Kome Caves – A Group of Cave Dwellings
The Kome Caves are a group of cave dwellings made out of mud in the district of Berea, Lesotho 25 km east of Teyateyaneng.
The Kome Caves were created by Kgotso Komaise who was looking for shelter after being displaced from his home by an earthquake. Kgotso Komaise and his family carved out their homes in the Kome Caves and now live there as a community with over 300 people. Kgotso Komaise is still living in one of the caves today. The Kome Caves are also known as Komaisa Caves or ‘The Grand Caverns’.
These cave dwellings were created as Kgotso Komaise looked for a place to shelter after being displaced from his home by an earthquake. Kgotso Komaise and his family carved out their homes in the Kome Caves and now live there as a community with over 300 people. Kgotso Komaise is still living in one of the caves today. Kgotso Komaise’s family and the community that has built up over time is a tight nit community that contributes to Kome Caves becoming a unique part of Lesotho. Kgotso Komaise has said, “We live as one. We share everything” which helps strengthen Kome Caves’ ties as a close knit community. Kgotso Komaise is still living in one of the Kome Caves today, as it has been home for over 30 years now.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kome Caves
When and how did the Kome Caves discover the Kome caves?
The Kome Caves were discovered in 1918 by a group of spelunkers. They were exploring a small opening at the top of a hill when they came across a large, dark cave system that stretched for miles underground. The caves were named after the town of Kome, which was located just down the hill from where they were discovered.
What is so special about being able to explore all of these fully mapped out Kome caves?
There is something incredibly special about being able to explore all of these fully mapped out worlds. It allows us to escape our own reality and journey into the unknown. It’s like stepping into another realm where anything is possible. And it’s also a great way to learn more about ourselves and the world around us. Thanks for asking!
What kinds of animals are living in the Kome caves?
The Kome caves are home to several species of animals, including bats, spiders, and rodents.
The bats that live in the Kome caves are unusual because they roost upside down. This is possible because the ceilings of the caves are covered in a thick layer of guano, which serves as a natural floor for the bats. The guano also provides a food source for the bats, as well as for the spiders and rodents that live in the caves.
What has been your most memorable experience with the Kome caves?
On a hot day, it’s nice to go into the Kome caves and cool off. The entrance is small, so you have to crawl through a tight opening, but once you’re inside, it opens up into a big room with a high ceiling. There’s a pool of water in the middle of the room with fish swimming around, and you can climb onto one of the ledges and sit there and cool off. It’s really relaxing!
What is your favorite thing about the Kome caves?
My favorite thing about the Kome caves is the vast array of formations that can be seen. From delicate soda straws to impressive flowstones, the variety is stunning. And every time I visit, I see something new that makes me appreciate these natural wonders even more.
The caves are also a great place to learn about cave ecology. I enjoy learning about the different species of bats and invertebrates that call the caves home, and how they have adapted to this unique environment. Every time I visit, I learn something new about these animals and their role in cave ecosystems.
Image Information: By Amada44 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
