Ladysmith
Close to the ground.
GPS: S 28 33.580 E 29 46.850 | pop. 220,000 | elevation 1,009m/3,310 ft
Ladysmith is named after the wife of Sir Harry Smith, the former Governor of the Cape Colony. But the town is probably most famous for being the site of a 118-day siege during the Anglo-Boer War and as the home of the male vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Today Ladysmith is a light industry center with a small downtown area and a number of historic buildings and surrounding battlefields.
Siege Museum
Siege Museum has an incredibly detailed history of the Anglo-Boer War and the 118-day siege of Ladysmith when the Boers held the British captive in the town and killed 3,000 British soldiers. There are many newspaper clippings from the time of the war with stories of suffering and victory and a good collection of war weapons and memorabilia.
Emnambithi Cultural Center
Emnambithi Cultural Center has exhibits displaying artifacts and the history of the region dating back to the San, detailing the line of Zulu kings and ending with apartheid. There is also a section of the center dedicated to the vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who got their start in their namesake city back in 1964.
MOTH Museum
MOTH Museum is a museum dedicated to the MOTHS (Memorable Order of Tin Hats) and to preserving the memory of former soldiers who fought on the front lines. The museum is full of memorabilia going back to WWI and is located above a MOTH club. If you stop in, ask Mervyn to show you around.
Murchison Mall
Murchison Mall is a large mall downtown on the main street with clothing and department stores and a Standard Bank ATM.
Oval Shopping Center
Oval Shopping Center is a large shopping center located downtown with a Woolworths, Checkers, FNB ATM, Internet café and a handful of fast food restaurants.
San Marco Shopping Centre
San Marco Shopping Centre is located just outside of the downtown area with a Pick 'n Pay, a few sit-down restaurants and an Internet café.
Buller's Rest Lodge
Buller's Rest Lodge is an adorable lodge with 11 country-themed thatched roof rooms surrounding a main lounge overlooking Ladysmith. The Buller's Rest Pub is fully stocked and decked out with beer steins, photographs and war memorabilia. Dinner is available on the deck of the main lodge Monday through Thursday.
Royal Hotel
Royal Hotel is a large established hotel centrally located on Ladysmith's main drag. The Tipsy Trouper pub and restaurant is on the main level. All rooms are updated with TV and AC, and the street-facing rooms have balconies.
Farquhar Lodge
Farquhar Lodge has 15 freestanding cottages throughout the garden premises, each with a stocked minibar, TV, AC and large bathrooms. There is a central poolside lodge with a bar and a large well-equipped fitness room.
Guinea Fowl
Guinea Fowl is located in a shopping center and might not seem like much from the outside. In fact, it's Ladysmith's top restaurant, boasting mouthwatering steaks and premier service. Attached to the restaurant is a small cocktail bar that attracts a good crowd most evenings.
Sonia's Pizza & Coffee Shop
Sonia's Pizza & Coffee Shop has a full menu of Italian fare and burgers. It is best known for its pizza and coffee shop. You can sit inside, out on the terrace or have your food delivered.
Tipsy Trouper
Tipsy Trouper is located downtown within the Royal Hotel and is one of the best restaurants downtown. It has a full menu of quality pub food and a good selection of wine and beer. There is a full buffet on weekday evenings and for Sunday lunch.
Guinea Fowl
Guinea Fowl is located in a shopping center and might not seem like much from the outside. In fact, it's Ladysmith's top restaurant, boasting mouthwatering steaks and premier service. Attached to the restaurant is a small cocktail bar that attracts a good crowd most evenings.
Sonia's Pizza & Coffee Shop
Sonia's Pizza & Coffee Shop has a full menu of Italian fare and burgers. It is best known for its pizza and coffee shop. You can sit inside, out on the terrace or have your food delivered.
Tipsy Trouper
Tipsy Trouper is located downtown within the Royal Hotel and is one of the best restaurants downtown. It has a full menu of quality pub food and a good selection of wine and beer. There is a full buffet on weekday evenings and for Sunday lunch.