Mohale's Hoek is named after Moshoeshoe's younger brother, who was appointed by Moshoeshoe as principal chief of the area. Previously large parts of the present district had fallen under the chief of Baphuthi, Moorosi, who moved from his village at Maphutseng across the Senqu into what is now the Quthing District. A large number of Baphuthi, still live in the Mohale's Hoek District. A significant number of them still speak Sephutim, a language more closely related to Zulu.
The original government headquarters were destroyed during the Gun War and the present town was established in 1884, 5km south of "Old Hoek". Mohale's Hoek today has a population of 7000 and amenities include a hotel, a supermarket, several stores, a number of commercial buildings and a modern hospital. The town has a water supply pumped from the MakhalengRiver, which rarely runs dry. Boreholes in the area guarantee that the supply is not interrupted.
Two kilometers to the south of Mohales Hoek on the Quthing road are the inter-connecting caves where cannibals lived in the 19th century, under Motlejoa, not only historical, but also very scenic. These caves can be reached by vehicle and a short climb or by horseback.
Seven km to the north on the Mafeteng road is Thaba Ts'oeu, a petrified forest. You can park at the village and hike up to the forest, famous for its petrified tree trunks, which are found in the topmost layer of sandstone.
The south of Lesotho is rich in traditional Basotho culture, and ethnic life styles of the Basotho can be experienced at nearby villages and mission stations. Dinosaur foot prints and San rock art can also be seen in the south.
