Liphofung Cave

Liphofung is a sandstone overhang in the north of Lesotho carrying San rock paintings, mostly eland and human figures in red, and it also holds a place in Basotho history because Moshoeshoe I is said to have stayed there during the movements that led to the founding of the nation. A cultural centre at the site covers both, and the shelter is reached on a short walk down from it. The name means place of the eland, which is what the paintings show more than anything else, and the animal was central to San belief as well as to their diet.

The main sights

• The San paintings - eland and figures in red on the shelter wall.
• The sandstone overhang - the shelter cut into the rock by weathering.
• The Moshoeshoe association - the tradition of the founder's stay at the site.
• The cultural centre - the interpretation building above the shelter.

When to go

September to April is the milder season. The site keeps daytime hours. Winter is cold but the shelter is accessible.

Practical notes

The paintings are faint and weathered and need pointing out. The shelter is small and the visit is short. The centre keeps limited hours.

Nearby

Butha-Buthe is nearby, and Tsehlanyane is southeast.

Key facts