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Lesotho’s most ancient cultural heritage is preserved in the atmospheric rock overhangs that characterise the kingdom’s highlands.
In prehistoric times, these basalt-capped shelters provided refuge to San (Bushman) hunter-gatherers, who adorned the sandstone walls with rock paintings depicting their mysterious shamanic trance rituals.
Mostly between 200 and 1,000 years old, the polychrome rock paintings of Lesotho were created using natural pigments such as ochre, clay, charcoal and manganese oxide. The most complex panels comprise dozens of individual portraits of humans and therianthropes (human-like figures with some animal features), as well as eland and other wildlife.
Some of Southern Africa’s finest rock art can be found in the remote caves of Tsatsane Valley and Sehlabathebe National Park. More accessible sites from Maseru include Ha Baroana and Liphofung, and there is also rock art within walking distance of Malealea Lodge.
In more recent times, the caves of the highlands have offered sanctuary to many a blanketed Basotho shepherd and his livestock on a cold winter night. This cave-dwelling tradition still lives on at Ha Kome, where a deep overhang houses a cluster of adobe houses whose curvaceous exteriors recall the adobe architecture of Mali’s Bandiagara Escarpment.
Another important cultural site in Lesotho is Thaba Bosiu, a tall sandstone plateau that served as the residence and military stronghold of King Moshoeshoe I from 1824 until his death in 1870. Still revered by the Basotho today, the summit of Thaba Bosiu hosts the cemetery where Moshoeshoe and all successive Sotho monarchs are buried.
Historic Morija is the site of the Lesotho’s most important museum and archive, established in 1956 to house various collections made in the late 19th century. Morija is home to the kingdom’s two oldest standing buildings, both of which date to the 1840s, as well as a vibrant contemporary arts cooperative, and the press that published the country’s first newspaper back in 1863. Matsieng, only 7km to the east of Morija, has served as the home of the Sotho monarchy since Moshoeshoe’s death in 1870.
Number of results: 30
, currently showing 1 to 20.
4x4 Adventures
Mokhotlong
The Lodge is situated on the border between South Africa and Lesotho, sitting 2874m above sea level. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is by far one of the best kept secrets in…
Monument
Hlotse
Major Bell's Tower was built by the British at the end of the 1870's, and is still largely intact. Visitors can see an interesting primitive statue of a European in front of…
Culture & Heritage
Morija
We invite you to enjoy the rich history, arts & culture of the peoples of Lesotho. Whether you are from Lesotho, or Southern African or from another part of the global…
Cycling & Mountain Biking
Maseru
Roma Trading Post Lodge is located a stone throw away from Lesotho’s capital Maseru and the airport, in the foothills of the mighty Maloti Mountains in Roma. The name stems…
Services
Maseru
Maseru Mall is Lesotho's largest lifestyle shopping mall.
Dinosaurs
Quthing
Quthing's main claim to fame is the large amount of dinosaur footprints, some of which are easily accessible very close to the town. this small building houses 230 million…
4x4 Adventures
Maseru
Experience one of the most beautiful and remote countries in Africa with Semonkong Lodge. Explore this area on the iconic Basotho pony, mountain bikes or dare to take on the…
Cave
Quthing
Located at Masitise in Quthing district is the Cave House built in 1866-7 by Rev. David Ellenberger a missionary of the Parish Evangelical Missionary Society, who was invited…
Cycling & Mountain Biking
Mafeteng
From exploring the mountains by Basotho pony or mountain bike, to experiencing our valley’s culture on guided village tours or at a meeting with a spiritual healer, to…
Craft
Berea
Setsoto Design is Lesotho’s most renowned weaver’s cooperative; employing over 60 women the workshop produces traditional tapestries and floor rugs using mohair from the…
Spa
Butha Buthe
Maliba Lodge is the first and only 5-star luxury accommodation in Leostho. It is located in a pristine national park in the heart of this Mountain Kingdom. The park offers…
Craft
Berea
A group of Basotho women working together making hand-spun mohair rugs with geometric patterns, wall hangings, beautiful and fashionable scarves and handbags. Elelloang…
4x4 Adventures
Mokhotlong
Molumong Eco Lodge offers the weary traveller a friendly Sesotho welcome and the warmth of a home within the rugged terrain of the Mountain Kingdom.
Epic Landscapes
Maseru
Maletsunyane Waterfalls, one of the highest single dropping waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere, plummets 192 metres into a spectacular gorge creating clouds of spray…
Cycling & Mountain Biking
Maseru
Sky Adventures is a company based in the Kingdom of Lesotho, Who specialize in events and adventure tourism with a passion for cycling.
They are experts in activity based…
Horse Riding & Pony Treking
Sani Top
A wide range of day and multi-day activities are available, including pony trekking, pony-supported trekking (walking with a pony), hiking, trout fishing, guided hiking and…
Dinosaurs
Hlotse
The dinosaur footprints at Subeng are embedded in a sandstone slab in a small stream and rank among the most important sites of its type in the country. Discovered in 1955,…
Culture & Heritage
Thaba Bosiu
Located 24km outside of the city of Maseru, Thaba Bosiu is a National Monument and Lesotho's foremost tourist destination holding great historical significance as the…
Services
Maseru
Pioneer Mall is situated in the heart of Maseru and is the largest mall in the country. It opened its doors in October 2006 and has since satisfied the pallet of the Maseru…
Culture & Heritage
Morija
Maeder House is one of the oldest buildings in Lesotho, dating back to 1843. It was the home of missionary artisan and artist Francois Maeder.
The gallery provides Basotho…
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