Lesotho Local Customs

 
by CatherineReichardt
 
  •   Local Customs
    by CatherineReichardt
  •   Local Customs
    by CatherineReichardt
  •   Local Customs
    by Jmill42
  • Maluti Lager
      Maluti Lager
    by MikeAtSea
  • Maluti Lager
      Maluti Lager
    by MikeAtSea
 
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The hardy Basotho pony - a 4x4 among horses!

by CatherineReichardt

Having often described myself as a '4x4 among women', I feel a great affinity for the Basotho pony!The Basotho pony is an extraordinarily resiliant breed that is renowned for its endurance and sure footedness - both qualities that make it ideal for negotiating Lesotho's challenging terrain. They are small, stocky animals with small hooves and stoic temperaments, and little seems to faze them ... absolutely ideal for first time riders!The pony was first introduced to Lesotho by the Xhosa tribe from the Eastern Cape in the early 19th century, and they were enthusiastically embraced by the Basotho for the greatly improved mobility that they lent. The Basotho have an absolute passion for their ponies and are talented and enthusiastic horsemen. For some half baked reason, an expat advisor to the Department of Agriculture in the 1940s made the recommendation to 'improve' the Basotho pony and...

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A blanket as the national dress? Only in Lesotho!

by CatherineReichardt

No, this is not a joke - the blanket really IS Lesotho's national dress ... and once you've spent any time in the mountains, you'll realise why!Young Basotho men are sent out into the mountains to serve as livestock herds, often spending months at a time away from their home village. Given this itinerant existence, they have to limit their possessions to an absolute minimum, so wearing their bedding as an article of clothing makes a lot of sense (as well as keeping them warm in the harsh climate). They tend to accessorise this with fetching balaclavas, rolling up the section which covers the face to create a sort of bobble hat in warmer weather - and looking like they're about to rob a bank when it's colder!In the villages, women tend to wear their blankets secured around their waists as a sort of heavy overskirt.If this subject interests you, then follow the link below to a wonderful...

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Maluti Lager

by MikeAtSea

Since 1995 the Mountain Kingdom is brewing its own beer which is Maluti Lager. The Maluti Mountain Brewery brews the beer in the Kingdom and the beer has gained a number of awards. If you like to try something local try a Maluti!

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White Flags

by Jmill42

You will notice that many of the homes have flags flying on a pole. The various colors represent what that home is offering for sale. Though, I cannot remember all of them, know that white colored flags normally have a large gathering. Unfortunately, it is due to a homebrewed concoction, that resembles curdled sour milk, some herbs thrown in for appearances and served in a big tin cup. It was utterly disgusting to me, but hey, others seemed to enjoy it. With alcoholism at very high levels in Lesotho, I certainly would not support this endeavor, but I am always up for trying anything, and so I did. Because I only had a sip, I could not rate the potency for you. Though, judging from this guy in the picture, it would be quite high.

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Basotho blanket and hat

by sachara

Most of the time you see the Basotho people with their blanket. This blanket is very useful for the cold evenings and nights.Another striking feature of the Basotho dress is the Basotho hat or mokorotlo. This hat has a conical form and a special adornment at top. It looks like the Qiloane pinnacle, the national symbol you can find near Thaba-Bosiu, the fortress of King Moshoeshoe. Picture: Qiloane pinnacle as inspiration for the Basotho hat.

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BASOTHO PEOPLE

by zindara

You can find true Basotho people dressed in the typical style in the small village in the central highlands. They always wear a blanket because temperatures drop in the night. They usually wear a grass-made hat (basotho hat) and a stick to help themselves walking in the mountains. They really dress this way in the real villages.They are VERY VERY friendly. As soon as you arrive to a small village, children run to the car to say you “hello” and sometimes to ask you for sweets… They are helpful although in the very small villages it is sometimes difficult to find adults speaking English. Teenagers are the best English speakers of the country!!! A great help!!

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The Colouful Blanket in the...

by kenHuocj

The Colouful Blanket in the middle of summer;do not be shocked,it's not only aninsulator against heat,also indication of adequate night protection;the newness also indicative of ability to purchase.

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Women wear dresses or skirts. ...

by deacontoni

Women wear dresses or skirts. Pack light, summer in the US is winter in Lesotho with temperature getting to 35 degrees.The best restaurants were the European restaurants. Tip is the normal 15 % Food great

Maluti

by Gili_S

The local beer here is Maluti. I wouldn’t say that it was something excellent but surely good enough for this remote place especially after a day up in the mountains, the Maluti just feel great.

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Alternative to Shopping Malls

by Vikings

The Basotho people have a unique system of knowing where to shop, look for these flags at thier huts to know what you can buy there:Red -- meatWhite -- beer (local brew)Green -- Vegetables

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Local traditions and culture in Lesotho

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Q:  I am finalising my travel trip on South Africa -Lesotho -Swaziland. I have applied for a Visa for Lesotho and South Africa, but... 

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A: Pretoria is a city about 50 or so north-east of Jo'burg. I can't make any comments on local transport as we got there by car, and this was quite a few years ago now. If... 

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