Kome Caves
Mud-walled homes tucked beneath a huge sandstone overhang, built by families sheltering from war in the 1820s and still lived in by their descendants today.
Living HeritageA Village Inside the Rock
During the Lifaqane wars of the early 19th century, families of the Basia and Bataung clans took refuge in a set of sandstone caves in what is now the Berea district. Behind the rock face they built rounded homes of mud and dung that blend almost perfectly into the cliff.
Remarkably, some of these dwellings are still occupied by the families' descendants. A small heritage centre explains the history, and a guided walk takes you past the homes, with time to meet residents and hear their story.
It's a quiet, moving experience, and a reminder of how resourceful people were during one of the most turbulent periods in Southern African history.
- Type
- Inhabited cave dwellings
- Built
- Early 1800s (Lifaqane era)
- From Maseru
- About 1 hour
- Our tour
- About 4 hours
- Entrance
- Small fee paid on site
- From
- R2,500 per vehicle
Visiting Respectfully
What to expect
The caves are a short walk from the parking area and the heritage centre. Paths are uneven but not difficult. Families still live here, so please ask before taking photographs of people or homes. Your guide will make introductions and translate.
Entrance fees are paid in cash on site and go towards the upkeep of the site and the community.
Make a day of it
Kome sits about an hour north-east of Maseru, so it pairs naturally with Thaba Bosiu on a full cultural day. Food lovers can add a Basotho food and market experience.
See all our cultural and heritage tours for more ideas.
Tours That Visit Kome Caves
Kome Caves Questions
Do people still live in the Kome Caves?
Yes. A few families, descendants of the original builders, still live in the cave dwellings today.
How old are the Kome Caves dwellings?
They date to the early 1800s, when families took refuge in the caves during the Lifaqane wars.
Can I take photos at Kome Caves?
Yes, but please ask permission before photographing residents or their homes. Your guide will help.
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