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| LADISMITH |
GENERAL INFORMATION ON LADISMITH
Ladismith is situated in the Klein Karoo on Route 62,
at the foot of the Klein Swartberg mountain range.
The majestic Towerkop, with its split peak, looms
above the town.
Local legend has it that an angry witch, flying over
the mountain during a stormy night, found the peak
obstructing her way, and in anger struck it with her
wand, causing it to split in two!
The Dutch Reformed congregation was founded in 1851
and the town was established in 1852 on a section of
the farm Ylandsvalley.
Named after Lady Juana Smith, the Spanish-born wife of
Sir Harry Smith, Governer of the Cape Colony. The
original Ladysmith was changed to Ladismith in
1879 to prevent confusion with its namesake in Natal.
It serves an extensive farming area with ideal climate
for the production of apricots, peaches, plums,
nectarines and grapes. Approximately 30% of the total
apricot export market comes from the district. There
are two cheese factories as well as a winery.
Ladismith, as with the rest of the Klein Karoo benefited
from the ostrich feather boom period at the beginning
of the previous century.
This opulence attracted several Jewish families from
the Balcan states and at one stage in the early 100's
there were about thirty Jewish families living here. A
synagogue as well as a school was built.
MOUNTAINEERING SCENIC DRIVES
Hoeko valley
12 km east of town on R62.
Breathtaking views in spring and autumn
of vineyards and orchards.
Zoar & Amalienstein
21 km east on R62
Two former mission stations.
Seweweekspoort
23 km east on R62
Spectacular
rock formations loom on both sides of the
road windina for 17 km through the Klein
Swartberg mountains to emerge on the northern
side in the Karoo.
Dwarsrivier, Voorbaat & Vanzylsdomme
West
of town on Laingsburg road. Picturesque
valleys with orchards, vineyards, dams
and old farm houses.
Winkelplaas, Vensterkrans
See the awsome damage that was inflicted
by the great Laingsburg flood in January 1981,
when the railway line was washed away.
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HIKING TRAILS
Elandsberg:
12 km route to Stanley's light Towersig,
2-12 km in hills above town Springvale,
3 km on farm or
15 km through a game enclosure
Towerkop:
2 189 m - Although not the highest peak in the
range, it is the most well-known and difficult to climb.
Seweweekspoort:
2 325 m - The highest peak in the Klein
Swartberg as well as in the Western Cape.
Peak Plaats:
2 238 m - The second highest in range
Steenslang:
2 228 m
Toorkop:
2 143 m
Elandsberg:
2 127 m
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4x4 ROUTES
Springvale
15 km - West of town off the
Laingsburg road. Runs along a game enclosure where several
species of game can be seen, as well as an abundance of birdlife
near the dams in the enclosure. Typical Karoo succulent vegetation
in the hills.
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DAY TOURS
Lekker Rus - game viewing
Doornkloof - game viewing
Aardvark - eco discovery event on foot/horseback
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RECREATION
Lavender farm
028 551 1548
Vineyard meander
028 551 1548
Mountain biking
028 551 1378
Mountaineering / hiking
028 551 1378
Field trips
028 551 1814
Game viewing
028 551 1814
Tennis, golf, badminton, squash, rugby and cricket.
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OUR ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE
The town and district boast several building styles
from bygone eras. Several buildings have been declared
National Monuments. The town also has its own unique
building style - a simplified Georgian style, the so-called
Ladismith style. Other styles include Victorian, Neo-Gothic,
Lithuanian, Edwardian, Cape Dutch Revival, Regency and
Rural (Karoo).
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TOURISM BUREAU
Tel: +27 28 551 1378
Fax: +27 28 551 1378
Email: visit@ladismith.org.za
Website: www.ladismith.org.za
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