Exploring Inland – A Traveller’s Guide to uMnambithi(Ladysmith)

The Midlands MagazineAugust 19, 2024

uMnambithi (Ladysmith) is just under a two-hour drive from Howick and offers a historical getaway. It was initially named the Republic of Klip River, then Windsor, then Ladysmith – named after Sir Harry Smith’s Spanish wife in 1850. Known for being instrumental during The South African War, uMnambithi is a go-to if you want to get a feel for our South African past. A perfect place for an overnight stay or a longer adventure, here are several unique places to consider adding to your list.

Buller’s Rest Lodge is an award-winning country-style thatched lodge in the more leafy suburbs. They offer various accommodation styles, including 10 single or double en-suite rooms, two Luxury King suites with mountain views, and three Family Suites that can sleep two adults and two children. Home-cooked meals are available with other utilities like free fibre internet, laundry services, and a small outdoor pool plus the property is also pet-friendly. Guests can relax with a drink in our famous “Boer War” pub or on our magnificent sun deck that overlooks uMnambithi and the Drakensberg mountains. The Buller’s Rest team prides themselves on exceptional customer service and endeavours to go the extra mile to ensure your visit is memorable and relaxing.

Nauntons Guest House is on the outskirts of uMnambithi, just five kilometres away, and offers a cosy escape for travellers, tourists, and business folks alike. There are ten en-suite bedrooms available, each furnished with 32-inch flatscreen televisions and air conditioning. Currently, four more rooms are being built, which include two self-catering units. Other amenities include a large living area to enjoy the garden view, the honesty bar, a swimming pool, and laundry services. If you’re looking for a delicious dinner, the staff at Nauntons’ Guest House cater to all dietary requirements and take pride in the food served, so you can indulge in great dining during your stay.

Suppose you’re looking for a more African Bush stay outside uMnambithi but within driving distance. In that case, Nambiti Private Game Reserve comprises several lodges you can choose from, each offering immersive bush experiences unique experiences; from relaxation to adventure and catering to groups, families, weddings, or professional events. Cheetah Ridge Lodge combines historical charm and African luxury. It is situated next to a 50-year-old fig tree with 10 suites that overlook a secluded watering hole, which is ideal for couples or adventurers alike. Ndaka Safari Lodge is all about embracing family values. It caters to children’s fun and educational experiences and offers a home away from home. For those seeking a sustainable stay, the Nambiti Plains Game Lodge is an eco-friendly, five-star retreat offering a modern minimalist design. For corporate retreats or fun family outings, the Elephant Rock Lodge can accommodate up to ten guests. If you are looking for something more private, the Lions Valley Lodge offers standalone thatched suites, The Homestead is a luxury safari eco-lodge that offers a unique blend of opulence and exclusive unparalleled access to wildlife, providing intimate encounters with nature in remote areas; and the Nambiti Hills Private Game Lodge has opulent suites and private viewing decks, but if you want a more immersive bush experience, the Springbok Lodge offers 21 ensuite tents. Umzolozolo Private Safari Lodge offers luxurious chalets and suites with breathtaking views. Enjoy African bush cuisine, indulge in spa treatments, and experience close encounters with wildlife for an unforgettable adventure. Esiweni Luxury Safari Lodge is perched on a cliff and offers stunning views and a touch of French elegance. With just five bungalows, it provides a serene and luxurious stay amidst a rich array of wildlife.

While you have ample choices to pick and choose your lodgings (some of which are full board/all inclusive), there are also a myriad of activities available, from day drives to battlefield excursions. Nambiti Private Game Reserve offers day and night drives: you can start your morning with a drive, which is guided by an experienced ranger where you can have firsthand immersion into the bush, from plant identification to tracking animal footprints. Or you can opt for an afternoon drive, which is a prime time to spot giraffes or lions as the temperatures cool down. Night drives are available on request and guests can also book guided walks. Additional activities are available, such as cultural experiences that a selection of the Nambiti Private Game Reserve lodges organise for visitors to learn more about the local history and traditions of the communities living around the vicinity.

If you want a true feel of uMnambithi (Ladysmith) history, Three Tree Hill offers their Battle of Spioenkop flagship tour led by their guide Pierre Jonker. The half-day tour explores what was the bloodiest of all the battles between the Boers and the British during the South African War. This particular battle took place on the 24 of January 1900. After crossing the Tugela River but failing to overcome the Boer defensive lines, the British troops seized Spioenkop mountain top in a successful night attack, but the Boers rallied the following morning and attacked the British troops on the summit. A bloody day-long battle followed, and after nightfall, both sides withdrew thinking the other had won. Finally, the Boers returned the following morning at dawn and claimed victory. Among the notable figures present in the area during the battle were three future world leaders; Louis Botha, commanding the Boers; Winston Churchill, at the time a war correspondent; and young Mohandas Gandhi, who although a lawyer was also a community leader involved in assembling volunteers for the Indian Ambulance Corps. The tour starts at 8:30 and ends back at the lodge for lunch after midday. Spots are available to in-house guests of Three Tree Hill, however, outside guests are welcome to enquire about bookings for Spioenkop. Several other historical tours are available and listed on their website.

If you’re looking for a bite to eat, why not try a bit of Portuguese-inspired food while you get a taste of our South African history at the Ladysmith Siege Museum. Saboroso restaurant, located on 9 Princess Street, is named after the Portuguese word meaning “Tasty” or “Delicious”. The team at Saboroso values an authentic taste experience that is affordable and satisfying. Some of the food options range from good old-fashioned and hearty burgers and chips, wraps, full chicken meals, and sandwiches where the flavour can either be at a Portuguese level of hot, a Mozambican medium, Saboroso sweet and spicy, Mozambican mild, or just plain lemon and herb. Their operating hours are from Monday to Thursday, from 9:00 to 19:30, on Friday and Saturday from 9:00 to 20:45 and on Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 19:30. While there is so much more to experience in and around uMnambithi, these places will give you a few ideas of where to start on your adventures.