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.