Spioenkop Nature Reserve
35km/22mi west of Ladysmith is the Spioenkop Nature Reserve (area 5979ha/14,768ac), in an attractive region of hills and valleys round the Tugela River, which is dammed at this point. This was the scene of a bloody battle during the Boer War (known in English history books as the battle of Spion Kop). A Historic Trail leads to the battlefield.
Within the nature reserve is a 400 hectare/1,000 acre game park containing blue wildebeests, zebras, reedbucks, impalas, red hartebeests, blesboks, rhinos and giraffes.
Within the nature reserve is a 400 hectare/1,000 acre game park containing blue wildebeests, zebras, reedbucks, impalas, red hartebeests, blesboks, rhinos and giraffes.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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Visitors can explore the reserve on foot accompanied by a park ranger. The Spioenkop Discovery Trail (a 2-4 hour walk) introduces visitors to the ecology of the region.
There is accommodation for visitors in the form of attractive chalets, country cottages and a camping site. There are also picnic areas and children's playgrounds, and facilities for water sports on the Spioenkop Dam.
There is accommodation for visitors in the form of attractive chalets, country cottages and a camping site. There are also picnic areas and children's playgrounds, and facilities for water sports on the Spioenkop Dam.
