Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village reads as a really great experience in reality it has a lot to improve in many areas within the Tourism Industry. We had booked 3 nights for “ The Cultural Experience “ we were sadly very disappointed. |In 50 years plus of International travel and many of those within the Tourism Industry I have never been told that a confirmed rate with a confirmation email wasn’t valid and that I would have to pay the higher rate. Explaining that to the Receptionist was not happening and that I would have to go online to check met no alternative than to pay the extra amount. To make my experience with the check in I was told to pay cash and not by card, telling the Receptionist that was not possible fell on deaf ears, I agreed to pay some of the balance in cash but the remainder I would pay on check out and by card. I asked if there was a restaurant open, we’d had a long drive and in need of refreshments and where was our room all she did was point that the restaurant was over there and your room down the road on the right. Her main concern was that we couldn’t stay at the weekend as they had a huge event.||We headed to the restaurant ordered 2 beef burgers and 2 drinks the waiter returned saying there wasn’t any burger buns ! We settled for a sandwich and fries, we asked him where our room might be he kindly told us and in fact he was the most helpful of the hotel staff. Going to the room it looked nice enough, looking for the hotel directory for the Wi-Fi code there wasn’t one, a walk back to the Reception to ask, the Receptionist was still on duty with another I asked for the code saying I wanted to check my confirmation email the other Receptionist gave there’s code I produced the confirmation email and still check in Receptionist insisted that I’d have to pay the higher rate, until the other Receptionist said to her that I didn’t. I explained that I’d paid an amount in cash and that the remainder would be by my card,she said she would adjust the rate to the confirmed rate.||In the evening we went to the Restaurant for dinner, the waitress came we gave her our order, coated mushrooms followed by steak for my husband chicken fillet for me, she returned minutes later no mushrooms we said we’d have soup, no soup we asked what there was and she answered No, we assumed nothing no starters were available. On arrival of the main the steak looked ok, as for the chicken fillet it had a thin leg not what I expected. The waitress returned my husband asked for ice cream, No ok what have you carrot cake. With that we left rather dejected and annoyed by all the staff sat around on their mobile phones without any care to the guests. ||Breakfast a similar story the staff walking around on their phones, some of them getting their own breakfasts and eating it in full view of the guests they just could not be bothered, there were some staff in jeans and outdoor jackets, a completely disorganised establishment.||Our second day was as the previous day in the restaurant, the Event at the weekend had a huge amount of work being done so areas were blocked off to guests. The actual Cultural Village looks abandoned, I went for walk around it and most of the paths through it are over grown and just a few signs with which hut is which, I didn’t learn much. After the second evening in the Restaurant I went to the Reception asking to see The Manager a gentleman said it was himself I explained our stay so far and that we would be leaving in the morning he was very apologetic, agreeing with everything I told him. I explained that while the whole industry worldwide has suffered due to the pandemic now is the time to give excellent service. He wanted us to stay free for a night I could not see the point, nothing would be different. ||We were to stay 3 nights however on the third morning the door had jammed, the phone didn’t work, after some time a gardener appeared and found the handyman. During our time in our room we found that the electric fire had a broken rung |, in the bathroom shower cubicle once had a shelf the two metal fixtures had been left these had sharp ends that if you weren’t careful you could hurt yourself. It’s rated 4* yet there’s not even an hairdryer available.||All in all Thaba Bosiu could be an excellent hotel it is sadly isn’t the potential is there but unless there is a infrastructure put in place it will fall in to further disrepair, the staff need training. We didn’t visit Lesotho with expectations of developed tourism, tourism is in its infancy it’s a beautiful rugged country with breathtaking views, although the pot holes are among the biggest we’ve ever seen. Would we visit again, yes we would but unfortunately not...
   Read moreThaba Bosiu Cultural Village, located near Lesotho's capital, Maseru, stands as a testament to the rich history and culture of the Basotho people. With an entry fee of 140 Maloti, visitors are granted access to a world where the past and present of Lesotho merge seamlessly, offering a unique glimpse into the heart of Basotho heritage.
Upon arrival, the modest entry fee seems a small price to pay for the wealth of experience that awaits. The guided tour is the highlight of the visit, led by knowledgeable guides who bring the history of Lesotho to life. As you walk through the village, the guide recounts the tales of King Moshoeshoe I, the founder of the Basotho Nation, and his strategic brilliance in using Thaba Bosiu as a natural fortress during conflicts.
The tour covers various aspects of Lesotho's culture, from traditional dwellings and artifacts to the sacred rituals and practices that have been preserved over centuries. The guides are adept at weaving the narrative of Lesotho's past with its implications for the present and future, engaging visitors in a thoughtful exploration of Basotho identity.
Moreover, the Cultural Village itself is a marvel, with replicas of traditional Basotho huts and the real Thaba Bosiu plateau in the background, providing a scenic backdrop that enhances the storytelling. The experience is immersive, allowing visitors to feel a part of the history and culture being shared.
One of the tour's strengths lies in its ability to cater to both history enthusiasts and casual tourists. The information provided is in-depth enough to satisfy those with a keen interest in Lesotho's past, yet accessible and engaging for all audiences. The tour guides are open to questions, ready to delve deeper into topics of interest or clarify any aspects of the story.
In conclusion, the Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village offers more than just a glimpse into the history of Lesotho; it provides an immersive experience that educates and inspires. The entry fee of 140 Maloti is a small investment for the rich cultural and historical insights gained. This visit not only deepens one's appreciation for Lesotho's heritage but also highlights the importance of preserving such knowledge for future...
   Read moreThe standard of accommodation is excellent from the build quality to the linens. Unfortunately its really difficult to compliment any other aspect. There seems to be a general lack of awareness regarding hospitality. We experienced unattended reception on arrival.Bookings made online cancelled then reinstated only after calling reservations to ask why a confirmed booking was refused. The place was dark on arrival and finding our rooms was very difficult. Keys did not work in the door due to the imprinted fobs being altered with marker pen. One of our rooms was not made up correctly and housekeeping had to attend. The restaurant bar was poorly stocked and the food was overcooked. Dessert was not available as the kitchen had closed and as we paid our waiter the lights were unceremoniously switched off.||We were left feeling like we were an imposition to the staff as we finished our meal which would have been completed much sooner if we could have checked in to prepared rooms without delay.||||This place could be the jewel of Lesotho everything is in place but basic hospitality needs to be taught for the Village to reach an...
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