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LADISMITH
Ladismith is referred to as "The Jewel of the Klein Karoo” Ladismith became a municipality in 1903, but was originally in 1852, part of a farm called Ylands Vallei, owned by Balthazar Kloppers. The farm barnyard had been used for church services, and Kloppers eventually sold part of his farm to the church so that a town and church could be established. On 28th January 1862, Ladismith officially became a town. It became a municipality in 1903.
Ladismith lies at the foot of the Klein Swartberg mountain range. According to legend, the majestic Towerkop (2189m) mountain’s split peak was created when an angry witch who was flying above the mountain, struck it with her wand, resulting in the famous split peak.
The town was established in 1852 and was named after Lady Juana Smith. She was the wife of the Governor of the Cape, Sir Harry Smith. Originally "Ladysmith", the name was later changed in 1879 to "Ladismith" to prevent confusion with a town in Kwazulu Natal with a similar name.
The Afrikaans writer C.J. Langehoven was born just outside Ladismith. He wrote the old South African National Anthem, “Die Stem”.
Farming of plums, nectarines, grapes and peaches in Ladismith is very good due to the climactic conditions. At the turn of the century, the ostrich feather industry in Ladismith also flourished.
The local tourism office can be found inside the Otto Hager Church which was built in 1874, after the first church was damaged by wind storms and was also too small.
Seweweekspoort / Seven Weeks Poort is one of the highlights of a visit to Ladismith. 4X4 routes, hiking routes and mountain bike trails can be found here. The 17km drive on the pass is spectacular. Interesting rock formations and cliffs are entertaining along this drive.
Beaufort West - Matjiesfontein - Oudtshoorn - Swartberg Pass - Calitzdorp - Ladismith - Laingsburg - Prince Albert
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