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Lesotho🇱🇸 | townsHa KomeOccupied cave houses, sandstone overhang, guided village visit | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Ha Kome
🏆 Top picktown ranked #2
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Families still live in the cave houses of Ha Kome, so a visit means walking past washing lines, chickens and kitchen smoke rather than around a ruin. The village sits in Berea District in the lowlands of Lesotho, north of Maseru, beneath a sandstone cliff band where mud-walled homes tuck under the rock overhangs. The caves deserve your time; the rest of the village is a handful of tin-roofed houses and fields, so plan a morning, not a week. Getting here takes some effort, the last stretch is rough, and public transport is thin. Evenings are silent and dark, with no bars and no hostel scene, so meeting other backpackers is luck rather than routine. The rewards are the guides who grew up here and the cool, packed-earth floors inside. Mud plaster on the walls still shows the pressed marks of hands.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #2 town in Lesotho
Reasons people choose to visit here

Ha Kome earns a place on a Lesotho route because it shows how people actually made a home out of rock, and you see it at walking pace with a local guide. The cave houses are the whole reason to come. Some have been lived in for generations, and the mud-and-stone fronts, built against the sandstone overhangs, keep rooms cool in summer and sheltered in winter. A guide explains why the Basia people settled here and how families share the space, which no signpost does for you. Most travelers stay a half day, though a night in the village gives you quiet mornings and a sky with no light pollution. Slow travelers, solo travelers who like talking with hosts, photographers and anyone building a loop through the lowlands will enjoy it most. If you need nightlife, cafés or a string of sights to tick … read more 👉
Ha Kome earns a place on a Lesotho route because it shows how people actually made a home out of rock, and you see it at walking pace with a local guide. The cave houses are the whole reason to come. Some have been lived in for generations, and the mud-and-stone fronts, built against the sandstone overhangs, keep rooms cool in summer and sheltered in winter. A guide explains why the Basia people settled here and how families share the space, which no signpost does for you. Most travelers stay a half day, though a night in the village gives you quiet mornings and a sky with no light pollution. Slow travelers, solo travelers who like talking with hosts, photographers and anyone building a loop through the lowlands will enjoy it most. If you need nightlife, cafés or a string of sights to tick off, this is a short stop at best. Bring cash, patience and a willingness to ask before photographing someone’s doorway.

💡 HighlightsKey sights and experiences for travelers

  1. Ha Kome Cave Houses: The reason to come. Dwellings of mud and stone built under the sandstone overhang, some still occupied. Guided visits explain the layout, the plastering and the way the rock keeps rooms cool. Go in the morning when the light reaches the cliff face. Guided entry is roughly US$3 to 6, and the walk takes 1 to 2 hours.
  2. Visitor reception and guide point: The place to arrange a local guide, pay your fee and ask which houses are open to visitors. Guides speak English and Sesotho and know which families are happy to be approached. Allow 15 to 20 minutes, and carry small notes because change can be scarce.
  3. The cliff-base path: A short walk along the foot of the sandstone band shows the overhangs, weathered honeycomb patterns and the fields below. Early morning or late afternoon is
… read more 👉
  1. Ha Kome Cave Houses: The reason to come. Dwellings of mud and stone built under the sandstone overhang, some still occupied. Guided visits explain the layout, the plastering and the way the rock keeps rooms cool. Go in the morning when the light reaches the cliff face. Guided entry is roughly US$3 to 6, and the walk takes 1 to 2 hours.
  2. Visitor reception and guide point: The place to arrange a local guide, pay your fee and ask which houses are open to visitors. Guides speak English and Sesotho and know which families are happy to be approached. Allow 15 to 20 minutes, and carry small notes because change can be scarce.
  3. The cliff-base path: A short walk along the foot of the sandstone band shows the overhangs, weathered honeycomb patterns and the fields below. Early morning or late afternoon is best, since midday sun on the rock is hot. It is free with your guide’s company and takes about 45 minutes.
  4. Village craft stalls: Local women sell woven grass items and small handmade goods near the caves. Buying here puts money directly into households that share their homes with visitors. Prices vary by item, often US$2 to 10, and a browse takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Ha Kome sits close enough to Teyateyaneng, known for its weaving studios, and to Thaba Bosiu, the mountain fortress of King Moshoeshoe I, that both fit into separate day trips, with Morija’s museum another option further south. For a first visit, the guided walk through the Ha Kome Cave Houses is the one thing not to skip.
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Things to do near Ha Kome

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🏘️ NeighborhoodsKey areas and districts to know

Ha Kome is a scatter of hamlets rather than a town, so the areas below are best read as places to spend an hour or two each on foot.
  • The Cave Houses. This is the reason to come. Mud-brick walls are plastered into sandstone overhangs, and the rock above is smoke-darkened and cool to the touch. Inside it smells of dust, dung-floor polish and old cooking fires. Hire a local guide, take your time and duck your head. It is compact and walkable in under an hour.
  • The Village Lanes. Dirt tracks run between round rondavels, stone kraals and tiny vegetable plots. You hear roosters, cowbells and children calling out “Lumela” long before you see anyone. It deserves a slow loop, because this is where you see how people live beside the caves today. There are no restaurants, so bring snacks and water.
  • The Ridge
… read more 👉
Ha Kome is a scatter of hamlets rather than a town, so the areas below are best read as places to spend an hour or two each on foot.
  • The Cave Houses. This is the reason to come. Mud-brick walls are plastered into sandstone overhangs, and the rock above is smoke-darkened and cool to the touch. Inside it smells of dust, dung-floor polish and old cooking fires. Hire a local guide, take your time and duck your head. It is compact and walkable in under an hour.
  • The Village Lanes. Dirt tracks run between round rondavels, stone kraals and tiny vegetable plots. You hear roosters, cowbells and children calling out “Lumela” long before you see anyone. It deserves a slow loop, because this is where you see how people live beside the caves today. There are no restaurants, so bring snacks and water.
  • The Ridge and Fields. Climb above the settlement and the sandstone breaks into pale terraces over maize and sorghum fields. Light is harsh at midday and soft in the evening. It is steep, exposed and dusty, so go early. Skip it in a thunderstorm, when the clay turns slick.
  • The Access Road. The last stretch is rough and rutted, and a ride along it is part of the visit. Nothing to see in itself, but it is where you wait for lifts, so carry a hat.
Nights are silent and dark. Nightlife does not exist here, and that is the appeal.

⌛️ 1 dayA smart one-day plan

A slow village morning with a cliff-side afternoon. 8:30 AM, Arrive and meet your guide: Reach Ha Kome early, pay your fee at the reception point and agree on a guide. Early light on the sandstone makes the overhangs easier to photograph and keeps the walk cool.
9:00 AM, Main cave houses: Follow the guide along the central cluster of mud-walled homes. Look at the plastered fronts, the doorways cut to fit the rock and the kitchen corners. Ask permission before photographing anyone. Allow about 90 minutes and stay unhurried.
10:45 AM, Craft stalls: Walk a few minutes to the women selling woven goods. Buy one small piece and spend time talking, which helps more than haggling.
11:30 AM, Cliff-base path: Follow the foot of the sandstone band to see weathering patterns, fields below and the less visited … read more 👉
A slow village morning with a cliff-side afternoon. 8:30 AM, Arrive and meet your guide: Reach Ha Kome early, pay your fee at the reception point and agree on a guide. Early light on the sandstone makes the overhangs easier to photograph and keeps the walk cool.
9:00 AM, Main cave houses: Follow the guide along the central cluster of mud-walled homes. Look at the plastered fronts, the doorways cut to fit the rock and the kitchen corners. Ask permission before photographing anyone. Allow about 90 minutes and stay unhurried.
10:45 AM, Craft stalls: Walk a few minutes to the women selling woven goods. Buy one small piece and spend time talking, which helps more than haggling.
11:30 AM, Cliff-base path: Follow the foot of the sandstone band to see weathering patterns, fields below and the less visited overhangs. This stretch is outside the standard tour, and most visitors turn back before it. Take water and a hat.
1:00 PM, Lunch: Eat what you carried, or ask your host whether a simple meal of pap and relish can be arranged. Village food is plain and filling, and arranging it ahead is wise.
2:30 PM, Quiet walk through the village lanes: Wander the footpaths between houses and fields, greeting people with a friendly “Dumela.” Notice how the village sits against the cliff and how rain channels are kept clear.
4:00 PM, Departure: Head out while the light is still good, since the last stretch of track is easier to drive with daylight left.

🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience

Ha Kome is most comfortable from April to May and from September to October, when days are mild and the sandstone paths are dry.
  • Summer (November to March): Days reach 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F), with afternoon thunderstorms that make the dirt access road slippery. Daylight stretches to roughly 14 hours, so there is time for a long walk. Green fields look their best.
  • Autumn (April to May): Clear skies, 18 to 24°C (64 to 75°F) and fewer clouds. Harvest brings activity to the fields.
  • Winter (June to August): Days of 8 to 17°C (46 to 63°F) and nights that drop below freezing, with about 10 hours of light. The landscape is brown and dry, and stone caves hold the cold. Snow is uncommon at this altitude.
  • Spring (September to October): Warming days of 17 to 25°C (63 to 77°F), before the rains start.
Crowds … read more 👉
Ha Kome is most comfortable from April to May and from September to October, when days are mild and the sandstone paths are dry.
  • Summer (November to March): Days reach 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F), with afternoon thunderstorms that make the dirt access road slippery. Daylight stretches to roughly 14 hours, so there is time for a long walk. Green fields look their best.
  • Autumn (April to May): Clear skies, 18 to 24°C (64 to 75°F) and fewer clouds. Harvest brings activity to the fields.
  • Winter (June to August): Days of 8 to 17°C (46 to 63°F) and nights that drop below freezing, with about 10 hours of light. The landscape is brown and dry, and stone caves hold the cold. Snow is uncommon at this altitude.
  • Spring (September to October): Warming days of 17 to 25°C (63 to 77°F), before the rains start.
Crowds are never an issue and prices barely move through the year. Start walks early to avoid the afternoon storm clouds.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: highly recommended for travelingFEBFebruary: highly recommended for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: excellent for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: good for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: excellent for travelingOCTOctober: excellent for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: highly recommended for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

Most backpackers sleep in Maseru or Teyateyaneng and visit Ha Kome for the day, because beds in the village itself are very limited.
Maseru is the best base for budget travelers. It has the widest choice of hostel dorms, backpacker rooms and guesthouses, plus supermarkets, ATMs and the main minibus rank. Dorm beds usually run US$12 to 20 a night and private rooms US$25 to 45. The ride to Teyateyaneng takes about an hour. Choose a place with a gate and secure parking, and arrive before dark. Streets around the central district are noisy in the evening, so request a room away from the road.
Teyateyaneng … read more 👉
Most backpackers sleep in Maseru or Teyateyaneng and visit Ha Kome for the day, because beds in the village itself are very limited.
Maseru is the best base for budget travelers. It has the widest choice of hostel dorms, backpacker rooms and guesthouses, plus supermarkets, ATMs and the main minibus rank. Dorm beds usually run US$12 to 20 a night and private rooms US$25 to 45. The ride to Teyateyaneng takes about an hour. Choose a place with a gate and secure parking, and arrive before dark. Streets around the central district are noisy in the evening, so request a room away from the road.
Teyateyaneng is the quieter choice and sits much closer to Ha Kome. It has a handful of simple guesthouses with rooms typically around US$20 to 35, little traffic after dark and a market for cheap food. Dorms are rare, so budget for a private room. The trade-off is that evening choices are thin and transport back to Maseru dwindles after late afternoon.
If you want to sleep in the village, ask locally about a homestay or a basic room, usually priced at US$10 to 25 with simple meals possible. Bring a sleeping bag in winter, since nights are cold and heating is minimal. Book ahead where you can and carry cash in small bills.

🚌 Getting aroundMoving around without the hassle

Ha Kome is small enough that you can cross the settlement on foot in 20 minutes, and walking is the only sensible way to see the cave houses and fields. Walking stops making sense on the long gravel road that links the settlement to the main highway, which is dusty, exposed and sun-baked with little shade. The nearest larger town is Teyateyaneng, and there is no public transport inside Ha Kome itself. Expect to plan around the sparse minibus schedule, which thins out considerably by mid-afternoon.
  • Walking. Free, and the right choice around the caves, lanes and ridge. Paths are packed dirt and loose sandstone grit, which gets slippery after rain. Allow one to three hours to see everything at an easy pace. Carry at least 2 liters of water, since shade is rare and the sun at this altitude burns
… read more 👉
Ha Kome is small enough that you can cross the settlement on foot in 20 minutes, and walking is the only sensible way to see the cave houses and fields. Walking stops making sense on the long gravel road that links the settlement to the main highway, which is dusty, exposed and sun-baked with little shade. The nearest larger town is Teyateyaneng, and there is no public transport inside Ha Kome itself. Expect to plan around the sparse minibus schedule, which thins out considerably by mid-afternoon.
  • Walking. Free, and the right choice around the caves, lanes and ridge. Paths are packed dirt and loose sandstone grit, which gets slippery after rain. Allow one to three hours to see everything at an easy pace. Carry at least 2 liters of water, since shade is rare and the sun at this altitude burns fast.
  • Minibus taxi to Teyateyaneng. From Maseru, shared minibuses run to Teyateyaneng for about US$2 to 3 and take around an hour, leaving when full. They start early in the morning and become scarce late afternoon. They are loud, packed and cheerful, with luggage on your knees, and the best value on the route.
  • Local taxi or bakkie to the village. From Teyateyaneng, a shared ride toward Ha Kome costs roughly US$2 to 4 when one is running, and a private hire runs about US$10 to 25 each way depending on your bargaining and the road conditions. The rough final stretch takes 30 to 60 minutes. Agree on the price and a return pickup time before you leave, because there is no reliable way to flag down a ride back.
  • Hitchhiking. Common among locals along the main road, with drivers often asking a small contribution of about US$1 to 2. It is slow and unpredictable, so start early and do not rely on it for a flight or tight connection.
  • Rental car. From Maseru, rentals start at roughly US$40 to 60 a day, and the drive takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. A high-clearance vehicle makes the gravel road far less nerve-racking, and driving gives you freedom to leave on your own schedule. Fuel up in Maseru or Teyateyaneng, since there are no stations nearby.
For most backpackers, a minibus to Teyateyaneng plus a negotiated ride onward is the best balance of cost and reliability. Plan to arrive by midday and leave before the light fades, when ride availability drops sharply.

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

Ha Kome costs a backpacker roughly US$29 to 51 per day, mostly because accommodation and transport must be arranged in nearby Maseru or Teyateyaneng.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodationUS$12 to 18Beds are in Maseru, since the village has almost no formal lodging. A basic guesthouse room in Teyateyaneng costs more.
MealsUS$6 to 10Pap, stew and chicken at local eateries, plus groceries from supermarkets. Food is not sold at the caves, so pack lunch.
Local transportUS$4 to 10Shared minibuses cost US$2 to 3 each way to Teyateyaneng, and onward rides add a few dollars. Private hire costs more.
Basic activities and entry feesUS$4 to 8A local guide and a small fee for the cave houses, paid in cash. Tipping the guide is appreciated.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$3 to 5Water, snacks, mobile data
… read more 👉
Ha Kome costs a backpacker roughly US$29 to 51 per day, mostly because accommodation and transport must be arranged in nearby Maseru or Teyateyaneng.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodationUS$12 to 18Beds are in Maseru, since the village has almost no formal lodging. A basic guesthouse room in Teyateyaneng costs more.
MealsUS$6 to 10Pap, stew and chicken at local eateries, plus groceries from supermarkets. Food is not sold at the caves, so pack lunch.
Local transportUS$4 to 10Shared minibuses cost US$2 to 3 each way to Teyateyaneng, and onward rides add a few dollars. Private hire costs more.
Basic activities and entry feesUS$4 to 8A local guide and a small fee for the cave houses, paid in cash. Tipping the guide is appreciated.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$3 to 5Water, snacks, mobile data and a small craft purchase. ATMs are in towns, not at the village.
Total Daily BudgetUS$29 to 51Prices are payable in the local currency, the loti, with South African rand also commonly accepted.
Share a private taxi with other travelers from Teyateyaneng and split the fare, which can halve your transport costs.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsWhere to go beyond the main area

Ha Kome works well as a half-day stop on a loop from Maseru, and it combines easily with other lowland sights nearby, all without an overnight.Teyateyaneng and Its Weavers: Teyateyaneng, known as TY, sits about 30 kilometers from Ha Kome and is the district center of Berea. It is famous for mohair and wool tapestries woven by local cooperatives, which you can buy straight from the workshops. Expect to pay US$15 to 60 for a wall hanging, and total costs for the day, including transport, of about US$10 to 15 without a purchase. Visit on a weekday morning when looms are working, and do not arrive on a Sunday, when most workshops close.
👉 Explore TeyateyanengThaba-Bosiu: The flat-topped sandstone mountain where King Moshoeshoe I built his stronghold is the most important historic site in the country, … read more 👉
Ha Kome works well as a half-day stop on a loop from Maseru, and it combines easily with other lowland sights nearby, all without an overnight.Teyateyaneng and Its Weavers: Teyateyaneng, known as TY, sits about 30 kilometers from Ha Kome and is the district center of Berea. It is famous for mohair and wool tapestries woven by local cooperatives, which you can buy straight from the workshops. Expect to pay US$15 to 60 for a wall hanging, and total costs for the day, including transport, of about US$10 to 15 without a purchase. Visit on a weekday morning when looms are working, and do not arrive on a Sunday, when most workshops close.
👉 Explore TeyateyanengThaba-Bosiu: The flat-topped sandstone mountain where King Moshoeshoe I built his stronghold is the most important historic site in the country, about 1 to 1.5 hours away by road with a change in Maseru or by hired car. A local guide leads you around the summit, past the royal graves and old defensive positions, for roughly US$5 to 8, and the climb takes about 45 minutes. Go in the dry months from April to October, when paths are firm, and start early before the heat builds. First-timers often skip the guide and miss the stories that give the plateau meaning.
Maseru: The capital makes an easy day out, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes by road. Walk the Kingdom craft markets, try pap and stew at local eateries and browse the Basotho Hat craft stalls, with the full day costing about US$15 to 25 including food and transport. Weekdays are best, as the center is calmer on Sundays and many shops close early on Saturday afternoons. Return before dusk, since minibuses run less often once the light fades.
👉 Explore Maseru

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Ha Kome

Ha Kome is a quiet, rural settlement where the main risks are practical ones, not crime. Violent incidents involving visitors are rare, and villagers tend to be welcoming and curious. The real issues are uneven ground, sun exposure at altitude and sudden afternoon storms that make slopes slick. Wear sturdy shoes, carry water and avoid scrambling on loose sandstone alone.
Stay on marked paths near the caves and ask before photographing people or their homes, as a small tip or a friendly greeting goes a long way. Hiring a local guide is courteous, and it puts money straight into the community. Do not leave bags unattended in a parked vehicle in Maseru or Teyateyaneng, where opportunistic theft occurs, and keep your phone out of sight in crowded minibus ranks. Solo travelers should plan to leave … read more 👉
Ha Kome is a quiet, rural settlement where the main risks are practical ones, not crime. Violent incidents involving visitors are rare, and villagers tend to be welcoming and curious. The real issues are uneven ground, sun exposure at altitude and sudden afternoon storms that make slopes slick. Wear sturdy shoes, carry water and avoid scrambling on loose sandstone alone.
Stay on marked paths near the caves and ask before photographing people or their homes, as a small tip or a friendly greeting goes a long way. Hiring a local guide is courteous, and it puts money straight into the community. Do not leave bags unattended in a parked vehicle in Maseru or Teyateyaneng, where opportunistic theft occurs, and keep your phone out of sight in crowded minibus ranks. Solo travelers should plan to leave before dark, because rides are scarce and the road is unlit. No tourist scams are known here, though prices for private rides can start high, so agree on a fare first.

FAQTraveler FAQ

Ha Kome is worth a visit if you enjoy cultural and historical sights, but it is not a place to build a trip around. The sandstone cave houses, still home to Basotho families, can be seen in one to three hours, and a guide costs roughly US$5 to 8. Combine them with Thaba-Bosiu or the weavers of Teyateyaneng for a fuller day.
One day is enough for Ha Kome, and half a day will cover the caves, the lanes and a short ridge walk. A second day makes sense only if you want to add Thaba-Bosiu or Teyateyaneng. Travel from Maseru takes roughly 1 hour 15 minutes by road, so a full day trip leaves plenty of time on site.
Ha Kome works well as a day trip from Maseru, which is about 1 hour 15 minutes away by hired car and a little longer by minibus via Teyateyaneng. Shared taxis cost roughly US$2 to 3 to Teyateyaneng, with a further ride of US$2 to 4 or a private hire of US$10 to 25 for the final stretch. Leave Maseru early and be back on the road before late afternoon, when public transport becomes scarce.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Basotho towns near Ha Kome

Explore more nearby:

  • Teyateyaneng—craft markets, weaving workshops, roadside town| 16 km away
  • Ha Ntsi—small village, rural landscape, community life| 21 km away
  • Peka—agricultural center, roadside stalls, rural crossroads| 32 km away

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We 💚 feedbackIs it worth it?

Ha Kome is best in the early morning, when the sandstone catches low light, smoke starts rising from the houses and the guides are fresh and chatty. I would go in the dry months of autumn or winter, when tracks are firm, and bring small notes for the guide and crafts. Skip the midday heat.

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The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Lesotho. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



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👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.