Ladybrand

Ladybrand: Gateway the the Eastern Free State and Lesotho

Ladybrand was one of the towns established by the Voortrekkers to stabilize the "conquered territories" taken from the Basotho in the war of 1865. Later it was the British against the Boers during the Anglo-Boer war when in March 1900 the British occupied Ladybrand, but were defeated by a Boer Commando who lifted the siege within a matter of days. Today Ladybrand offers tourists spectacular mountain scenery and a base to visit the Golden Gate National Park and Eastern Highlands

Ladybrand has great charm, good accommodation and a great deal of interest in the area. Ladybrand has interesting museums, well-preserved sandstone buildings and is an ideal centre from which to explore hiking trails into the surrounding mountains. The fossilised remains of Diathrognatus, a prehistoric animal believed to be the link between reptiles and mammals, were found nearby and the district probably has the largest concentration of San rock art in the world.

Eating out in Ladybrand

• Imperio Robertos (behind Shoprite) is perhaps the best restaurant in town, fantastic steaks, pasta and pizza dishes, nice atmosphere and friendly owner (Roberto) make for a consistently pleasant dining experience.
• Cranberry Cottage is more of a guesthouse than restaurant - but the food is very good and the setting perfect for an intimate dinner. Need to book in advance as they start cooking the food before you arrive.
• De Vine (on the far side of the Church) is the new upstart in town, ambitious wine list and refreshingly different menu from most Free State eateries makes this a good option. Time will tell if it will outshine the competition given the high prices on the menu.
• Beef & Reef (opposite Spar) caters more for the Afrikaaner crowd - steak, fish and chips.
• Fish Cafe (opposite the Church) you can get better fish in Imperios or Beef & Reef but the prawn curry is pretty good.
• Spizzy Pizza (near the church) used to be a fantastic cozy little Italian place serving great pizzas. The pizzas are still good but the curiously stark grey interior is a little off-putting.

• As you can see Ladybrand is the best option for eating for those based in Maseru.

This thriving agricultural town was founded in 1867 after the Batsotho wars as the principal town of the newly conquered territory. Ladybrand, situated at the foot of the impressive sandstone Platberg ridge, is an important administrative and agricultural cenre in the prolific wheat and sunflower belt. The town, also known as the ‘Gateway to Lesotho’, lies approximately 15 km from the Caledon Bridge, which serves as the main border post between South Africa and Lesotho. It is situated 18 km from Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. The town has some of the finest examples of sandstone architecture in the Free State, and combined with the overwhelming scenery and numerous opportunities to explore the area, is a destination not to be missed. Bush man paintings adorn farms in the vicinity, while the discovery of fossils indicates that even pre historic beings once found the region irresistible. The Catherina Brand Museum in town houses a wide variety of fossils and other items of archaeological interest dating back to the Stone Age. When you’ve had your fill of the town and it’s fascinating history, head for one of the many hiking trails and experience the invigorating beauty of Ladybrand

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Bloemfontein 128 km, Cape Town 1141 km, Clocolan 37 km, Durban 570 km, Golden Gate National Park 154 km, Johannesburg 531 km. Port Elizabeth 772 km, Senekal 157 km, Tweespruit 40 km

Banks – Absa, Fnb, Standard Bank

ATM’s – 3

HISTORICAL VIEW

Catherina Brand Museum - Archaeological displays

Cave Church

In 1869, the Anglican Society of St Augustine used the cave for services before a suitable venue became available.

Heritage Museum

Local history, bread baked in outside oven, vintage farm implements and a history of the Free State printing industry

Prehistoric San Rock Art

Rose Cottage, Modderpoort and Tandjiesberg caves. Visit by appointment. All the sites have been declared national monuments.

Rose Cottage Cave

Where ash from a fire, dating back 50 000 years, has been found

Stables

A deep rock fissure used by the Boers to stable their horses during the Basotho War of 1858

St Michael’s Sandstone Church

ATTRACTIONS

Annual Events

Cave Church Service Petrusberg Show – August

Endurance Rider – Twice a year (80 km)

The Two Nations Marathon between Ladybrand and Maseru

Hand Craft – Weaving gallery and unique furniture

ACTIVITIES

Hiking – Visser Hiking Trail an 18 km trail

Horse Riding

Mountain Biking / Cycling

Accommodation in and around Ladybrand