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.
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Services
Maseru
Maseru Mall is Lesotho's largest lifestyle shopping mall.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
Site of Interest
The gardens were created as a result of plant rescue missions to mitigate the impact of the Katse Dam, particularly spiral aloes. The collection has a focus on traditional…
Cave
Berea
The Ha Kome Cave Village is situated at Pulane area in Berea district. The caves were a hideout for the Basia and one Bataung clans during the Lifaqane Wars and cannibalism.…
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…
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…
Craft
Berea
LMC provides support & training to craft workers in Lesotho regarding design, practical skills, IT, sales and marketing. It is an Action Lesotho initiative. The twelve groups…
Craft
300, Leribe
The Leribe Craft Center is situated at the turn off towards Katse Dam on the road towards Botha Bothe. The center is both workshop and a shop, making and selling attractive…
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…
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…
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…
Museum
Qacha's Nek
Lesotho's only snake park has anacondas, endemic puff adders and spitting cobras. The local herpetologist who owns the attraction also keeps bees. For the full experience it…
4x4 Adventures
Maseru
Hidden deep in the mountains of the King of Lesotho, with spectacular views across the valley, Ramabanta Trading Post Lodge is the ideal location for the adventurer seeking…
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