Ladysmith

Ladysmith in the Zulu Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Ladysmith is located on the banks of KwaZulu-Natals Klip River. Proclaimed in 1850, it was named after the Spanish wife of Sir Harry Smith. Ladysmith became a prosperous staging- post for fortune-hunters en route to the Transvaal gold- fields and diamond discoveries at Kimberley.

Ladysmith made world headlines at the turn of the previous century when it was besieged for 118 days during the most crucial stage of the Anglo-Boer War. Today a commercial centre for surrounding communities, Ladysmith is a natural gateway to the tourist delights of the Central and Northern reaches of the Drakensberg range. Snowcapped peaks during winter form a breathtaking backdrop.

Ladysmiths Natural or Wildlife Attractions or Experiences

Ladysmith is set in the rolling foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains, a scenic drive away. Ladysmith is idealy situated to provide easy access to the Northern and Central Drakensberg areas.

• Malendeni Bird Sanctuary:
  Some 236 species of bird have been recorded at the maturation ponds and surrounding flooded areas of the Ladysmith waste works.
• Qedusizi Dam:
  The dam lives up to its Zulu name which means end of suffering, for Ladysmith have experienced perrenial flooding for more than 150 years. Situated 4km outside the towns CBD.
• Spioenkop Nature Reserve:
  Wildlife sightings guaranteed! This 6 000 ha reserve only 25 km from Ladysmith is home to various species of wildlife including Rhino, giraffes, zebras, various antelope and abundant bird life. It is set adjacent to Anglo- Boer War battlesite of Spioenkop and offers angling, yachting, water- skiing, power boating. Camp sites, caravan sites and bush camps are available. Contact: 036-4881578

Hiking & Walking Trails near to Ladysmith

• Spioenkop Historical Trail
• Historical Walkabout

Battlefields near to Ladysmith

Ladysmith is surrounded by more than 10 major battle sites, including Spioenkop, Wagon Hill/Platrand, Elandslaagte, Nicholson’s Nek, Tugela Heights, Gun Hill & Lombard’s Kop and various other sites where skirmishes took place . Registered local tour guides are available to accompany you and make history come alive. Ladysmith is the ideal place to start any trip to the numerous battle sites in the vicinity. An excellent brochure/map produced by the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields Route Association is available from most information offices in the area.

Centre of the struggle in the first and most crucial stage of the Anglo Boer War, Ladysmith made world headlines at the turn of the century when it was besieged by Boer forces for 118 days. Named after the wife of Sir Harry Smith. In 1849 the town was described as a ‘well adapted village’ and on 20 June 1850 it ws officially proclaimed a township by Benjamin Pine, Lieutenant Governor of Natal. Ladysmith was named after the Spanish wife of Sir Harry Smith, Lady Juana Maria de los Dolores de Leon Smith. With the discovery of diamonds at Kimberley and gold at Barberton and the Witwatersrand, the town prospered and grew, with Ladysmith being an important halfway stopover between the Witwatersrand and Port Natal Harbour (Durban). In 1886 the railway was established, strengthening Ladysmith’s importance as a halfway stopover.

October 1899 marked the beginning of the Anglo Boer War. Ladysmith was to be the key point in the struggle of Natal. Ladysmith was besieged for 118 days, which plunged the name of Ladysmith into newspaper headlines through out the world. General Sir George White (VC), in command of the British forces in Ladysmith, defended the town but soon the water supply was cut off. Shortage of food and water became acture, resulting in rapid deterioration of genral health conditions. This caused many deaths mainly as a result of enteric fever. Attacks from both sides, in bids to break through each other’s lines, claimed the lives of many men. The siege was finally raised on 28 February 1900 after the British forces under General Sir Redvers Buller succeeded in breaking through.

The post Anglo Boer War period saw Ladysmith growing steadily, in spite of repeated floods and periods of severe drought. After the First World War, the town enjoyed a period of peace and tranquility. The worst snow storm ever experienced in Ladysmith struck in 1924 with the main street covered in half a metre of snow. By the late 1920’s the town was providing mostly for the needs of it’s farming community. During the Great Depression of the 1930’s people flocked to the town to make a living. In the mid 1950’s the railways took the lead again and the town prospered through being an important link in the railway network. The large railway staff added to the prosperity of the town by providing a constant spending power. The effects of Apartheid through the Group Areas Act in the 1960 hit the town hard as Indian businessmen were forced out of the Central Business District. Shops remained empty for years. The well known Chief Albert Luthuli met with community leaders in secret, leading to the forming of the first ANC leaders from the town included the late Dr A Sader who contributed to get the Freedom Charter adopted in 1955 – ‘All shall be equal before the law’. He also housed Nelson Mandela just before Mandela was captured. Another leader was local teacher Govan Mbheki, father of Thabo Mbheki. The first democratic local government came into place during 1995, combining the towns of Ladysmith, Steadville and Ezakheni.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Bergville 50 km, Dundee 70 km, Durban 250 km, Estcourt 65 km, Johannesburg 350 km, Winterton 52 km

Altitude – 1015 m above sea level

Average Rainfall – 690 mm

Average Temperatures – 10,8°c – 25,5°c

Banks – Absa (ATM’s 5), Fnb (ATM’s 2), Nbs (ATM), Nedbank, Perm (ATM’s 2), Standard

Dams – Qedusizi

Mountains – Drakensberg Mountain Range – Northern

Rivers – Klip, Tugela

HISTORICAL VIEW

All Saints Church

Built in 1902, this little architectural gem, built of cut flagstone from quarries for the town land, is renowned for the beautiful tablets in the transept, bearing the names of more than 3000 British soldiers who gave their lives in either the Siege or the Relief of Ladysmith. Among the many priceless and beautiful stained glass windowns are two depicting War and Peace.

Battlefields – A history lover’s paradise

Ladysmith is surrounded by 10 major battlesites including Colenso and Spioenkop. Registered local tour guides are available to accompany visitors to the various sites. They will entertain you with numerous tales and anecdotes from the Anglo Boer War and the Siege. As the site of one of the worst sieges (118 days) in the history of the British Army, Ladysmith is the ideal spot to start any trip to the numerous battlesites in the area.

Castor & Pollux – National Treasures

Relics from past wars, these two 6,3 inch Howitzers were hastily sent to the Natal from from the Cape Colony. Besieged Ladysmith, desperately short of artillery, utilized these two muzzle loaders to good effect. The ‘Twins’ are presently justly proud of their ‘retired’ stance guarding the entrance to the ‘Grand Old Lady’ – the Town Hall – silent reminders of the Siege.

Historical Tours

Tours to various historically important sites, including the battlefields.

Ladysmith / Emnambithi Culture Centre / Museum

The museum houses the Ladysmith Black Mambazo Hall with a stunning lively display on this world renowned musical group. Other exhibitions include displays on Ladysmith’s other achievers such as artist Lallitha Jawahiritall and Springbok athlete Veronica Abrahamse.

Ladysmith Siege Museum

Acclaimed beyond the borders of the country Brilliantly depicts a sad chapter in South Africa and British military history.

Tatham Foyer

The establishment of the Siege Museum is depicted in the charming foyer. The original cast iron pillars and flagstone floors have been beautifully incorporated into the architecture of the present structure. The original building was built in July 1884 to serve as a market place for farmers from the district. On Wednesday and Saturdays vegetables, eggs, chickens and other merchandise were sold to the growing town populace During the Siege the building was used as a ration post for civilians after which it returned to being a marketplace. In 1961 an Inaugural Museum was established, this coincided with the 60^th anniversary of the Siege of Ladysmith. In 1965 the building was revamped to it’s present state and used as a museum and public library. As from 1982 the building was used as museum only. In 1985 the Siege Museum in it’s present unique layout was completed by the Natal Museum Services. The material used in the excellent displays results from the painstakingly collected artifacts, documents, fire arms, uniforms and many other interesting items by William Mackay. Town Clerk of Ladysmith from 1947 to 1961.

Causes of the Anglo Boer War

British immigrants to the ZAR during the gold rush years found themselves a suppressed minority with no political representation. The British Empire had it’s eyes on the rich gold fields of the Republic and saw the unrest as the opportunity they needed to expand the empire. The Boers were well aware of Britian’s plans and were not about to give in – after all, 20 years before they had beaten the British at the Battle of Majuba. On 11 October 1899 they took up the offensive by crossing the border into Natal.

Ladysmith’s Involvement

Ladysmith was the key strategic point for the British in Natal, being closest to the Transvaal and Free State borders. At the first signs of war, a British regiment was sent to Ladysmith to defend the town against possible invasion from the Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR) and Orange Free State. On 2 November 1899 the town was besieged by the Boers. All communication lines with the outside world and water supplies were cut off. The last train left Ladysmith on 2 November 1899. For the next 118 days fifteen thousand soldiers and six thousands civilians were trapped inside the town.

Fire Arms

Various firearms such as Mausers and Martini Henry’s are on display in the museum. It is quite ironic that one of the countries from whom the Boers purchased weapons used in the Anglo Boer War was Britain. Other countries include France and Germany.

Uniforms

Of both forces are displayed. From these it is easy to see why the British referred to the Boers as the ‘invisible enemy’.

Bill Mackay Gallery

Everyday objects from the time of the Siege are tastefully displayed, giving the onlooker a glimpse of times gone by. Interesting accounts of the respectable Dr Stark, the vigilant Parbhu Singh, a flying Christmas Pudding and many of the countless other tales, fables and stories from the Siege are recounted in the gallery. A diorama depicts Ladysmith and surrounding area at the time of the Siege. Coloured areas indicate the territories of the two forces in conflict and also the area of no man’s land. The greaan area show the Boer positions held by the British forces. The following are also indicated on the diorama: the names of the surrounding hills; the positions of the ‘Long Toms’(Only three guns were used and by moving them around the Boers were able to inflict maximum damage. The one on Pepworth Hill was moved to Gun Hill and the one on Middle Hill of Telegraph Hill. Only the one at Umbulwane remained where it was – probably because it took 18 days to drag the heavy gun up the mountain with a team of 24 oxen); the spot where the Boers built a dam to flood the town; the location of the dugouts on the river banks used as shelters by both soldiers and civilians; Intombi’s Camp – Commandant Joubert agreed to this area being used as a hospital and neutral camp. Women, children and wounded were allowed to move there at the onset of the Siege. By the end of the Siege 1900 people were encamped on this stark plain at the foot of Umbulwane Mountain.

The relief of Ladysmith

The relief of Ladysmith was not an easy feat. The following battles were fought before the final breakthrough; The Battle of Colenso, 15 December 1899; The Battleof Thanbamnyama 20 – 23 January 1900; The Battle of Spioenkop, 23 – 25 January 1900; The Battle Tugela Heights, 14 – 27 February 1900. In the final breakthrough, Buller’s forces attacked the steadily decreasing Boer forces. After 10 days of continuous fighting, the relief forces broke through via Umbulwane and Intombi’s Camp. Ladysmith was relieved on 28 February 1900.

Temporary Displays

Three cabinets, one in the foyer, one in the Mackay Gallery and one at the exit are used for temporary displays. New items are regularly put on display. Enquire from the museum staff regarding current exhibits.

Curio Shop

Various books, brochures, post cards etc are on sale at the shop / office accessible from the foyer. T shirts and other memorabilia are also available. Buy your copy of ‘Grocott’s Daily Mail’ dated 1 March 1900 announcing the Relief of Ladysmith.

Further Information

Contact the museum staff for more information regarding exciting happenings in and around Ladysmith. The museum offers guided tours to groups and individuals. School groups are also welcome. Bookings can be done by contacting the Curator.

Battlefields and Siege Tour Guide

Liz Spiret; John Snyman; Piet van Rooyen; Brian Kaighin

Military History Specialist – Maureen Richards

Moth Museum

Relics and memorabilia, uniforms, medals, flags, weaponry etc. from various wars such as the First World War, Second World War and Border War are displayed in this interesting little museum.

Platrand / Wagon Hill

A Moonless Night

Friday, 5 January 1900. It was once again a moonless night. About midnight, some of the British outposts on Wagon Hill heard the sound of hymns float up from the bush below. Strangehymns at midnight. At 02:40, on the cool, star studded night of that fateful Saturday, 6 January 1900, a party of thirteen naval gunners, assisted by 25 snappers, with an escort of 70 Gordon Highlanders, were in the act of lowering Lady Anne’s wooden gun platform onto the stone emplacement at Wagon Point, the extreme southwestern point of Wagon Hill. Lady Anne herself was still lying in the ox wagon at the bottom of the hill.

The Battle

Suddenly they found themselves amidst a storm of flying bullets. They dashed for their rifles. Some poor devils panicked – they could not find their rifles and began to run. Young Digby Jones jumped on to a rock, drew his revolver and shouted to the stampeding sappers: ‘The first man that passes me I’ll shoot dead’. The entire Wagon Hill was now a confused mass of shouting men, criss crossed by rifle fire, bullets striking sparks as they richoveted off the rocks. The pickets who were supposed to protect this vital crest line, consisted of less than 100 men of the Imperial Light Horse. They wore the same slouch hats as the Boers, which added to the confusion. Against the glare of a Boer searchlight, somehow brought into action, several hundred Free Staters poured onto the ridge, beating down the pickets. Fortunately for the garrison, the Imperial Light Horse had built one small ‘fort’ – a loop holed ring of stones, about 9 m around, to which Lt Digby Jones and some of the sappers now rushed. Others took refuge in the gun emplacement prepared for one of the 12 pounders. Meanwhile, about 4 km away, at the extreme eastern edge of the same double ridge, other wild scenes were taking place. Here, at Caesar’s Camp, the picket lines had a 15 minute warning before the force of Transvaalers stormed over the ridge. There were no trenches or forts on the eastern face of the hill. The scrub that gave perfect cover to the attackers had also not been removed. Hence, the Transvaalers stormed over the ridge. There were no trenches or forts on the eastern face of the hill. The scrub that gave perfect cover to the attackers had also took the picket line of the Manchesters in the rear, and cut them down in swathes. For the first time ever in civilized warfare a field telephone was used. The HQ was connected to each section of the defences. Before long, astonishing messeages reached them. The Boers were storming all sides of the perimeter, under the cover of a bombardment from every gun they had. The first step was to send field guns to attack from below. Soon after 06:00 the slopes were cleared of the enemy, except for the dead and wounded. But the field guns could not reach the southern crest line or the slopes beyond. To drive the enemy back from these positions, infantry was needed. At about 08:00, six companies of the Rifle Brigade reached the scene, more than doubling the strength of the garrison there, composed of Manchesters and Gordons. The situation at Wagon Hill was critical. The ‘forts’ were even less strong and no help could be given by fieldguns. Soon after dawn, the first reinforcements reached the hilltop. Invisible between rocks on the southwestern edge of the hill, 250 Free Staters crept closer. Eight times that number of British infantry defended the hill. In places the combatants were separated by only a few metres. Three times a small party of men, led by an officer, charged across towards the hidden enemy, and each time they were annihilated. At last Colonel Ian Hamilton ordered these suicidal counter attacks to be stopped. Miraculously, the firing melted away as the Boers vanished. Somewhat later, by 11:00, Hamilton felt confident enough to order some men down the hill. It was fiercely hot and it was time for lunch. It was about 13:00 when, for the second time on this astonishing day, the Boers broke all the rules of Boer tactics. Lt Digby Jones and Major Miller Wallnut were sitting under an awning close to Lady Anne’s gun emplacement at Wagon Point; Ian Hamilton had just joined them. Unseen by them, a party of Boers (led by two Free State field cornets, De Villiers and De Jager) stormed over the crest line, sending the British line streaming back in panic. The first that Hamilton knew of this was when one of the sappers in the gun emplacement fell dead beside him, shot from the rifle thrust over the sandbags. Digby Jones sprang up and shot De Villiers with his revolver. Someone else shot De Jager. The panic subsided and the handful of Boers were shot down or driven off. Both Digby Jones and Miller Wallnut had been killed. During all this, the news of the fighting had been continuously reported to the HQ by telephone. These were nerve racking hours for everyone. Sir George White sent a telegram to Buller, requesting him to create a diversion at Colenso. Virtually all the reserves had been committed. By 16:00, it was abvious to Hamilton that both Boer attacks had failed. He believed that Boers clinging to their toeholds on the crest line were only waiting for darkness to make their gateway. Hamilton was absolutely correct. At this moment Sir George White intervened. He decided that the Boers had to be driven off the crest line before darkness. The final reserves of the infantry, three companies of Devons, must drive them off with the bayonet. It was a grueling hot day and typical of Natal summers, the sky turned indigo and a furious thunderstorm burst over the ground. The rattle of three lines of bayonets, and a wild cheer, then across the 60 m wide strip of grass, which had already been wet and slippery before the rain, then came an answering crash of Mauser fire from the crest line. Three of the officers were down already. The Devons hardly faltered. They reached the crest line but there was no chance to use the bayonets. The Boers had taken a new position among some rocks, and fired back from below the crest line. The fight went on till dark, as confused and bloody as it had begun. In the morning there was an armistice to collect up the dead and wounded. The search proved unusually macabre. The Boer dead on the southeastern side of Caesar’s Camp were so mangled by shrapnel that many had to be buried there and then. On the flat top of the hill, Captain Gough counted fifty two dead Boers. The total number of Boers killed was believed to be a good deal higher. On the British side, the losses were 424. Colonel Rawlinson, who went up to have a look at the hillside the next day, came back aghast. Captain Stevenson looked at the horrors and wrote in his diary, ‘Civilised war is awful’.

Wagon Hill / Platrand Today

Today Wagon Hill / Platrand is a quiet reminder of that fierce battle. During 1979 a monument was erected at Platrand (Caesar’s Camp, on the lefthand side of the hill) in honour of the 781 Boers and members of the allied forces who were killed in Natal during the Anglo Boer War from 1899 to 1902. Re interred in a giant grave, are the remains of 310 of these brave fighters. The monument was designed by two architects from Pretoria, Samuel Pauw and Peter Samra’d. The monument consists of seven stylized ‘hands’ reaching out from underground and pointing to the different battles that took place around Ladysmith, viz. Talana, Elandslaagte, Nicholson’s Nek, Colenso, Spioenkop, Vaalkrans, Pieters and Platrand / Wagon Hill. The hands symbolize fear, grief, courage, strength, undauntedness and suffering. The names of the casualties are listed on the wrist or palm of each of the hands belonging to a relevant battlesite. Some of the original gravestones have been set in the wall partially surrounding the monument. The message of the monument is one of reconciliation. An acclaimed South African poet, Ernst van Heerden, wrote a poem which was inscribed in the memorial plaque. Roughly translated it means that the blood spilled on the ground made the earth fertile to bring forth freedom from oppression (from British rule). Today the monument is just as relevant in the new South Africa as a monument to freedom from all oppression. This surreal monument on the quiet hill with the blue sky and white clouds above the historic panorama of battlesites is a stark reminder of the hollowness of war. Other monuments / sites on the hill include the British Military cemetery, Devonshire Monument, a monument to Lord Ava, Imperial Light Horse Monument, Manchester Monument, Manchester Fort, gun emplacements and many other grave sites, fortifications and memorials. The battlesites is open to visitors daily from 07:00 – 17:00. A small entrance fee is payable at the gate. Youring buses can apply for a discount.

Tour Guides

The following registered tour guides are available to guide you to all the surrounding battlesites. Liz Spiret; John Snyman; Brian Kaighin; Piet van Rooyen.

Siege Town Walkabout & Driveabout

A comprehensive and remarkable guide available from the information office or Siege Museum. It will guide you to over 80 historically significant sites in and around Ladysmith. A must do for any sightseer or history enthusiast.

Soofi Mosque

A national monument, the present Mosque obeys the decrees of Muslim canon law as it stands on the site of the original mosque built by the renowned Hazrah Soofi Saheb. Completed in 1969, it is acknowledged as one of the most beautiful mosques in the southern hemisphere.

Spioenkop Battlesites

Experience the mood of this tragic battlesite – scene of one of the most futile, and certainly the bloodiest of the four battles fought in an effort to relieve the beleaguered town of Ladysmith. Approximately 500 soldiers died in this desperate battle. The site offers a self guided trail (with brochure) among the graves, monuments and trenches.

Statue of Ghandi

This statue of Ghandi the Mahatma, which stands in the grounds of the Lord Vishu Temple in Ladysmith, was imported from Bombay and erected in 1970 as a memorial to his historical association with the town and it’s Hindu community. Trained as a lawyer in London, Mohandas Ghandi came to South Africa in 1893, intending to stay a year and act in a matter concerning two Indian merchants. He was, in fact, to stay for nearly two decades. Unlike many British educated Indians, Ghandi wasn’t initially interested in politics, but South Africa was to change him profoundly. The human rights struggle of the Indian immigrants, imported to Natal as indentured labour for the sugar plantations, proved to be long and hard. Ghandi emerged as a highly influential lobbyist and leader, developing the principle of Satyagraha (peaceful but firm resistance), which he later perfected in India. His first experience of racial discrimination occurred shortly after his arrival in South Africa, when he was thrown off a train at Pietermaritzburg after being denied admittance to a first class carriage. During the Anglo Boer War, the role of South African Indians was confirmed to stretcher bearing, a duty Ghandi himself undertook after the Battle of Spioenkop. Often controversial and unpopular amongst his rivals in the Natal Indian Congress, Ghandi was nevertheless seen as a champion of the masses when he led a protest march of mainly working class Indians from Newcastle over the Transvaal border in 1913. This sparked off a strike by Indian workers in the south and ensuing reports of police brutality and the arrest of Ghandi led to an uproar in India, leadint to his subsequent release. On his return to India in 1913, Ghandi was already being hailed as a Mahatma (a great soul).

Town Hall / Museum

Elegant, romantic, grand – these words describe this architectural treasure. The history of the Town Hall since it was originally built in 1893 is depicted in what used to be the Town Clerk’s Office, now the Town Hall Museum.

NATURE

Malandeni Bird Sanctuary

A must visit for all bird lovers – 236 species of birds have been recorded at the maturation ponds and surrounding flooded areas of the Ladysmith sewerage works. The area is open during working hours.

Spioenkop Dam and Nature Reserve

Spioenkop Reserve is situated 35 km from Ladysmith and 14 km from Winterton. The reserve was established in July 1975 and covers 6000 ha.

What to do on arrival

An entrance fee is levied on all visitors at the gate. Please report to the office on arrival. Office hours are from 08:00 – 12:30 and 14:00 – 16:30 on weekdays and 08:00 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 16:00 on weekends and public holidays.

Accommodation

The accommodation in the reserve consists of iPhika Tented Camp, the Ntenjwa Bush Camp and camp / caravan sites. There is one tent erected in the camping area. The tent stands on a wooden base. There are three beds and one double bunk, sleeping a maximum of five people. Electricity is laid on. Crockery, cutlery, bedding, towels, a refridgerator, kettle and toaster are provided. There are no stove or pots and pans. Bring you own gas cooker or use the braai facilities outside. Guests staying in the tent must use the camp ablutions.

Iphika Tented Camp

This camp is sited in a valley on the slopes of Spioenkop mountain and consists of a lounge with a jet master fireplace, kitchen, ablution block and two spacious two bed tents. Access is by road, but vehicles may only be used to reach and to leave the camp. The camp is suitable for people who ejoy walking in the bush and offers the unique experience of walking freely among game such as white rhino, buffalo, eland, giraffe and a variety of antelope species. Visitors who have no experience of potentially dangerous animals are advised to arrange for a Game Guard to accompany them. The Spioenkop Battlefield is a steep, but short walk from the camp.

Ntenjwa Bush Camp

The Ntenjwa Bush Camp is situated in the thick woody vegetation growing on the slopes leading down to the dam. It lies approximately half way between the dam wall and the headwaters of the southern shore. The camp can be reached in two ways; by means of a ferry service for which a fee is levied, or by visitors using their own boats. Visitors who wish to use the ferry service, must secure a booking when making a reservation for accommodation in this bush camp. The bush camp consists of a lounge with a jet master fireplace and four A frame thatched structures housing a total of eight people. A hot and cold water shower, toilet, refridgerator, gas stove, cooking utensils, cutlery and crokery are provided. It is advisable to bring extra towels in addition to food and drink. Please note that there is no electricityat the camp. Canoes are available at the camp for the exploration of the scenic approaches to the dam. Undercover parking is available for visitors vehicles for the duration of their stay in the camp.

Camp & Caravan Sites

There are 30 individual camp / caravan sites, each accommodating a maximum of six people. The sites are quite close to the water’s edge, with slipways conveniently situated to facilities the launching of boats. Sites are equipped with power points.

What to Bring

At Spioenkop, like all the Kwazulu Natal Nature Conservation Service’s bush camps, everything except food and drink is provided for the visitor, although it is advisable to bring matches, a torch and swimming towels. The nearest source of supplies and petrol is Winterton, 14 km from Spioenkop. Visitors intending to participate in boating, myst not forget to bring lifejackets, which must be worn at all times.

Visitor Amenities

A children’s playground is available to campers. There are also a number self guided trails. Horse rides through the game area are available daily at 08:00 and 14:00. While visitors may enjoy game viewing from their campsites, they must bear in mind that all wild animals are potentially dangerous. Do not walk beyond the vicinity of your own campsite after sunset. Amimals that the visitor may see include white rhino, black and blue wildebeest, buffalo, hartebeest, blesbok, eland, impala, giraffe, mountain reedbuck, waterbuck, steenbok, duiker, kudu and zebra. This area is also the habitat of other small game and approximately 270 species of birds. Spioenkop Dam is ideally suited to boating, with the only exception being the ‘Berg Wind’ season in August, when the dam may become very rough. A registered boat club operates at the dam, but boaters need to be members to participate in boating. Please note that there are no boats for hire. Angling is permitted. Fish species include barbel, carp, scalies, bluegill and tilapia. Anyone wishing to fish from a boat at night, must obtain written consent from the Officer in Charge. For those interested in Kwazulu Natal’s history, there is much to explore, as the area is rich in places of historical significance. Spioenkop Battlefields, where the Battle of Spioenkop took place on 24 January 1900, overlooks the dam and is clearly visible from the reserve. Other battlefields dating from the Anglo Boer War, are also in close proximity to the reserve. They are Colenso (15 December 1899), Vaalkrans (5 – 7 February 1900) and Pieter’s Hill (27 February 1900). A booklet on the Battle of Spioenkop is available from the curio shop. There are several other places of historical interest in the vicinity dating from the Late Iron Age, Voortrekker era and Anglo Boer War . further information is available at the office. The Royal Natal National Park, one of the Kwazulu Natal Conservation Services reserves in the Drakensberg, is famous for it’s spectacular mountain scenery and walks. This reserve, and several of the other KZNNCS Drakensberg resorts and trout fishing waters are within easy reach of Spioenkop, and are well worth a visit.

General

No pets are allowed in the reserve. All boats used on the dam must be registered with the KZNNCS. Lifejackets must be carried on board and be worn at all times. Copies of the boating regulations are available on request. Please note that there are no plug points for electric razors. Entrance gates to the reserve open and closes at the following times: Summer (1 October – 31 March) 06:00 – 19:00; Winter (1 April – 30 September) 06:00 – 18:00.

How to get there

From the south or Estcourt side, turn off the N3 onto the R74 signposted ‘Winterton’. One kilometer past Winterton, cross the little Tugela and turn right onto the R600 signposted ‘Spioenkop Dam’. The reserve is approximately 13 km from the turn off. From the north, or Harrismith side, turn off the N3 toll road at the Bergville off ramp (R616). Turn left in the direction of Ladysmith and follow this route for 5 km. Turn right onto the R600 signposted Spioenkop / Winterton. The reserve is 25 km from the turn off. From Ladysmith, the route to the reserve is as follows: travel 2 km past Ladysmith on the R103 and turn right onto the Bergville road (R23). Travel another 10 km along this road. At the Spioenkop / Winterton signpost, turn left onto the R600 for a further 18 km until you reach the turn off to the reserve. The road to the reserve is clearly signposted.

ATTRACTIONS

Architectural Route

Ladysmith has a rich colonial heritage, as is evident in it’s architectural styles. A self guiding broschure, available from the Information Office or Museums, will guide you to some of the finest architectural treasures built in a variety of styles, from Victorian to Gothic to Edwardian and even Renaissance and Indian.

Black Rock

A lovely spot on the banks of the Klip River to enjoy a picnic. Braai facilities, lovely lawn and big trees make this an ideal place to relax and enjoy the fresh air.

Cheesy Experience

A pleasant drive of 60 km will bring you to the Tevraden Cheese factory near Bergville. They conduct informal tours from 09:00 – 13:00.

Drakensberg Boys Choir

Only an hour’s drive away. These remarkable boys have performances every Wednesday afternoon during school terms in the Auditorium

Drakensberg Pump Storage Scheme

Go underground – 80 stories deep. Absolutely spectacular – not for the faint of heart.

Discover Umbulwane Tour

(Guided or self guided) The historical Umbulwane Mountain on the outskirts of Ladysmith is a must for the adventurous. Local tour guides will help you to discover the hidden treasures of the ‘small mountain’ (Umbulwane) with it’s historical significance during the Anglo Boer War (1889 – 1902). The mountain also holds the secrets to the first people, the San, in the Ladysmith area.

Mural Art Walk / Drive about

Creativity in the community has been immortalized onto various walls. Previously unused blank spaces have been transformed into beautiful works of art. Combined efforts from organizations and schools have made it possible to give colour to otherwise unnoticed spaces. Pick up a broschure from the Information Office.

Qedusizi Dam

Ladysmith, located on the flood plain of the Klip River, has been racked with perennial floods for all of it’s name, Qedusizi, which means, ‘End of suffering’. The dam wall is situated 4 km outside Ladysmith’s central business area. An engineering masterpiece, the wall is 759,3 m long and when the river is in flood the dam covers an area of approximately 2513 ha.

Sunday Township Concerts

Spend an unforgetaable Sunday afternoon in a vibrant township atmosphere. Local groups entertain you with dances, choir performances, story telling dances and other foot tapping goodies. Join in with the young and old and experience the richness of township culture. Tours by prior arrangement.

Weekly Events

Farmers Market – Every Saturday morning

Car boot sale – Last Saturday of every month

Flea Market – First and last Saturday of every month

Model Aircraft – Every Sunday

ACTIVITIES

Outdoors

Horse Riding, Parachuting, Sailing, Swimming