Set on the banks of the Klip River, and named after Sir Harry Smith’s Spanish wife, Ladysmith was established in 1850 and served as a staging-post for fortune hunters on their way to the gold fields in the then Transvaal, and the diamond diggings at Kimberley. Today it serves as a gateway to the central and northern Drakensberg. A quick check on Drakensberg self catering and Drakensberg accommodation can’t be complete without Ladysmith popping up.
Battlefield of Spion Kop
As you travel on the N3 linking Durban and Johannesburg, only 8 km off the motorway near Ladysmith, you’ll arrive at the famous Battlefield of Spion Kop. Over a century ago on 24 January 1900, Spion Kop was the scene of a bloody and futile battle fought between South Africans and British forces during the South African War from 1899 to 1902. Raymond Heron, a renowned historian, has a fascinating presentation on the war and the far-reaching effects it had on Britain and South Africa.
Biggarsberg Horse Trails
For an adventure of a lifetime, Biggarsberg Horse Trails is the place to be. Open grasslands, umkhamba trees, clear sparkling streams and views that stretch as far as the Drakensberg 90km away are all part of the splendour of the Biggarsberg. Enjoy the privilege of seeing a wide variety of birds and game protected by the Biggarsberg Conservancy. The trails are run throughout the year and are 2 to 4 days long. Daily saddlebag lunches are served on the trails. Outrides, day rides and battlefields on horseback are also available.
Museum
The Ladysmith Siege Museum, on Murchison Street next to the Ladysmith Town Hall, is housed in a building built in 1884 – regarded both here and abroad as one of the best Anglo Boer War museums in the country. It brings the whole period of the siege to life using black and white photographs, electronic mapping, documents and artefacts from the period.
Town Hall
When in Ladysmith, make a trip to the Town Hall and discover a building that is brimming with history and fascinating facts. The Ladysmith Town Hall was originally built in 1983 and by the 1900’s, was rebuilt to accommodate the growing needs of the town. A visit to the town hall is certainly a worthwhile trip, where you will be able to see many fascinating things and learn interesting information.
Blood River Vlei
Blood River Vlei is one of the largest inland wetlands in the country. It serves as a wintering place for migratory birds, and is particularly important for the endangered blue and crowned cranes. In total, the Vlei covers 5 000 hectares. It supports no fewer than 150 different bird species.
Nambiti Plains Private Game Lodge
The spectacular Nambiti Plains Private Game Lodge offers a malaria-free wilderness retreat near the southern Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal. Guests can experience the romance, adventure and excitement of Africa in this private reserve that is home to the Big Five. Nambiti Plains also features amazing biodiversity, supporting savannah, grasslands, thornveld and acacia veld. A number of rare bird species will keep ardent birders scanning the sky and bushveld for many hours.
From the above, it’s clear to see why Ladysmith continues to attract local and international tourists. Next time you think of a travel destination, let Ladysmith be on top of your list.
