Camping in May? Too cold?

**JulieM** · 2022/05/22, 06:50 AM

Hi all. I am planning an 8 day trip through Lesotho as part of a bigger trip around Southern and East Africa, and my itinerary to date has us in Lesotho in early May. We are from New Zealand, so like to think we are hardy souls, but will it be too cold to camp in a rooftop tent? If so, would I need to book lodges or could we "wing it" at that time of year?
Thanks!

**jfh** · 2022/05/22, 07:10 AM

I think so.
You can expect snow.

**BushNomad** · 2022/05/22, 07:27 AM

If you from South part of South Island
you may well be hardy enough !

Pretoria is generally about 1degC warmer than Joburg and going N its naturally quite a bit warmer still …
As hand rule I would try be nearer Polokwane/Pietersberg , mid-Nth Kruger etc for Winter camping ( … but I am from the tropics Zambia & Zim.)
I keep a small 12v Elect blanket in my LR as
a contingent precaution and a good Down Sleeping Bag permits more flexibility.

**JulieM** · 2022/05/22, 07:29 AM

Originally Posted by BushNomad

.
I keep a small 12v Elect blanket in my LR as
a contingent precaution

What??! There are such things??

We are from the top of the south, so maybe semi-hardy!

**BushNomad** · 2022/05/22, 07:53 AM

Originally Posted by JulieM

What??! There are such things??

We are from the top of the south, so maybe semi-hardy!

Top of South Island is quite nice weather daylight hours /sun / temp etc … think they even grow oranges in some those parts ! (picton ?)
… and I like the Marlborough Sounds !

Yes I bought one from a motor accessories shop here called ‘Midas’ maybe ~ R450 ?
… maybe draws a 4-5A. ( draw equiv to med fridge ) so only used, with a wee dram, to initially warm the nest at start.