Thaba Bosiu

Thaba Bosiu is the mountain stronghold from where King Moshoeshoe I established and ruled over the Kingdom of Lesotho in the 19th century, fighting off wave after wave of attacks by white settlers and hostile African armies. Still today, the kings and queens of Lesotho are buried here.

The place is basically on top of a plateau, 24 km from Maseru, and is worth a visit if you are looking for an easy day trip from Maseru - there is an information centre, in the next building on the left on the main road, after passing the entrance to the cultural village, where a guide will give you a run-down of the history of King Moshoeshoe and the birth of the Basotho nation, and then you can climb up and explore the ruins with your guide or on your own.

The cultural village (on the plain below the plateau) is a modern reconstruction of the village at the top and offers cultural tours of the reconstructed village from its own reception area.

From Maseru, follow the signs to Roma. Eventually you will see a sign to Thaba Bosiu. The gravel/tarmac road is suitable for saloon cars.

The cultural village is clearly visible on the left as you come from Maseru, with the information centre the next building on the main road, also on the left.

King Moshoeshoe is buried on Thaba Bosiu along with many other royals.

A 'cultural village' is being built nearby, but is not complete yet.

• Melesi Lodge, ☏ +266 5200006, +266 27000741. With an OK restaurant, cozy bar. 26 chalets/rondavels and 12 standard rooms. Very quiet and peaceful: you'll likely have the place to yourselves. From R700. (updated Sep 2020)