Liphofung Rock Shelter


Useful Information

Location:
(-28.752905, 28.495677)
Open: All year daily.
[2023]
Fee: Adults ZAR 50.
Guide per Group ZAR 50.
[2023]
Classification: SpeleologyErosional Cave ArchaeologyRock Shelter ArchaeologyPainted Cave
Light: n/a
Dimension:
Guided tours: D=1 h.
Photography: allowed
Accessibility: no
Bibliography:
Address: Liphofung Rock Shelter
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
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History

declared a National Heritage site by the Lesotho government.

Description

The Liphofung Rock Shelter are often called Liphofung Caves, which is a little confusing as there are no caves at all. It's a huge overhanging sandstone cliff which was used as a shelter since prehistoric times. The shelter is a result of the river eroding a softer layer of the sandstone. It stretches along the walls of the now dry canyon.

The site is managed by the government, there are rangers which guide the people, and it is not allowed to see the rock shelter unaccompanied, without a ranger guide. There are trails with railings, and it is not allowed to get closer to the cave paintings. This seems a very good idea to us, as it protects the site. There is also a small museum explaining the origin of the paintings.

The site is also called King Moshoeshoe's Rock Shelter after the first king of Lesotho. This seems to be some marketing name, as far as we know the site is not connected to the famous king. There is also an exhibition of traditional Besotho homes, goods, clothing, tools, and instruments. The last 200 years of Lesotho history are explained, The visitor center actually has infrastructure, including toilets, but it seems they often have no water.