History of thaba bosiu lodge

The expansive flat-topped summit is protected on all sides by formidable sandstone cliffs, yet it is watered by half a dozen natural springs and was large enough to hold plenty of livestock and other provisions during an extended siege. Thaba Bosiu is steeped in history. A short distance away, the tomb of Moshoeshoe I is the centrepiece of a royal cemetery where all his successors, from King Letsie I died to King Moshoeshoe II died are buried along with various other Sotho royals and dignitaries.

The plateau also offers superb views in all directions, the most conspicuous landmark from the summit being Mount Qiloane, a conical sandstone pillar that stands about 1km to the east and whose distinctive shape reputedly inspired the design of the traditional Basotho mokorotlo straw hat. In addition to a hotel and restaurant, it incorporates a replica Sotho village of traditional homesteads, and an informative museum dedicated to Moshoeshoe I and various aspects of traditional Sotho culture.

Sleeping: Although plenty of hotels and guesthouses are available in Maseru about 20km to the west, the stone-and-thatch chalets at Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village might be more attractive to those who prefer a more rural setting. We invite language and travel enthusiasts to join us in exploring the world! Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Skip to content Press Enter. Table of Contents Toggle. Prev Post Bokong Nature Reserve. Next Post Rouen. DestinationGuatemala. September 23, San Pedro La Laguna. Moshoeshoe I, who founded the Basotho nation, first occupied the sandstone plateau in Legend has it that Thaba-Bosiu, which is not very high during the daytime, elevates during the night and becomes a high fortress.

This folklore was used by King Moshoeshoe I to his advantage in fending off his enemies. It was also the place where King Moshoeshoe I negotiated and signed treaties with the British, including the one which established the current Lesotho boundaries and another guaranteeing the country protection. Among the standout features of the area is the legendary conical hill, Qiloane, which inspired the traditional Basotho hat called mokorotlo.

Built inThaba-Bosiu Cultural Village is owned by the government and run by leisure and tourism firm, Thaba ea Liphofung. It was a rectangular building measuring 10 metres by five metres and was divided internally into two rooms. Moshoeshoe had four other stone buildings erected as part of his compound — three of which were rectangular and one cylindrical.

Many Basotho believe that the mountain preserved magical properties. One belief is that if an individual takes some dirt from the mountain, he will find that it is gone in the morning, having returned to the mountain. Mzilikazi attempted to attack Moshoeshoe I at Thaba Bosiu, trying to gather strength after escaping Shaka Zulu 's rule; but was unsuccessful in his conquest.

European invaders in and the Boers of the Orange Free State were unable to storm Moshoeshoe's mountain during the siege of Thaba Bosiu on 18 August Louw Wepener and 6 armed Boers volunteered to charge Thaba Bosiu.

History of thaba bosiu lodge

Their strategy was simply for the Free State Artillery Vrystaatse Artillerie Regiment to bombard the top of the mountain. As they approached, only Boers were still with Wepener by 5pm and others had retreated to the Boer lines. Wepener made it to the top of Khubelu pass only to have his head struck by a bullet. He is the only enemy ever to reach the mountain top and has been linked to it as Khubelu pass is also known as Wepener's pass.

Due to being starved after the siege, the Basotho signed a treaty in April in which they agreed to surrender 3 cattle. They also surrendered more than two-thirds of their arable land. At the time, Basotho faced large scale starvation and thus Moshoeshoe and his subjects agreed to the Orange Free State's terms. The land they forfeited during this treaty included conquered territory on the west of the bank of the Caledon River and Orange River.

This left Basotho with a significantly reduced cultivable area close to Thaba Bosiu, as well as 32 km of arable soil on the east bank of the Caledon River. Villagers, however, did not vacate the surrendered territory and in MarchOrange Free State President Johannes Henricus Brand ordered both a resumption and intensification of Free State military action.

Lesotho became a British territory. Thaba Bosiu was the only part of the territory which had remained invincible. Moshoeshoe II contested the legitimacy of the BNP governance and his lack of executive powers in the governance of Lesotho. When the prayer meeting was held, Chief Jonathan perceived this defiance as a promotion of insurrection and banned the meeting.