Roma: Mission History and Dinosaur Tracks

Roma brings together several points of interest: the history of the Catholic mission, dinosaur tracks at sites near and in the town, and a mountain bike route covering 20 km. Cultural history, palaeontology and outdoor activity sit side by side. When planning your trip, it is worth keeping these highlights distinct: the sites have different locations, while the route offers a separate activity.

Mission History, Dinosaur Tracks and Mountain Biking

The Catholic mission in Roma was founded in 1862. This year provides a clear historical reference point for the town. Unlike the palaeontological finds, this is the story of a religious institution and its founding, while the footprints offer insights into the area’s geological history.

Near Roma, at Lephoto Dam, there is a site with dinosaur tracks in Lesotho’s Upper Elliot Formation. A second site is in Roma itself: Megatheropod footprints were found on an informal road near the National University of Lesotho. This distinction is important for finding your way: the Lephoto Dam site is near Roma, while the other site is on a road in the town. If you want to see the tracks, check access to each site in advance.

The Roma Loop Route offers a different kind of activity: this 20 km mountain bike route runs in and around Roma and is described as easy. Alongside local history and palaeontology, it offers a specific route for a bike ride. Check current availability and route conditions before setting out.

Cultural History in the Wider Maseru Destination

The wider Maseru destination includes another cultural setting: Morija. Morija Museum & Archives houses the oldest surviving museum and archive in the Kingdom of Lesotho. The museum officially opened in 1956 and moved into its current permanent premises in 1989.

Morija is known as Lesotho’s city of the arts. Morija Arts Centre hosts exhibitions of art and crafts, workshops and music events. Together with The Hub @ Morija, the Arts Centre and Morija Museum & Archives form the heart of Morija’s Cultural Precinct. Morija hosted the nationally recognised Morija Arts & Cultural Festival from 1999 to 2013.

Thaba Bosiu National Monument offers another historical perspective in the wider Maseru destination. It served as the political, cultural and spiritual centre of the Basotho nation from 1824 to 1870. Unlike Morija’s cultural institutions, the focus here is on the monument’s historical role over a clearly defined period.

If Roma, with its mission, sites and route, is the focus of your trip, look for a holiday rental in Roma. If you also want to explore Morija’s cultural institutions or Thaba Bosiu, include the wider Maseru destination as a separate search and planning area. This way, your choice of location can reflect the experiences that interest you most.

Discover more destinations: Maseru, Lirahalibonoe, Mphoto

Return to the wider travel overview: Maseru.