Plizio Visual Lab
Roma
ℹ️Practical info — Roma
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- As a university town, it has an active vibe during term time but becomes extremely quiet during student holidays.
- Stock up on snacks and use the reliable ATMs here before heading deeper into the remote highlands.
- Hike up to the local dinosaur footprints overlooking the town; ask a local student to act as your guide.
- Catch the frequent minibus taxis running along the main road for a cheap and easy trip to Maseru.
🍽 Food
Buy these warm, sweet fried dough balls as a cheap snack at the stalls near the campus gates.
The classic student fast food; fried sausages and hot chips sold everywhere along the main thoroughfare.
Enjoy barbecued meat and a cold beer in the evening at one of the lively student-frequented taverns.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Check the small bookshops near the university for literature detailing Lesotho's history and culture.
Occasionally, handmade trinkets and jewelry are sold by students at informal stalls on the edge of campus.
The university's botanical areas and grounds provide a safe and quiet place for an afternoon walk.
Explore the spectacular sandstone formations at the edge of the Roma Valley for a peaceful natural escape.
Water temperature…
Roma is located approximately 34 kilometers southeast of the capital, Maseru, tucked away in a scenic valley that serves as the intellectual heart of Lesotho. The settlement was established in 1862 by Roman Catholic missionaries led by Bishop François Allard and Father Joseph Gérard, named in honor of the Eternal City. It was the first Catholic mission in what was then Basutoland, rapidly growing into a premier center for education and healthcare. Today, Roma is home to the National University of Lesotho (NUL), which was founded in 1945 and serves as the cornerstone of the nation's academic training. Geographically, the area is surrounded by distinctive sandstone cliffs and fertile valleys, providing a tranquil campus-like atmosphere. In addition to the university, St. Joseph's Hospital and various religious institutions define the townscape, solidifying Roma's role as an indispensable pillar of Lesotho's social and cultural infrastructure.
- Location: Lesotho
- Nearby: Saint Michaels (7 km)
- Population: ~14.259 (2023)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 21 | 20 | 18 | 14 | 11 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 14 | 17 | 18 | 20 |
| Rain mm | 102 | 92 | 74 | 63 | 22 | 21 | 8 | 22 | 19 | 61 | 84 | 103 |
Geography
Facts
- Founded in 1862
- Home of National University
- First Catholic mission in Lesotho
- Named after Rome, Italy
- Located in Shannons Valley
- Site of St. Joseph's Hospital
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Roma (1)
Frequently asked questions
What is the significance of Roma in Lesotho?
What are the Ha Kome cave dwellings?
Can you visit the university campus?
How far is Roma from Maseru?
Are there good hiking trails in Roma?
Roma: where is it located?
Roma: when is the best time to visit?
Roma: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
