Thaba-Bosiu
Close to the ground.
GPS: S 29 20.793 E 027 39.838 | elevation 1,607 m/5,272 ft
Thaba-Bosiu is the most significant and revered historical site in the country. The mountain, with its steep cliffs and flat top was the place where Lesotho’s first king, Moshoeshoe I, established his stronghold in 1824. From this vantage point, the king and his men successfully defended the land against numerous attacks. King Moshoeshoe I and his successors are buried atop the mountain at the royal burial grounds.
Thaba-Bosiu Mountain was the strategic center of the Lesotho Kingdom during the mid-1800s, and a defensive power, believed to repel attacks. The name Thaba-Bosiu means "mountain of the night" and local legend maintains that during the night the mountain grows, making it far more difficult to ascend than appears by day. The mountain is located just off the main road directly across the street from the visitor information center. Visitors are free to hike and explore the mountain on their own or with a tour guide from the visitor information center.
Nonakeng Backpackers
Nonakeng Backpackers is run by a former Peace Corps volunteer who has made Lesotho her home. Hosts Rose and Kenney run a school and daycare center for children between 2-6 years old - many of whom are orphaned or HIV positive - and work very hard to clothe, educate and feed as many children as possible. Accommodation is in clean but basic, off-the-grid rondavels. The electricity is entirely solar powered, and while at the moment it's just bucket baths, construction on showers is underway. Even if you are not planning on staying here, it's worth stopping by to see the amazing work that is being done in this community.
Mmelesi Lodge
Mmelesi Lodge is located at the foothill of the Thaba-Bosiu Mountain. It has a main central lodge with a large restaurant and ladies as well as 26 neat and tightly packed en suite stone and thatched roof rondavels dotting a well-manicured lawn.
Cultural Village
Cultural Village is the largest tourist development in the country with 40 rondavels, a museum, amphitheatre, restaurant and bar. At the time of research the government-funded cultural center had just been completed and the Ministry of Tourism had yet to transfer management over to a private party to open and run the venue. It is located next to the Visitor Information Center.
Nonakeng Backpackers
Nonakeng Backpackers is run by a former Peace Corps volunteer who has made Lesotho her home. Hosts Rose and Kenney run a school and daycare center for children between 2-6 years old - many of whom are orphaned or HIV positive - and work very hard to clothe, educate and feed as many children as possible. Accommodation is in clean but basic, off-the-grid rondavels. The electricity is entirely solar powered, and while at the moment it's just bucket baths, construction on showers is underway. Even if you are not planning on staying here, it's worth stopping by to see the amazing work that is being done in this community.
Mmelesi Lodge
Mmelesi Lodge is located at the foothill of the Thaba-Bosiu Mountain. It has a main central lodge with a large restaurant and ladies as well as 26 neat and tightly packed en suite stone and thatched roof rondavels dotting a well-manicured lawn.
Cultural Village
Cultural Village is the largest tourist development in the country with 40 rondavels, a museum, amphitheatre, restaurant and bar. At the time of research the government-funded cultural center had just been completed and the Ministry of Tourism had yet to transfer management over to a private party to open and run the venue. It is located next to the Visitor Information Center.