ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF

What are you looking for?

ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY
Email us
(optional)

Incredible Lives: The Basotho Shepherds of the Drakensberg

Antoinette Booyse

Author: Antoinette Booyse - 4 December 2017

Last Update: 30 January 2024

Part of the South Africa Safaris & South African & African Safari Collection

If you are planning to visit the beautiful South Africa, with it’s eleven official languages and a multitude of cultures, you should be prepared to come across the distinct Basotho people. The Basotho are native to the independent, and land-locked Lesotho, as well as the Drakensberg region of Kwazulu Natal. The Basotho people are one with the mountainous terrain of the highlands and the shepherds know every peak and valley as well as they know their own children.

Incredible Lives: The Basotho Shepherds of the Drakensberg

A dazzling landscape

Drakensberg is the eastern part of the Great Escarpment enclosing the famous Central South African plateau. The escarpment stretches from the Eastern Cape Province, Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal province. This unique terrain makes it less suitable for agriculture but the high altitude offers great grazing areas for this community of shepherds.

A courageous occupation

The Basotho people are known to own land communally and are largely shepherds, who follow their sheep and goats along the rocky crags of the Drakensberg mountains. Their villages comprise huts or kraals. The shepherds are mainly boys aged between eight and eighteen years who usually live in small huts dotted along the grazing areas of the imposing

Drakensberg, referred to as Motibo. In Basotho culture, the responsibility of tending sheep is ascribed to these young lads as a rite of passage where they are initiated into manhood and prove their fortitude and strength.

Incredible Lives: The Basotho Shepherds of the Drakensberg

Young men learn their way around the formidable Drakensberg from a young age

Dressing for the mountain

Basotho shepherds need to dress warmly for the changeable climate of the high mountain peaks. One can usually find them draped in beautifully patterned blankets for comfort and warmth and this has become synonymous with their cultural identity. Animal hides are also symbols of the wise men of the village; often medicine men who perform important rituals in the community. Bell-shaped straw hats are another distinct piece of traditional dress that indicate you have come across the Basotho.

A Basotho shepherd carries a heavy stick decorated with colourful, electrical wire woven into unique patterns. These are the mountain guardians’ totems, used both as a weapon and as a sign of maturity. However, modernisation and the influence of the westerners has changed the way the Basotho represent themselves in terms of their attire.

Incredible Lives: The Basotho Shepherds of the Drakensberg

The Basotho hold their leaders in high esteem as the guardians of their culture and spiritual enlightenment

Fierce companions

Most of the Basotho shepherds are often accompanied by huge dogs which help them in their shepherding. These dogs usually help in protecting the livestock from livestock predators, like jackals and encourage stray animals to tow the line.

If you are visiting this fascinating place as a hiker who wants to climb the majestic Drakensberg and Maluti mountains, it is an absolute joy to come across a people who call the mountain their home. We’re in awe of such bravery and commitment to ancient practices. If you’re lucky enough to meet a lonely shepherd on your South African safari, a friendly smile and small token of respect will go a long way. Not only is your safari about enjoying the picturesque landscape of the country, but also learning about other people.


Why travel with us?

Recent reviews from travellers who planned and booked their Africa trips with Discover Africa Safaris
Amazing experience!

Namibia & Botswana Safari Review

Mike R , United States
18 Oct 2023
Susan at Discover Africa arranged an excellent tour for us!

&Beyond Camps Review

Kamcilla, Monaco
17 Feb 2022
Planning excellent - tailored to our needs - efficient and helpful at...

A Namibia Safari Adventure Review

Adele, South Africa
26 Apr 2021
Hassle free and very professional service from start to finish.

Motswari Game Reserve & Cape Town Tour Review

Debbie, Australia
16 Mar 2020
Amazing safari in Sabi sands game reserve!

Big Five at Sabi Sands Review

Flyingbee, Denmark
06 May 2019
Friendly contact and quick responses!

Anniversary Botswana Trip Review

Thomas, Switzerland
03 Feb 2017
Copyright © Discover Africa Safaris | Incredible Lives: The Basotho Shepherds of the Drakensberg | Last Updated: 30 January 2024