At the foot of Towerkop mountain, Ladismith offers visitors spectacular Klein Karoo scenery. The mountains, vineyards, orchards, clean air, and plenty of sunshine will make you wonder why you shouldn't wake up here EVERY morning!
Ladismith actually includes Amalienstein, Zoar, Van Wyksdorp and Ladismith itself.
Some facts on our area:
Amalienstein & Zoar:
Situated halfway between Ladismith and Calitzdorp, are the mission stations of Amalienstein and Zoar. Zoar was established in 1816 on behalf of the South African Missionary Society by Petrus Joubert, grandfather of General Piet Joubert, military leader of the Transvaal Republic. The mission was named for the biblical Zoar located on the Red Sea (Genesis 14:2-8). In 1843 the mission was taken over by the Berlin Missionary Society. During the First World War the Zoar mission was handed back to the Dutch Reformed Church.
The property adjacent to Zoar was purchased by the Berlin Mission Society for the establishment of their own mission and was named for a Baroness Amalie Von Stein, a benefactor of the Society. Both Amalienstein and Zoar boast lush gardens developed over the years and are known for their figs, apricots and pears. Dried fruit from Amalienstein won a gold medal at the World Exhibition at Crystal Palace in London in 1851.
Old Historical Lutheran Church: The Church’s unique architectural character dates back to the 18th century and is a familiar landmark in the area.
Hoeko Valley: The birthplace of the famous literature figure, CJ Langenhoven
Seweweekspoort:
This majestic 15 km gorge connects the Little Karoo and the Great Karoo and is propably one of the most awe-inspiring mountain passes in South Africa. The Kloof is dominated on the eastern side by the Seweweekspoort Mountain, at 2325 m the highest peak in the Swartberg range. The ruins of the old tollhouse (1862) can still be seen, and it is told that the ghost of the toll keeper still wanders round on dark and stormy nights. The Tierkloof Dam can also be viewed after a short but strenuous hike. The gorge with it’s breathtaking views is ideal for hikers and mountain bike enthusiasts. Rare fynbos species like the Protea Aristata (Ladismith Sugarbush), can be seen growing on the kranses and sandstone slopes of the Klein Swartberg. Protea aristata flowers from October to February (best during December).
Bosluiskloof Pass
Situated approximately 5 km from the Seweweekspoort on the road to the Gamkaspoort Dam. From the top of the pass one has beautiful views over the foothills of the Swartberg, the Gamkaspoort Dam and as far as Beaufort West on a clear day. The area is untouched by man with an abundance of animal and birdlife.
To promote tourism in Ladismith, the Kannaland district, and the Klein Karoo, South Africa
