The Moshoeshoe Walk
The Moshoeshoe Walk is an annual three-day, 116-kilometer (approximately 72-mile) journey in Lesotho that retraces King Moshoeshoe I's 1824 migration from Menkhoaneng to Thaba-Bosiu. The hike serves as a historical, cultural, and endurance event that honors the founder of the Basotho nation, covering roughly 30–40 km per day. This walk is an annual event that has attracted international hikers and tourists. Along the journey, participants don’t only get the breeze of fresh water from the eye catching mountains of Lesotho but a rich cultural heritage of Lesotho.
Key Details of the Retraced Journey
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Significance:The walk symbolizes the historical journey of the Basotho people to find refuge during the tumultuous Lifaqane wars.
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Route:The walk begins in Menkhoaneng in the Leribe District and concludes at the Thaba-Bosiu Cultural Village, passing through areas like Thaba Phatsoa and Malimong.
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The Destination:Thaba-Bosiu ("Mountain at Night") is considered the birthplace of the Basotho nation, acting as a natural fortress selected by Moshoeshoe I for its strategic defensive advantages.
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Annual Event: The walk often coincides with the commemoration of King Moshoeshoe's legacy in March, attracting participants who walk in the footsteps of their ancestors.
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2025 Schedule: The 2025 event was planned for early March, with participants traveling from Maseru to begin the journey from Menkhoaneng, ending with a ceremony at Thaba-Bosiu.
