Discover Mahalapye

In the Tswapong Hills, the landscape is shaped by broad expanses as well as individual gorges. The mountain range is approximately 70 kilometres long and 15 kilometres wide, rising around 400 metres above its surroundings. Springs, streams, waterfalls and culturally significant places give this landscape its varied character. Its length of around 70 kilometres contrasts with its width of about 15 kilometres, illustrating the mountain range’s elongated shape.

Gorges, springs and waterfalls

Deep gorges have formed in the Tswapong Hills. Natural freshwater springs feed streams; during heavier rain, waterfalls form and flow into lagoons. There are also seasonal rivers fed by springs. Streams form waterfalls with deep, moss-edged pools. Both the springs and waterways, and the gorges and pools, are therefore part of the landscape’s character. The seasonal rivers and the waterfalls that form during heavier rain also show that these water features arise under different conditions.

Goo-Moremi Gorge lies at the northern end of the Tswapong Hills, next to Manonnye-Moremi Gorge. A report published in 2017 mentions rock climbing at Goo-Moremi Gorge as an option. Moremi Gorge offers a different kind of nature experience: it can be reached on foot via a steep ascent and is the source of three permanent waterfalls. The first two form large waterholes. The uppermost waterfall is ten metres high and plunges over rock ledges into a densely vegetated lagoon. Those interested in the region’s gorges can distinguish the climbing opportunity mentioned in the report from the sequence of waterfalls described here.

Nature and cultural heritage

Moremi Gorge is of great religious and spiritual significance to the local community. The Department of National Museums and Monuments has also declared it a National Monument. Nature and cultural heritage exist side by side here: the waterfalls and lagoon shape the landscape, while the site’s importance to the community defines its cultural significance.

There is also a courteous recommendation for visiting the Tswapong Hills: visitors should ask the local Headman for permission before entering the Hills. Keep this step in mind when planning and ask for permission locally. The recommendation is phrased as a polite request.

When looking for a holiday rental in Mahalapye, you could start by considering what you want your trip to focus on: the expanse of the Tswapong Hills, the waterscape, the gorges or the cultural heritage of Moremi Gorge. These interests offer different points of reference for your planning; they do not have to be combined into a single excursion.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Machaneng, Tutume.

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