The 4th Malibe Cultural Festival will take place on 21 March 2026 at Malibe Cave in Kolojane Ha Seeisa, Berea District. The event is organized by Ms. Matšepo Sello and supported by the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation as part of its efforts to promote cultural tourism and preserve Basotho traditions while honouring the legacy of the founder of the Basotho nation, King Moshoeshoe I.
Among the distinguished guests expected to grace the occasion are the Principal Chief of the Kueneng and Mapoteng Chieftainship, Peete Lesaoana Peete, the Minister of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, Honorable Motlatsi Maqelepo, and the District Administrator of Berea, Mr. Phahlane Makoko. Also expected to attend is the Commander of the Lesotho Defense Force, Mojalefa Letsoela, together with the LDF cultural group, whose performance will add vibrancy and a unique cultural flavor to the event.
The festival promises vibrant cultural experiences, including traditional Basotho performances such as Mohobelo and Mokhibo dances, as well as praise poetry, poems and other cultural expressions, offering visitors a captivating celebration of Basotho heritage and identity.
Malibe Cave is amazing. After establishing his stronghold at Thaba Bosiu, King Moshoeshoe I sent his younger brother, Chief Seeisa, to find a place to settle and lead his people. With only a small group and no permanent homes at the time, Chief Seeisa and his followers temporarily lived in the cave until a permanent settlement was established. Historical records also show that the San people were the cave’s first inhabitants.
The cave is also renowned for its mysterious flowing water, which runs above the cave yet never pours onto a person standing directly beneath it. This fascinating phenomenon has long amazed locals and visitors alike. The water is widely believed to possess spiritual power, making the cave an important pilgrimage and sacred site.
In an insightful interview, event organizer Ms. Matšepo Sello shared her vision for the Malibe Cultural Festival, highlighting its potential to grow into a renowned annual cultural tourism event that lures both local and international visitors. She explained that the festival aims to celebrate Basotho heritage through traditional music, dance, poetry, crafts, cuisine, and attire, while also creating economic opportunities for the surrounding community.
Ms. Sello noted that organizing the festival comes with challenges such as limited financial resources, logistical demands, and coordinating various stakeholders and performers. However, she stressed that strong partnerships and community support are essential in overcoming these obstacles and ensuring the event’s growth.
She further highlighted that partnering with the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation is strategic, as the institution plays a crucial role in promoting tourism and positioning the festival as a viable cultural tourism product. According to her, the event will help promote Kolojane as a cultural tourism destination by attracting visitors who will support local businesses, food vendors, craft makers, and performers, while also encouraging cultural preservation and community pride.
Mr. Molapo Matela, Public Relations Manager of the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation, said the Malibe Cultural Festival provides a valuable platform to promote cultural tourism in Lesotho. He noted that the event showcases the country’s rich heritage while encouraging both local and international visitors to explore historic sites such as Malibe Cave.
Mr. Matela added that the festival not only honors the legacy of King Moshoeshoe I but also creates economic opportunities for local communities through cultural performances, craft markets, and food vending. He concluded that the guiding services and rural homestay, pony trekking to be included to enhance the tourism value chain and also improve livelihoods of the host community
