Things to do near
Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Battlefields
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Ladysmith (5.5 km from Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve) As you travel on the N3 linking Durban and Johannesburg, only 8 km off the motorway near Ladysmith, you'll arrives at the famous Battlefield of Spion Kop.
Over a century ago on the 24th January 1900, Spion Kop was the scene of a bloody and futile battle fought between South Africans and British forces during the South African War, 1899 to 1902.
Raymond Heron, a renowned historian, has a fascinating presentation on the war and the far-reaching effects it had on Britain and South Africa. During Raymond’s vivid presentation, one is able to relive memories of the war and walk in the footsteps of three great leaders – General Louis Botha, later to become the Union of South Africa’s first prime minister, and Mohandas (later the “Mahatma”) Gandhi, as well as Winston Churchill.
Galleries and Museums
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Winterton (15.2 km from Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve) The Winterton Museum is located in the majestic Drakensberg region. It was opened in 1993 by Sheila Henderson and displays the history of the local farming communities in the area, the early inhabitants from the Stone Age, the Iron Age, the San people, the Voortrekkers and the early English settlers.
There are various historical items and reproductions of San art as well as a gallery with San paintings and photographs of local San art. Other displays include the first South African democratic elections, the battles of Spieoenkop and Vaalkrans, and a blacksmith shop featuring the Weston Caravan. There is also a reconstructed Zulu beehive kraal built with traditional materials and methods used by the local Ngwane people's ancestors.
The outstanding private collection of Boer War books are excellent guides for those planning to visit the battlefields in the area.
Popular Attractions
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Bergville (16.1 km from Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve) All Out Adventures offer over 100 km of well-marked mountain bike trails for all fitness and skill levels in the Northern Drakensberg. Extreme mountain bikers use this terrain to train for the Cape Epic, Sani and Joberg 2 C riders. Riders can choose between tough training rides and easy rides for families on a mountain biking holiday in the Berg. Maps are available.
Popular Attractions
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Bergville (16.1 km from Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve) Westline Aviation offer scenic helicopter flights in the Northern Drakensberg region. Flight solutions can be tailored to suit particular needs, corporate services, tourism and special events. They operate from Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort, Cathedral Peak Hotel and the Tower of Pizza .
Popular Attractions
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Bergville (16.1 km from Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve) All Out Adventures offers a thrilling cable ride through scenic forest. Speeds of up to 60 km per hour are reached between the 7 platforms, making it one of the fastest cable tours in South Africa. It also has one of the longest spans in the country – up to 240 m between the platforms. Great fun for the whole family.
Popular Attractions
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Bergville (16.1 km from Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve) Fly like Tarzan on an authentic circus trapeze. Instructors take you step by step through taking off to landing in the net. Die hard thrill seekers have the option of doing a knee hang and a back flip dismount.
Golf Courses
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Bergville (16.1 km from Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve) Beautifully maintained and picturescue 9-hole course situated at Hlalanathi Resort
Popular Attractions
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Bergville (16.2 km from Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve) The Northern Horse offers the experience of a lifetime in the Northern Drakensberg. Trusty mountain horses and ponies will take you up mountains, across rivers and cantering over plains in the breath taking foothills of this World Heritage Site. Trails vary from easy outrides on the Montusi Estate to steeper trails, all tailored to suit various levels of experience.
Hiking Trail
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Van Reenens Pass (23.9 km from Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve) The Black Wildebeest Hiking Trail is a 2/3-day backpack trail, which starts off at the bottom of the Van Reenan Pass in KwaZulu-Natal.
The precise start of the trail is located at Siggy's base camp. The first day kicks off with a climb next to a fast-flowing stream. Accent onto the plateau is done via a ladder. The rest of the trail cuts through undulating grassland hills, which provides a lovely scenic view on the path. Game sighting is plentiful and adds a lovely element to the trail. The trail ends at the river camp.
The 2nd day trail returns back to base camp, starting off with a steep incline to the top of the plateau. The route then follows a decent into a valley, followed by an easy last stretch.
Difficulty: easy to moderate;
Distance: 14 km, and 26 km if you decide to extend the hike to the 3 day variation.
Shops
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Winterton (24.9 km from Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve) Kwazulu Weavers produce hand-woven woolen carpets and homemade candles. The mini putt-putt course keeps the little ones busy while parents are shopping. Grab a bite to eat afterwards at the Waffle Hut.
Golf Courses
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Winterton (35.3 km from Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve) 9-18 hole golf course! Many well known players have played here before!
Golf Courses
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Ladysmith (35.4 km from Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve) Holes 18
Length: 5690m
Available for hire:
Carts
Trolleys
Caddies
Clubs
Other facilities
Pro Shop, Bar, Restaurant, Board Room, Function Facilities
Popular Attractions
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Ladysmith (36 km from Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve) The legendary Mahatma Gandhi, among many other things, served with General Buller's relief forces after the Siege of Ladysmith. He also trained 1100 Indians who participated in the battle.
In 1993 the Hindu community paid tribute to the work of Gandhi by building a statue of him at the Lord Vishnu Temple. Visitors will have to arrange with the caretaker beforehand to view the statue.
Nature Reserves
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Drakensberg (40.5 km from Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve) The Monks Cowl Nature Reserve is located in the Ukhahlamba Darkensberg Park. It is named after the peak located between the scenic mountains of Champagne Castle and Cathkin Peak.
There are numerous hiking routes that pass through the magnificent valleys and forests of the Northern Drakensberg. The routes vary in intensity and length, ranging from a few hours to a few days. Accommodation has to be arranged beforehand for those who are interested in doing more than a one-day hike.
The foothills have many caves to explore, most of which were used by the San people. The 'Battle Cave' has rock art portraying a battle between two San tribes.
Hiking Trail
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Giants Castle Nature Reserve (41.2 km from Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve) The trail over Champagne Castle via Gray's Pass is an extreme but blissful 19 km trek in hiking paradise. This route ascends the Mhlwazini Valley between Champagne Castle and Monk's Cowl. Knockout views are ample reward for the physical effort required to do this hike.
Duration: 2 – 3 days
Difficulty: Extreme
Distance: 19 km