A lodge in the foothills of the Maloti Mountains, family run with great food. As the name suggests, this location has been an important trading post for many years. It was called "Ha Baseane" by the Basotho after John Thorn who established Roma Trading Post in 1903 as a base shop and lived there until he died in 1957. The 4th generation of his family are still there today.
King Mosheshoe allowed Father Gerard and his missionaries to settle in Roma Valley in 1862 which is a huge natural amphitheatre. The first Catholic Mission in the country was set up here. The University of Lesotho is also in the valley and dates back to 1945.
From Ramabanta you can explore the area on foot, pony or in a 4x4 vehicle. Birdwatching in the area is good with over 300 species recorded. Fishing in the mountain valley streams is a popular seasonal pastime. Explore the caves and san bushman art, some of which dates back over 40,000 years.
Accommodation here is booked on a bed and breakfast basis, or dinner can also be included by prior arrangement. The lodge can also supply packed lunches. Maseru, the capital of Lesotho is about 30km away.
Excursions and sites of interest in the area include:
Crafters and weavers, Basotho Pony Trekking Project, Mohale Dam (90 mins), Malutsenyane Falls (about 3 hours away), Bushman paintings (30 mins away), 20 mins to Thaba Bosiu, the Basotho Fortress and resting place of King Moshoeshoe the first, 20 mins walk from Dinosaur footprints.
