Liphofung Cave and Cultural Site

The Liphofung “place of the eland” cave occupies an important place in Lesotho history. This is the smallest of the LHDA reserves at about 4 hectares. The cave is, in fact, a large sandstone overhang, which is a typical feature of the Lesotho lowlands region.

Originally used by the San and other Stone Age people, the walls contain important rock art and a rich archaeological deposit of Stone Age implements. Later, King Moshoeshoe “the Great” used the cave as a stopover when visiting that part of the kingdom.

This particular site lies in a tributary stream valley of the Hololo River just off the main route from Butha-Buthe to Oxbow and Mokhotlong. Access is by means of a newly constructed concrete road and is passable for all vehicles.

A small visitor’s centre incorporating a display of Basotho culture and San rock art has been developed, along with ablution facilities and a small shop. The site is proving to be a popular destination with school groups and tourists en route to Oxbow and AfriSki.

The site was developed almost entirely with local labour and artisans. This means that most of the development costs have been ploughed directly back into the local community. This, in turn, has led to a very strong sense of ownership of the facility by the local communities.

Activities:

There is a site museum, and local guides will take you around and interpret the historical, cultural and natural significance of the site.  Cultural displays, such as choral singing, and traditional dancing can be arranged with prior booking.  There is a craft outlet and light refreshments are available.

Accommodation:

A campsite is available to campers however the Self Catering chalets will only become available early in 2011 (once the new management couple have approval).

How to get there:

GPS Co-Ordinates: S 28º 45′ 16.1  E 028º 29′ 43.1

Enter Lesotho via the Caledornspoort border post. Take the A1 north 20kms towards Oxbow / AfiSki /Mokhotlong and then turn left for a further 7km until you reach Liphofung. You don’t need special transport to get there as it is easily accessible to all vehicles by means of a newly-constructed concrete road.