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Subeng Dinosaur Footprints

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Subeng Dinosaur Footprints (Lesotho)

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Located near the town of Hlotse within the bed of the Subeng River, this site contains some of the most remarkably preserved dinosaur footprints in Southern Africa. Dating back over 180 million years to the Early Jurassic period, these tracks are etched into flat layers of sandstone that once formed the soft, muddy banks of a prehistoric waterway. The site is notable for showcasing at least three distinct types of dinosaur tracks, representing both carnivorous theropods and larger herbivorous species. Some footprints are so well-defined that the fine details of toe pads and claw marks are still visible in the rock today. Because the tracks are located within an active river channel, they are best viewed during the dry season when the water levels recede to expose the fossilized stone floor. These footprints provide crucial scientific evidence of the ancient ecosystems that existed in this region long before the formation of the Maloti Mountains, making it a key destination for paleontologists and history enthusiasts alike.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C201917131077913161719
Rain mm1159480541718821226595112

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Subeng dinosaur footprints are in a riverbed near Hlotse and freely accessible. The prints are best viewed at low water and are outdoors.
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Typical hours
The site is accessible anytime, but footprint visibility depends on water level. Early morning or after dry periods conditions are usually good.
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Photography
Photography is certainly allowed and encouraged to capture the footprints. A polarizing filter can help reduce reflections on wet stone.
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Time needed
Viewing the footprints takes about 30 minutes including photos. Those wanting to explore the surroundings should allow an hour.
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Combine with
The town of Hlotse has other sights like the market and old bridge. A drive along the river leads to scenic picnic spots.
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Getting there
The footprints are reachable on foot from the parking area on the road between Hlotse and the border. The walk is short but the riverbed can be slippery; sturdy shoes recommended.
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Insider tip
Visit the site early morning when light is low and prints stand out better. Avoid stepping on the footprints to preserve them.

Geography

Coordinates
-28.86670, 28.23330

Facts

  • Age: approximately 200 million years.
  • Over 200 individual footprints.
  • Track length: up to 50 cm.
  • Theropod and sauropod tracks.
  • Discovered in the 1950s.
  • Protected since 1974.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Major Bell's TowerMajor Bell's Tower<1 km · SExplore →
Makhomalong RangeMakhomalong Range5 km · SWExplore →
St Paul AnglicanSt Paul Anglican10 km · NExplore →
Khabo'sKhabo's10 km · EExplore →
MenkhoanengMenkhoaneng10 km · NEExplore →
Butha-Buthe Plateau (Heritage)Butha-Buthe Plateau (Heritage)11 km · NExplore →
Hlotse RiverHlotse River13 km · WExplore →
Pitseng GorgePitseng Gorge14 km · SExplore →

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

Where exactly are the footprints located?
They are located in the Subeng Stream bed, approximately 7 km north of Hlotse (Leribe).
Is a guide necessary?
A local guide is helpful to quickly find the tracks, which are often hidden in the rock.
How many types of dinosaurs are represented here?
There are tracks from at least three different dinosaur species from the early Jurassic period.
Is there an entrance fee?
There is no official fee, but a small tip for local helpers is customary.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season is convenient, as the riverbed has less water and the tracks are exposed.
Subeng Dinosaur Footprints: where is it located?
Subeng Dinosaur Footprints is located in Lesotho.
Subeng Dinosaur Footprints: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Subeng Dinosaur Footprints: why is it worth visiting?
Located near the town of Hlotse within the bed of the Subeng River, this site contains some of the most remarkably preserved dinosaur footprints in Southern Africa.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

🗺️
Menkhoaneng
Menkhoaneng is the birthplace of King Moshoeshoe I, the founder of the Basotho nation.
Mofoka Village — Subeng 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

Leribe Craft Centre — Subeng Dinosaur Footprints (Lesotho)
Leribe Craft Centre
The Leribe Craft Centre is a historic center for traditional Basotho weaving and crafts.
Caledonspoort Gate — Subeng Dinosaur Footprints (Lesotho)
Caledonspoort Gate
A busy border crossing near Butha-Buthe, central to the movement of goods and tourism between the two countries.
Liphofung Centre — Subeng Dinosaur Footprints (Lesotho)
Liphofung Centre
The Liphofung Cultural Centre protects a historic cave shelter featuring significant San rock paintings.
Katse Botanical Garden — Subeng Dinosaur Footprints (Lesotho)
Katse Botanical Garden
The highest botanical garden in Africa was established to rescue plants threatened by the Katse Dam.
Maluti Hospital — Subeng Dinosaur Footprints (Lesotho)
Maluti Hospital
The Maluti Adventist Hospital is a historic medical institution known for its pioneering healthcare work.

Nature

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Pelaneng Wildlife Area
A remote area in the upper Malibamatso River basin known for its pristine nature.
Thaba-Li-Mpe — Subeng Dinosaur Footprints (Lesotho)
Thaba-Li-Mpe
Thaba-Li-Mpe is a prominent peak in the Maloti Range.
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Maloti Highlands Hotspot
A central high plateau featuring one of the highest concentrations of endemic plant species in Lesotho.
Oxbow Alpine Area — Subeng Dinosaur Footprints (Lesotho)
Oxbow Alpine Area
This high-altitude region is known for its extreme conditions and specialized alpine fauna.

More places

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Major Bell's Tower
This defensive tower in Hlotse was built by the British during the Gun War.
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St. Joseph's Cathedral
This impressive cathedral in Hlotse is a center of the Catholic faith in northern Lesotho.
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Makhomalong Range
The Makhomalong Range is an offshoot of the Maloti Mountains in the north, known for its jagged peaks and deep-cut gorges.
St Paul Anglican — Subeng Dinosaur Footprints (Lesotho)
St Paul Anglican
St Paul's Anglican Church is a historic sacred building in the heart of the Butha-Buthe district.
St Pauls Mission — Subeng Dinosaur Footprints (Lesotho)
St Pauls Mission
St Paul's is a historic Anglican mission near Butha-Buthe, established in the early 20th century.
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Butha-Buthe Plateau (Heritage)
The plateau above the town of Butha-Buthe was the first stronghold of King Moshoeshoe I.
St. Paul Mission — Subeng Dinosaur Footprints (Lesotho)
St. Paul Mission
This mission in Butha-Buthe is a prominent landmark in northern Lesotho.
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Pitseng Gorge
A deep sandstone gorge near Leribe, known for its dramatic rock formations and cool river pools.