Basotho Cultural Village in Maluti a Phofung Rural, Free State

Basotho Cultural Village is situated in the Golden Gate National Park in the Free State of South Africa.

This living museum can be found along the R712, only 42 Km outside Clarens. Visitors are invited to experience authentic Basotho hospitality and learn about traditional arts, crafts and the way of life of the Basotho people.

This Village consists of replica homesteads dating as far back as the 16^th Century to the present day. Tours are taken with an expert guide, as you may only enter the Chief’s village without first obtaining his permission. His hospitality includes a taste of beer and an offer to engage in a traditional game of Maraba-raba. The chief’s first and second wives offer traditional food to taste and the Chief’s Bone Thrower can offer a peek into the future.

Traditional crafters are a plenty in the Village and most of the objects produced are on sale. They produce pottery, beadwork, fabric, grass hats, baskets, blankets and other hand-made items. Regular art exhibitions are held at the Village and live stage performances at the sandstone amphitheater. Budget friendly accommodation is also on offer, alternatively more up-market accommodation can be found at the National Park or in the town of Clarens.

Things to do and see

Guided Tours
Introductory video
Visit the Nkaka (bone thrower)
Traditional South Sotho Food & Beer
Traditional Dancing
Demonstrations on traditional living
Herbalist Tour (booking essential)
Restaurant (booking essential)
Curio shop

Admission

Monday to Friday, Tours offered between 09h00 and 16h00

Saturday and Sunday, Tours offered between 09h00 and 17h00

Please contact the Village directly for confirmation on pricing for tours. Advanced booking is advised.

Climate

Rainfall occurs mainly in the mid-summer months, with December and January seeing the highest levels. Winter nights can drop below freezing.

Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 11˚C and 27˚C.

Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between -2˚C and 16˚C.

Transport

There are domestic and/or international flights into the Johannesburg, Durban or Bloemfontein Airports on a daily basis and car rental companies are available for easy access to Clarens. All three cities are approximately a three to four hour drive away.