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Liphofung Cave: A Window into Lesotho's Past

Explore ancient San rock art and Basotho heritage at Liphofung Cave, a historically significant site in the heart of Lesotho.

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Liphofung Cave, near Khukhune, Lesotho, is a historically significant sandstone overhang adorned with ancient San rock art. It served as a shelter for Neolithic people and later as a stopover for King Moshoeshoe I, offering a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage and geological formations.

A brief summary to Liphofung Cave,chalets

  • Monday 5 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 5 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 5 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 5 am-10 pm
  • Friday 5 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 5 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 5 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for the short but potentially steep walk from the visitor center to the cave entrance.
  • Bring your own food and drinks, as self-catering and picnics are the only options available.
  • Engage with local guides to learn more about the history, rock art, and cultural significance of the site.
  • Visit the cultural center to learn about Basotho traditions and the heritage of the San people.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Liphofung Cave is located off the main route from Butha-Buthe to Oxbow and Mokhotlong. From Butha-Buthe, follow the A1 road towards Oxbow and Mokhotlong. Look for the turn-off to Mamohase or Liphofung. A concrete access road, passable for all vehicles, leads to the visitor center. There is no fee to park at the visitor center.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Liphofung Cave by public transport, take a shared taxi heading from Butha-Buthe towards Moteng, and get out at the turn-off to Mamohase or Liphofung. From there, it is an easy 1.5km walk down from the main road along the tarmac access road. Shared taxis to Butha-Buthe pass in the morning, and those to Mokhotlong pass all day. The taxi fare from Butha-Buthe to the turnoff is approximately M20.

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Discover more about Liphofung Cave,chalets

Liphofung Cave, meaning 'place of the eland', is a captivating historical site nestled in the Lesotho Highlands. This large overhang in Clarens sandstone was formed by millions of years of erosion and natural processes. The cave holds a prominent place in Lesotho's history, serving as a window into the lives of the San people and their connection to the land. The cave walls are decorated with over 2,000 petroglyphs, depicting animals, humans, and symbols created by the San, the region's earliest inhabitants. The rock art is considered one of the most important cultural heritage sites in Southern Africa, providing insights into the beliefs and daily lives of the San people. Eland, the largest of antelopes in Africa, frequently appear in the drawings and were prized by the San people. In the early 1800s, before he united the Basotho clans into one kingdom, King Moshoeshoe I used the cave as a temporary hideaway. The site includes a visitor center with displays of Basotho culture and San rock art, a small shop, and restrooms. The surrounding Moteng Valley offers a glimpse into the traditional Basotho way of life. Liphofung Cave is a protected heritage site recognized by the Lesotho government and UNESCO for its archaeological and cultural significance.

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