Looking for things to do in Ladysmith? This town is a vibrant hub of industry and commerce, rich in history and surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.
Whether you’re interested in exploring its unique architecture or immersing yourself in its historical heritage and natural beauty, Ladysmith has something for everyone to enjoy.
Join us as we delve into the exciting activities and attractions that make Ladysmith a premium holiday destination.
Also read: 10 Things to do in St Lucia
1. Stoney Ridge 4×4 Academy
Explore the thrill of off-roading at Stoney Ridge 4×4 Academy, where adventure meets education, a 48-minute drive from Ladysmith.
Level 1 introduces you to 2WD and 4WD basics, including differentials. The second level hones your skills for conquering obstacles in off-road conditions, while the final level takes you to advanced 4×4 driving and recovery techniques.
Learn the art of self-recovery in sand, mud, and steep terrain. Offroad courses cover safe recovery principles and practical sessions, including using pull straps, kinetic straps, winching, airbags, sand ladders, and tire repair. Bring your partner and children along if you’re up for a family adventure.
Embrace the off-road adventure and master the art of conquering any terrain with Stoney Ridge 4×4 Academy.
Opening hours: Trail drives arranged via appointments only
Address: Stoney Ridge 4X4 Academy & Hunting, R74, Weenen
Contact: 073 697 5108
2. Winterton Museum
Nestled by the Tugela River in Drakensberg’s foothills, the Winterton Museum unveils history’s whispers.
Amidst the Battle of Vaal Krantz and Spioenkop sites, it’s a gateway to iconic peaks like Champagne Castle and Cathedral Peak.
Discover Winterton Museum’s treasures. Witness Ngwane people’s Zulu kraal replica, delve into Anglo-Boer war chronicles and relive the local farming saga.
San rock art reflects ancient lives intertwined with nature’s canvas. Explore Admiral Weston’s global voyage in Rein-Weston Caravan. Relive Spionkop and Vaalkrans clashes, delve into blacksmith’s craft.
Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm; Saturday – Sunday, Closed
Address: 1 Church St, Winterton
Contact: 036 488 1885
3. Saboroso
At Saboroso, you’ll experience Portuguese cuisine at the heart of Ladysmith.
Saboroso means ‘delicious’ in English, simply embodying the type of food patrons will be served upon visiting this wonderful establishment.
Quality and warmth define Saboroso, and your satisfaction takes priority. The menu boasts full chicken meals, grilled beef burgers, chicken wraps, succulent wings, gourmet beef burgers, lamb and beef ribs, and gourmet mutton burgers.
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm; Friday – Saturday, 9:00 am – 8:00 pm; Sunday, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Address: Central Business District, 9 Princess Street, Ladysmith
Contact: 078 038 1522
4. Nambiti Game Reserve
Embrace the wild wonders of Nambiti Private Game Reserve.
Nestled in South Africa’s heart, Nambiti showcases the majestic Big 5 and offers a haven for avid birdwatchers. Watch for the mighty martial eagles, South Africa’s national treasure, the Blue Cranes, the charismatic Ground Hornbills, and the unique Marabou Storks.
At Nambiti, biodiversity reigns supreme. Beyond the Big 5, a myriad of smaller mammals flourish, forming a vibrant ecosystem. Predators maintain the ecological equilibrium, while herbivores sculpt the landscape.
Nambiti’s conservation efforts protect endangered species and promote ecological preservation.
The reserve spans 23,000 acres and is a haven for all nature enthusiasts. It’s where the wild meets serenity, easily accessible by road or air, inviting adventurers from around the world to bask in Africa’s untamed beauty.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, All hours
Address: Nambiti North Gate, Kwazulu Natal, Ladysmith
Contact: 036 631 9026
5. Weenen Game Reserve
The Weenen Game Reserve boasts vast grasslands and dense tree and bush areas cluttered throughout.
Explore the 8km guided walk and self-guided trails passing serene dams. Encounter diverse wildlife, from rhinos and giraffes to jackals and porcupines. Over 230 bird species are visible from two hides overlooking a dam, making Weenen a bird spotter’s paradise. Various picnic sites with facilities offer relaxation amid breathtaking views.
Venture on 30km of tourist roads to spot black and white rhinos, zebras, and more. This sanctuary thrives with grey duikers, jackals, and reedbucks. Capture splendid views at the Ufudu, and Mpofu hides near watering holes.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, (Summer) 5:00 am – 7:00 pm and (Winter) 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Address: Weenen, KwaZulu-Natal
Contact: 036 354 7013
6. Itchyfeet SA
Are you craving thrilling outdoor adventures? Look no further than Itchyfeet SA. Feel the rush of real rock climbing, conquer the Tugela River, and explore the majestic Drakensberg mountains. From paddling to hiking, you will be guided by professionals prioritising safety and fun.
White water enthusiasts, the Tugela River is your playground, offering 130 kilometres of excitement from Bergville to Causeway.
The climbing experiences are as real as it gets, with Swinburne, Eagle Mountain, and White Umfolozi Crags as top spots.
And then there’s hiking in the awe-inspiring Ukhahlamba Drakensberg. Explore the High Berg for breathtaking views or delve into the Little Berg for diverse nature and caves. Custom routes are available.
Enjoy the Drakensberg hike during the best seasons and immerse yourself in this natural wonder.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, All hours
Address: 106 Church Street, Kwa-Billy, Winterton, KwaZulu-Natal
Contact: 072 032 1557
7. Talana Museum (58 min drive from Ladysmith)
Nestled in a 20-acre heritage park within the historic Talana battlefield, just 58 minutes from Ladysmith, lies the Talana Museum.
Commemorating the first Anglo-Boer War battle, this Grade 1 listed site showcases a rich tapestry of Dundee’s evolution. Exhibits span war, agriculture, mining, industry, and domestic life. The museum’s locale, Zulu, for ‘the shelf where precious items are stored,’ encapsulates its significance.
Wander through pioneer-era buildings and explore diverse displays, offering insights into settler life, Zulu and Bushmen cultures, and local industries. A self-guided trail on the Talana battlefield awaits, providing a poignant historical experience.
Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm; Saturday – Sunday, 9:00 am – 4:30 am
Address: R33, Dundee, KwaZulu-Natal
Contact: 034 212 2654
8. Cathedral Peak Wine Estate
Hidden deep in the Drakensberg Mountains, Cathedral Peak Wine Estate is a newcomer to the wine scene.
Located 46 minutes from Ladysmith, surrounded by the majestic Cathedral, Cathkin, and Champagne Castle peaks, it sits atop a plateau ridge where its vineyards thrive.
Though the Central Drakensberg is still finding its footing as a wine region, the estate planted its first vines in 2007 across 2 hectares, with the inaugural harvest in 2011.
The unique climate, influenced by summer rainfall and mountain-induced winds, creates a unique environment for Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Beyond the vines, the estate’s 3,000 wild hectares offer glimpses of waterbuck and small game. At the same time, larger species roam in dedicated enclosures, including duiker, giraffe, porcupine, sable, zebra, eland, and many others.
Opening hours: Monday and Wednesday – Saturday, 10 am – 4:30 pm; Sunday, 10 am – 3:00 pm; Tuesday, Closed
Address:Cathedral Peak Wine Estate, Unnamed Road, Winterton
Contact: 063 075 1123
9. Spioenkop Battlefield
Spioenkop Battlefield stands as a reminder of South Africa’s history.
Amid the second Anglo-Boer War, this site echoes the result of a British setback at the hands of the Boers. The Battle of Spioenkop arose to break the Ladysmith Siege, where Boer forces held the British captive for 4 long months.
From the 23rd of January 1900, British valour clashed futilely against the might of Orange Free State and South African Republic troops, their struggles etched into the soil. Yet, the following day, the defeat marked the British withdrawal, leaving a toll of brave souls.
Today, the Spioenkop Battlefield stands as a testament to this fierce encounter. Along a trail, memorials and trenches stand tall, allowing history to be contemplated. The battlefield captures the spirit of a bygone age, holding tales of bravery and sacrifice.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Address: R600 Spionkop Lodge, Ladysmith
Contact: 035 870 2050
10. Ladysmith Town Hall
Ladysmith Town Hall draws visitors into history’s embrace. Erected in 1893 and expanded during the early 1900s to accommodate Ladysmith’s growing needs, this building echoes resilience.
It transformed into a hospital during the Ladysmith siege, bearing a Red Cross flag on the clock tower.
Today, Ladysmith Town Hall stands adorned with 2 antique British cannons, relics from a distant past. These cannons, unearthed in a Port Elizabeth railway shed, were swiftly deployed to repel the formidable Boer Long Tom Cannons.
Visiting this historical gem promises an enriching experience, where captivating artefacts and absorbing stories await curious adventurers.
Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Address: 47 Queen St, Ladysmith
Contact: 036 637-2231
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