Things to Do in Liphofung Cave, Lesotho

Liphofung Cave, located in the Butha-Buthe district of Lesotho, is one of the country's most significant archaeological and cultural sites. This remarkable sandstone cave shelter contains some of the finest examples of San (Bushmen) rock art in southern Africa, with paintings dating back over 2,000 years. The site serves as a window into the ancient history of the region, showcasing the artistic and spiritual traditions of the indigenous San people who once inhabited these highlands. Nestled in the dramatic landscape of the Maloti Mountains, Liphofung Cave offers visitors a unique combination of historical significance and natural beauty. The cave's name means 'Place of Eland' in Sesotho, referring to the prominent eland antelope paintings that adorn its walls. Beyond the archaeological treasures, the surrounding area provides stunning mountain vistas and opportunities to experience traditional Basotho culture in nearby villages.

Top Things to Do in Liphofung Cave

San Rock Art Viewing

Explore the ancient San rock paintings within Liphofung Cave, featuring depictions of eland, human figures, and spiritual scenes that provide insight into prehistoric life. The well-preserved artworks showcase the sophisticated artistic traditions and beliefs of the San people who created them thousands of years ago.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 20-30 maloti ($1-2 USD) and guided tours are highly recommended to understand the cultural significance. Visit during morning hours for better lighting and bring a flashlight for detailed viewing.

Mountain Hiking

Trek through the spectacular Maloti Mountains surrounding Liphofung Cave, experiencing the high-altitude landscape and panoramic views. The hiking trails offer varying difficulty levels and showcase the unique flora and fauna of Lesotho's mountain kingdom.

Booking Tip: Hire local guides for 200-400 maloti per day, especially for longer treks. Best hiking months are October to April, and always carry warm clothing as weather can change rapidly at altitude.

Traditional Village Visits

Experience authentic Basotho culture by visiting nearby traditional villages where locals still maintain centuries-old customs and lifestyles. Interact with villagers, observe traditional crafts, and learn about the pastoral way of life that defines rural Lesotho.

Booking Tip: Arrange visits through local guides or community tourism initiatives for 100-200 maloti per person. Always bring small gifts like tea or sugar, and ask permission before photographing people.

Horseback Riding

Explore the rugged terrain around Liphofung Cave on sturdy Basotho ponies, the traditional mode of transport in Lesotho's mountains. These sure-footed horses are perfectly adapted to the challenging mountain terrain and offer an authentic way to experience the landscape.

Booking Tip: Pony trekking costs 300-500 maloti per day including guide. No prior riding experience necessary as ponies are gentle, but wear long pants and bring sun protection for full-day rides.

Archaeological Site Exploration

Discover other archaeological sites in the Butha-Buthe area beyond Liphofung Cave, including stone tool sites and additional rock art locations. These lesser-known sites provide broader context for understanding the prehistoric human occupation of the region.

Booking Tip: Combine with cave visit for 50-100 maloti additional cost. Local archaeological guides can be arranged through the Lesotho National Museum, and visits are best during dry season for easier access.

Getting There

Liphofung Cave is located approximately 45 kilometers southeast of Butha-Buthe town and about 130 kilometers from Maseru, Lesotho's capital. The most common route is to drive from Maseru via the A1 highway to Hlotse (Leribe), then take local roads toward Butha-Buthe district. The final approach to the cave requires a 4WD vehicle due to rough mountain roads. Alternatively, visitors can arrange transport from Butha-Buthe town, hiring local drivers familiar with the terrain. Public transport options are limited, so most visitors either rent vehicles in Maseru or join organized tours that include transportation.

Getting Around

Transportation around the Liphofung Cave area relies primarily on 4WD vehicles due to the mountainous terrain and unpaved roads. Local taxis and hired drivers from Butha-Buthe town can provide transport to the cave site, typically costing 400-800 maloti for a round trip. Walking is common for short distances and exploring the immediate cave area, but sturdy hiking boots are essential due to rocky terrain. Horseback riding on Basotho ponies is a traditional and practical way to explore the broader region, especially for reaching remote areas inaccessible by vehicle.

Where to Stay

Butha-Buthe town guesthouses

Leribe (Hlotse) hotels

Mountain lodges near Oxbow

Camping sites in Maloti Mountains

Traditional village homestays

Maseru city hotels

Food & Dining

Dining options near Liphofung Cave are limited, with most visitors bringing packed lunches or eating in Butha-Buthe town before their visit. The town offers basic restaurants serving traditional Basotho cuisine including papa (maize porridge), morogo (wild spinach), and grilled meats. Local shebeens (informal bars) provide simple meals and traditional beer. For more varied dining options, visitors often base themselves in Leribe or return to Maseru, which offers international cuisine alongside local specialties. When visiting remote areas, it's advisable to carry snacks and water, as food vendors are scarce in the mountain regions.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Liphofung Cave is during Lesotho's dry season from May to September, when roads are more accessible and weather conditions are stable for hiking and exploration. However, this period can be quite cold, especially at night, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. The warmer months from October to April offer more comfortable temperatures but coincide with the rainy season, which can make mountain roads challenging and sometimes impassable. For optimal conditions, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of April-May or September-October, when you can enjoy moderate temperatures and relatively dry conditions.

Insider Tips

Bring warm clothing year-round as mountain temperatures can drop dramatically, even in summer

Hire local guides not only for navigation but for cultural interpretation and access to restricted areas

Carry cash in maloti as there are no ATMs or card facilities near the cave site

Things to Do in Liphofung Cave