Metolong Dam

Metolong dam was completed in 2015 on the Phuthiatsana to supply water to Maseru and the lowland towns, and what makes it notable beyond its function is what happened before the water rose: a large rescue archaeology programme excavated rock shelters in the valley, producing Middle and Later Stone Age material including some of the oldest evidence for particular tool traditions in the region. A cultural resource centre covers the work.

What to look for

• The dam and reservoir - the water supply for Maseru and the lowland towns.
• The rescue archaeology - the excavation of the valley's shelters before flooding.
• The Stone Age material - the finds from the shelters, some of regional significance.
• The resource centre - the interpretation of the excavation work.

When to go

September to April is the milder season. The reservoir fills through the summer rains. Winter is cold and windy on the water.

Things to know

Access to the dam structure is restricted. The cultural centre keeps limited hours. Several rock shelters and their art are now under water.

Nearby

Maseru is west, and Thaba Bosiu is southwest.

Key facts