The conical hill of Qiloane, about 25 km north-east of Maseru on the way to Thaba Bosiu, is the natural feature that allegedly inspired the shape of the Basotho mokorotlo hat. Its smooth sandstone summit thrusts up like a giant beehive and is unmistakable from miles away.
The hill sits within the heritage area around Thaba Bosiu, the flat-topped mountain fortress of King Moshoeshoe I, and the two are usually visited together. A short hike to the base of Qiloane is included on most Thaba Bosiu tours, with a guide explaining the symbolism of the silhouette.