If you’re looking for an authentic experience of South African culture and spectacular scenery, then a visit to the Basotho Cultural Village in the Free State province is our top recommendation.
Nestled in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, this cultural village invites visitors to experience warm hospitality and learn about the traditional arts, crafts, and ways of life of the Basotho people. It is an experience you will likely remember forever!
The village is a rest camp that depicts sixteenth century homesteads to the more colourful homes of today. You’ll find beautiful displays of the mural art of the Basotho, as well as sip traditional beer and engage in a game of morabaraba.
Morabaraba is one of the oldest board games in the world with two players going head to head in a strategy battle. The aim is to create rows of three cows, either vertically, diagonally, or horizontally. Each player places one cow at a time on a junction and when three-in-a-row is achieved, the player may remove (shoot) one of the opponent’s cows.
A highlight at this village is meeting the “ngaka” (the traditional healer) who escorts visitors on a fascinating trail; locating an array of grasses, roots, herbs, leaves, and bark in the veld and explains how these aid in the treatment of various medical conditions and traditional rituals.
The huts are built and furnished to match the time frame they depict. The interior and exterior decoration of huts is done by the Basotho women and the colours are incredibly vibrant. You will get the opportunity to explore the homes of one of the three wives and watch as the women grind maize and sift beer. There is also a curio shop where one can purchase a variety of Basotho art pieces.
Accommodation in the Basotho Cultural Village is available in the form of two and four-sleeper rondavels. There are also a number of other self-catering rest camps in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park that will allow for day visits to the Basotho Village.
This unforgettable experience ends with a warm traditional Basotho meal in the sandstone amphitheatre and visitors are entertained by the Basotho people who dance, sing and rejoice to the sound of an accordion and drums.
The heart of the visitor is won over by the majesty of the surrounding landscape and by the spiritual ethos of the beautiful in sheer well-being and to their heart’s content.
