Rain, resilience, culture and the spirit of King Moshoeshoe

Mompoloki Rankgate | Tuesday March 24, 2026 08:54

The historic hike traces the footsteps of the legendary Basotho founder, King Moshoeshoe I from Menkhoaneng to Thaba Bosui in a three-day walk of 116 kilometres.

This year’s walk will be remembered not only for its historical significance but for the relentless rain that transformed the trail into a gruelling adventure.

A day that started with clear skies suddenly changed, as dark clouds gathered over the mountains and valleys. Before we could complete the exciting first day, the sky opened and the rain began to fall, first gently, then steadily and eventually our clothes were soaked to the earth.

Yet the rain did little to dampen the spirit of the walkers. Ponchos, plastic bags and soaked jackets became the uniform of the day as participants pressed forward, boots squelching in the mud. The downpour painted the landscape in deeper shades of green, revealing breathtaking scenery that seemed almost alive under the mist.

Rolling hills, swollen streams and mist-covered ridges created a dramatic backdrop for the historic walk. Nature, in all its wild beauty, became both companion and challenger. The rain turned every step into a story. Knees strained under the weight of long distances and slippery terrain, but we finally we made it to our camp at Ramonakali Primary School where we would rest.

We pitched our tents in the drizzling rain, as we had no other choice. By the grace of God the drops stopped for a moment and allowed us to prepare our dinner which we did swiftly.

Unfortunately some of us woke up with wet blankets as water found its way into our tents and we entered Day 2 of the walk with nothing but relentless rain. The sad part was that they were no moments to capture the scenery moments because of the rain.

Rivers refused to be ignored and perhaps the most dramatic moments came when we had to cross them. We found that normally manageable streams had swelled into forceful currents. Walkers had no choice but to wade through water that sometimes reached their knees and, in deeper sections, nearly submerged them.

Some used horses to cross such rivers with enterprising companions on the trail charging fees to use it them. We crossed the streams and rivers hands linked together for balance as the waters rushed by. Shoes soaked, trousers heavy with water, the determination of the walkers was unmistakable.

By the lunch time it was debatable whether the walk would go on. A decision was made to cut short the walk and though understanding, some were left disappointed as we wanted to experience what we missed the other year.

Not only did walkers suffer but even the support struggled as vehicles meant to provide necessities found themselves battling the same elements. Cars and trucks attempting to navigate the dirt roads frequently became trapped in thick mud. Some had to be pushed by groups of walkers, their tyres spinning helplessly in the slippery ground but these moments also sparked laughter and teamwork as strangers joined forces to free stuck vehicles.

Beyond the physical challenge, the walk remains a powerful cultural gathering. Participants came not only from Lesotho but from across the region. Large numbers of Batswana joined the pilgrimage as always, adding to the vibrant diversity of languages, songs and stories along the route.

Different cultures met on the same muddy trail sharing food, helping each other through rivers and exchanging jokes in multiple languages. It was a reminder that the walk is more than a physical journey. It is a cultural bridge.

In the midst of this multicultural exchange, language itself became part of the experience. Participants laughed at the many words that sound the same across languages but carry completely different meanings. A word that might mean something humorous in Setswana could mean something entirely different in Sesotho or English. These playful misunderstandings sparked conversations and laughter, turning strangers into companions on the trail. A fellow walker, Victor Baatweng kept on singing Third Mind’s song called SeSotho Ke SeChina in reference to this difference.

The brutality of the walk for many became a battle of endurance. Fatigue crept into muscles already challenged by steep climbs and muddy descents. At rest points, walkers stretched aching legs and compared wounds of the trail blisters, cramps and the occasional twisted knee. The walk demanded resilience, and resilience answered.

Despite the rain, the mud, the swollen rivers and the physical strain, the walkers refused to surrender. Step by step, they pressed forward. Traditional songs became part of the spirit to push us. Others walked quietly, focused on reaching the finishing point. By the time many crossed the finish line, they were exhausted, bruised, aching angels, knees together with blisters.

This year’s King Moshoeshoe Walk proved something powerful; that the spirit of resilience is stronger than the elements.

The rain made the journey harder, the rivers deeper and the mud thicker but it also revealed the true heart of the walk and the determination of thousands who refused to turn back. In the end, the rain did not ruin the walk. It made it unforgettable.

Indeed the legacy of King Moshoeshoe Walk was lived.