Mont-Aux-Sources, Mountain summit in Drakensberg Range, Lesotho
Mont-Aux-Sources is a summit in the Drakensberg Range that rises to 3,328 meters above sea level. The mountain consists of basalt and sandstone layers shaped by geological forces over millions of years.
European explorers named the peak in the 1800s because it serves as the source of multiple major rivers. Over time, water and geological forces have continuously shaped the landscape around this significant point.
The peak is called Phofung in Sotho language and holds sacred meaning for the Basotho communities of the region. You can sense this connection through local stories and the way people speak about the mountain as a place of spiritual importance.
The climb is demanding and requires good fitness and experience at high altitude. Access is possible from both the Lesotho and South African sides, with guides and permits needed depending on your chosen route.
The peak serves as the origin point of the Orange River, which flows westward across the African continent through multiple countries. Few visitors realize that water from this single location reaches areas thousands of kilometers away.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
