Qiloane hill
Sharp and conical.
Graham Maclachlan — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Martin Schärli — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Graham Maclachlan — CC BY-SA 3.0
Thaba Bosiu is a sandstone plateau of about two square kilometres, rising to 1,804 metres above sea level between the Orange and Caledon rivers, 24 km east of the capital, Maseru. It was once the capital of Lesotho and the stronghold of King Moshoeshoe I, founder of the Basotho nation. It is the country's most important historic site. Moshoeshoe and his followers took refuge on this plateau in July 1824, escaping the wars of that era, and it served as a natural fortress that protected them in battle. He named it Thaba Bosiu, «mountain at night», because they arrived at night. He is said to have spread word that the mountain grew larger at night to frighten his enemies. The graves of Basotho kings lie on its summit. You see a flat-topped plateau with rocky cliffs, and nearby the sharp conical hill of Qiloane crowned by a rock, whose shape is said to have inspired the traditional Basotho hat. Green maize fields and small villages surround the plateau. Visitors climb a path to the top to see the ruins, graves and wide view. It is about 19 km from central Maseru in a straight line. It is best to climb with a local guide who explains the history. Respect the royal graves, and carry water and a hat.
Sharp and conical.
Ruins and graves.
Around the plateau.
East of Maseru, Lesotho
Mountain at night, as Moshoeshoe arrived there at night.
Moderate, and best with a guide.