Regarded as the birthplace of the Basotho people, Thaba Bosiu is a sandstone plateau revered as one of the most important historical sites in Lesotho.
King Moshoeshoe I, the first King of Lesotho praised for uniting the country amidst both external and internal threats by using democratic practices and ideologies, made the mountain a stronghold in the early 19th century during the Mfecane war, providing people with a refuge and bringing together diverse groups to form the modern Basotho nation.
Translating to ‘Mountain at Night’, the formidable fortress was named as such as it is believed to possess supernatural powers that allow it to transform into a towering mountain during the night, leaving enemies and ill-wishers who attempt to scale it stranded on its cliffs.
It is also widely believed that if a person takes dirt from the mountain, it will be gone in the morning, having returned back to the mountain, adding to its great size and power.
King Moshoeshoe I was able to utilise the large plateau to hold livestock and provisions to support his people during long sieges, and after ensuring the safety of his many protectants, the Basotho nation was born, with Thaba Bosiu serving as its new capital.
Due to its vast history and cultural importance in the country, the mountain was declared a national monument by the Lesotho government in 1967 and is now a part of the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Located only 24 kilometres (km) outside of Maseru, Thaba Bosiu is a site that should not be missed on any Lesotho itinerary. Book a guide and trek up the cliffs that overlook the vast landscape and bask in the tangible history of this incredible plateau.
