Ladysmith, Battlefields
Ladysmith today acts as a commercial centre for the large surrounding farming district became the centre of attention during the Anglo Boer War, both locally and overseas, when it fell under siege from October 1899 to March 1900.
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, the peaks of which form an elegant backdrop to the town, particularly in winter when a light blanket of snow graces its pinnacles.
The siege of Ladysmith placed the British in a precarious position. About 12 000 British soldiers were faced with the defence of a besieged town, whilst the Boers saw this as a strategic move that could topple Great Britain.
Interestingly, at this time in history there was avid interest in postcards - similar to today's blogging boom. With the outbreak of war, British editors began producing postcards that exalted the Empire and its politicians. Germany, although officially linked to Britain was trying to overpower her at sea, and produced a couple of pro-Boer postcards that showed Ladysmith falling into the hands of the Boers, with Ladysmith portrayed as a handsome woman.
The Qeduzi dam, which lived up to its name of ‘suffering' by flooding its banks on an annual basis for some 150 years, lies about 4 kilometres outside of Ladysmith; whilst the Spioenkop Nature Reserve, 6000 hectares 35 kilometres from Ladysmith, lies just next to the Spioenkop Anglo-Boer War battle site and offers the water lover yachting, fishing and water-skiing opportunities.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Farquhar Lodge
Farquhar Lodge can be found in central Ladysmith and offers accommodation in 19 elegant en-suite rooms and delicious home cooked meals. Rooms are...
Donga La Boutique Hotel
Located in the heart of Ladysmith, Donga La Boutique Hotel offers accommodation in nine rooms. Each room has a bar fridge, tea / coffee and a tab...
Bonnie Highlands
Bonnie Highlands is a beautiful old Colonial homestead set in a lush, wooded garden with commanding views of the town and the majestic Drakensber...
Sifumasa Guesthouse
Situated in Ladysmith, Sifumasa Guesthouse offers comfortable accommodation for up to 30 guests. The guesthouse has seven rooms. Secure parking i...
Peaches and Cream B&B
Peaches and Cream offers luxury accommodation to both leisure and business travellers. Each room boasts a HD flat screen TV with full DStv, a te...
Nambiti Plains Private Game Lodge
Nambiti Plains Private Game Lodge offers exceptional accommodation in the Nambiti Reserve. This is the only game reserve in the area with the Big...
Nauntons Guest House
Situated on the outskirts of Ladysmith, an interesting and historical town, we offer a relaxing environment for tourists and those on business. A...
Buller's Rest Lodge
Buller's Rest Lodge offers superior accommodation in a beautiful setting which boasts a superb outlook over the town, towards the central Drakens...
Mt View Lodge
Mt View Lodge offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal. The lodge offers a comfortable stopover for guests looking for ...
Durnfords Lodge
Situated in Ladysmith, Durnford's Lodge offers bed and breakfast accommodation. Enjoy a drink in our licensed bar and sit down to a tasty home co...
Aaron's Nest Bed and Breakfast
Situated in the Battlefields town, Aaron's Nest Bed and Breakfast in Ladysmith offers a peaceful, homely environment which makes for a great nigh...
Memra Guest House
Memra Guest House offers comfortable accommodation in a quiet area of Ladysmith. Each room is unique and beautiful and an unforgettable experienc...
The Springbok Lodge
The Springbok Lodge epitomises the perfect safari experience with beautifully appointed tented suites, service excellence, superb cuisine and pro...
Lavender Lane Bed and Breakfast
Lavender Lane Bed and Breakfast in Ladysmith is situated within a quiet, beautiful and tranquil setting. Ladysmith is in the Uthukela District of...
Thorold's Treasure
Thorold's Treasure offers accommodation in the Battlefields town of Ladysmith and has a large, quiet garden filled with indigenous and traditiona...
Convent Hill Lodge
Convent Hill B&B offers tranquil accommodation in Ladysmith with the surrounding Drakensberg Mountains as a backdrop. Choose from our double or t...
Elephant Rock Private Safari Lodge
Elephant Rock Private Safari Lodge is situated in the Big 5, malaria free, Nambiti Private Game Reserve near Ladysmith. Superbly sited overlookin...
Things to do in the area
Ladysmith Siege 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 a...
Soofie Mosque
One's initial reaction, upon seeing the Soofie Mosque for the first time, is 'wow'. As rich as the Islam tradition is in South Africa, nowhere el...
The All Saints Church
Ladysmith is set on the banks of the Klip River and is most famous for its part in the 118 day siege during the Anglo Boer War, and for Ladysmith...
Visit the Ladysmith 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 H...
Statue of Gandhi
During the Battle of Spioenkop, Ghandi and a group of 1100 others were stretcher bearers. Ghandi performed incredibly well under the circumstance...
Noteworthy attractions
Chelmsford Nature Reserve
The Chelmsford Nature Reserve, situated on the Ngagane River, lies just 70 kilometres from Ladysmith and is the site of the third largest dam in ...
Ntendeka Wilderness Area
South Africa's smallest and arguably most beautiful wilderness area is Ntendeka, consisting of 5 250 ha of undulating grasslands, verdant forests...
Weenen Nature Reserve
Weenen Game Reserve covers an area of typical inland KwaZulu Natal acacia grassland with occasional thickets. There are extensive game viewing fa...
Talana Museum
Set in a 20 acre heritage park that forms a portion of the Talana battlefield - the first battle of the Anglo-Boer war - is a museum that is dedi...
Midlands Meander
The enchantment of the Midlands has long inspired many a visitor and resident to creativity and as a result, local artists, potters and weavers c...
Dlinza Forest Nature Reserve
Found just outside the little town of Eshowe, the Dlinza Forest is one of two indigenous forests that lie close to one another in this southern p...
Vryheid Hill Nature Reserve
Vryheid, which lies in northern KwaZulu Natal, is the largest town in the area and is situated on a transitional belt between grasslands and low-...
Wagendrift Nature Reserve
Situated on the other side of the N3 from Estcourt, Wagendrift Nature Reserve surrounds the dam of the same name. With a resident yacht club, and...
Eshowe Hills Golf Course
The Eshowe Country Club is situated on the Eshowe Hills Eco Estate in Eshowe and as such meanders through the famous Dhlinza Forest and grassland...
Find accommodation in Ladysmith
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