Thaba Bosiu was just an overnight stop for us on our way to Semonkong. We were kindly allowed to park next to the village, near the restaurant where we had dinner. Thaba Bosiu is a historic sandstone plateau and one of the most important places in Lesotho, regarded as the spiritual and cultural cradle of the Basotho nation.
King Moshoeshoe I occupied the mountain in July 1824, using its naturally fortified position as a military stronghold and refuge during the Difaqane Wars. The name Thaba Bosiu means “Mountain at Night”, referring to the fact that Moshoeshoe and his followers arrived here after dark.
Natural springs and the vast, relatively flat summit helped the Basotho withstand lengthy sieges by rival groups and later European forces. The plateau also contains the grave of King Moshoeshoe I, as well as those of later members of the royal family.
At the foot of the mountain, Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village offers a museum, traditional homestead replicas, a hotel and a restaurant. Visitors can hire a local guide at the visitor centre and hike up one of the historic passes, such as Khubelu Pass, to explore the remains on the summit. From the mountain, you can also see Mount Qiloane, the distinctive conical peak that inspired the design of the traditional Basotho mokorotlo hat.
Parking location – Thaba Bosiu: 29.3447557S 27.6625815E (🚻,🍽️,🅿️150 LSL/pax)