplies (markers, crayons, colored pencils, pens)
• Coloring books
• Hobby supplies (knitting, crochet, musical instruments)
• Stationery/address book
• Yoga mat

Additional recommendations

• Warm sleeping bag for freezing temps, sleeping bag liner, travel pillow, microfiber towel (quick drying).
• Warm fuzzy socks
• Water bottle (with built-in filter recommended).
• Reusable grocery bags, sewing repair kit, snacks for early weeks.
• High-quality daypack and hiking backpack; duffel bags for travel.
• Exercise gear (resistance bands)
• Coffee setup (French press, grinder, grounds), earplugs, sleep mask.