Photos of Western Lesotho

Mafeteng is the Camptown of Mafeteng district in the west of Lesotho, about 76 kilometres south of Maseru and has a population of around 61,000. The town is said to be named after an early visitor, Emile Roland, who was nicknamed ÒLefeta,Ó literally meaning ÒtravellerÓ or Òpasser-by.Ó Mafeteng translates to English as ÒThe place of the passers-byÓ.

Further south is MohaleÕs Hoek, the Camptown of the district with the same name with approximately 20,000 inhabitants. In 1795, San (Bushmen) still inhabited the area when the Baphuti, one of the Sotho speaking clans, occupied the site. After 1824 the area was inhabited by Mohale, the younger brother of the great chief Moshoeshoe, and the place took his name (with the Afrikaans ÒHoekÓ, meaning ÒcornerÓ).

To the east of Mafeteng, in Maseru District, is the village of Raleqheka, one of many quiet traditional villages; further north is Matsieng, the village of King Letsie III and his father, the late King Moshoeshoe II.

Herders play a traditional musical instrument called the ÒlesibaÓ, a stringed and wind instrument consisting of a string and feather on which the musician blows, using his mouth as a sound box, like a jewÕs harp. Boys also may practice the ÒMohobeloÓ, a menÕs stomping dance that consists of synchronised movements and high kicks. And vigorous drumming and singing may be heard from the ÒZionistÓ churches, blending Christianity and traditional African practices.