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Maphutseng Dinosaur Footprints

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Maphutseng Dinosaur Footprints (Lesotho)

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The Maphutseng Dinosaur Footprints represent one of the most significant paleontological sites in Southern Africa, situated near the town of Mohale's Hoek in Lesotho. The country is globally renowned for its high concentration of Mesozoic fossils, and Maphutseng features one of the clearest examples of prehistoric trackways. Embedded in a vast sandstone slab, hundreds of distinct footprints can be seen, left behind by various species during the Early Jurassic period, over 200 million years ago. These tracks include those of the Lesothosaurus, a small bipedal herbivore that is an iconic symbol of the region's ancient history. Scientists study these paths to determine the gait, speed, and social patterns of dinosaurs that once roamed the lush floodplains of the ancient Karoo Basin. For tourists, the site provides a tangible connection to deep time, set against Lesotho's dramatic mountainous terrain. Local guides enhance the experience by pointing out specific details in the rock that distinguish different types of dinosaurs, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in geology or natural history.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C201917131066813161820
Rain mm1059275552120112520648098

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Maphutseng dinosaur footprints are exposed in a sandstone formation and can be freely viewed. The tracks are well-preserved and clearly visible.
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Typical hours
As an open-air site, there are no opening hours. Visit during daylight; the best time is early morning or late afternoon.
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Photography
Photographing the footprints is unrestricted. For a better perspective, kneel beside the tracks or use a wide-angle lens.
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Time needed
Allow about 20-30 minutes to view and photograph the footprints. For a geological exploration of the area, allow more time.
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Combine with
Combine this site with the nearby Maphutseng Nature Site, where you can also see the current flora. Visiting both is possible in half a day.
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Getting there
The site is near Maphutseng village, reachable via a dirt road. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended, especially after rain.
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Insider tip
Bring a tape measure to gauge the size of the footprints - some exceed 50 cm. Visit early to make use of the soft morning light.

Geography

Coordinates
-30.18550, 27.42250

Facts

  • The footprints are approximately 200 million years old.
  • They cover an area of 100 m².
  • Over 50 footprints have been identified.
  • Footprints are from sauropods and theropods.
  • The site is at 1,600 m elevation.
  • Declared a national monument in 1995.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

MaphutsengMaphutseng4 km · SExplore →
Mohale's HoekMohale's Hoek6 km · NEExplore →
MaphutsanengMaphutsaneng9 km · SEExplore →
Maphutseng Nature SiteMaphutseng Nature Site19 km · NEExplore →
Holy Cross MissionHoly Cross Mission20 km · EExplore →
Makhaleng RiverMakhaleng River21 km · NExplore →
Bethesda ChurchBethesda Church24 km · NExplore →
Villa Maria MissionVilla Maria Mission27 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How old are the Maphutseng footprints?
The footprints date from the Triassic period and are approximately 200 million years old.
What animals do the tracks come from?
They are fossilized tracks of early dinosaurs, likely Euskelosaurus.
Is a local guide needed?
A local guide is recommended to find the hidden rock formations more easily.
Is the terrain suitable for children?
Yes, searching for dino footprints is an exciting adventure for families.
Is there a visitor center?
There is no formal facility; the site is mostly freely accessible in the terrain.
Maphutseng Dinosaur Footprints: where is it located?
Maphutseng Dinosaur Footprints is located in Lesotho.
Maphutseng Dinosaur Footprints: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Maphutseng Dinosaur Footprints: why is it worth visiting?
The Maphutseng Dinosaur Footprints represent one of the most significant paleontological sites in Southern Africa, situated near the town of Mohale's Hoek in Lesotho.
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Nearby cities

Mofoka Village — Maphutseng Dinosaur Footprints (Lesotho)
Mofoka Village
Mofoka Village is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and historical importance as a regional chieftaincy seat.

History & landmarks

Maphutseng Nature Site — Maphutseng Dinosaur Footprints (Lesotho)
Maphutseng Nature Site
Famous for fossilized dinosaur footprints, this area also provides insight into the region's geological history and current flora.
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Ellenberger Cave
The Ellenberger Cave was the private retreat and study of the famous missionary and historian David Ellenberger.
Siloe Hill — Maphutseng Dinosaur Footprints (Lesotho)
Siloe Hill
Siloe Hill is a historic center of the Paris Evangelical Missionary Society in southwestern Lesotho.
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Sepapu's Gate
A border crossing in southern Lesotho supporting local commerce and the exchange of goods between regional communities.
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Masitise Nature Site
This area near Quthing includes a historic cave house and protects the surrounding sandstone cliffs and their unique flora.
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Qhomane Hill
Qhomane Hill served as a strategic mountain fortress during the 19th-century Basotho border wars.
Quthing Dinosaur Tracks — Maphutseng Dinosaur Footprints (Lesotho)
Quthing Dinosaur Tracks
Located near Moyeni, this site hosts one of the densest collections of dinosaur trackways in southern Africa on a tilted rock surface.
Mafeteng Court House — Maphutseng Dinosaur Footprints (Lesotho)
Mafeteng Court House
The historic court house in Mafeteng is a classic example of colonial administrative architecture.

Nature

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Telle River Nature Area
This area on the border with South Africa protects the riverine landscape of the Telle.
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Likhoele Mountain Reserve
A protected area near Mafeteng focusing on the conservation of highland biodiversity.
Mafeteng Wetland — Maphutseng Dinosaur Footprints (Lesotho)
Mafeteng Wetland
This marshy area in western Lesotho is an important sanctuary for waterbirds in an otherwise dry region.
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Thaba-Tele Mountain
Thaba-Tele is a prominent peak in the Quthing District.

More places

St. Stephen's Anglican Church — Maphutseng Dinosaur Footprints (Lesotho)
St. Stephen's Anglican Church
This Anglican church in Mohale's Hoek is a significant architectural landmark.
Holy Cross Mission — Maphutseng Dinosaur Footprints (Lesotho)
Holy Cross Mission
A significant Catholic mission station in southern Lesotho.
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Bethesda Church
Bethesda Church is a significant religious monument known for its early missionary history.
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Villa Maria Mission
A picturesque Catholic mission located in western Lesotho.
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Bethesda Mission
Bethesda is a historic evangelical mission located near Mafeteng.
Telle Bridge (Border) — Maphutseng Dinosaur Footprints (Lesotho)
Telle Bridge (Border)
The Telle Bridge connects Lesotho with South Africa in the southwest.
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St. Luke's Mission
St.
Masitise Cave — Maphutseng Dinosaur Footprints (Lesotho)
Masitise Cave
Masitise Cave House is a unique museum located in a former parsonage built into a natural cave.