The Karoo Wildlife Centre comprises a 260 ha nature reserve, which you can discover at your own pace.
If you would like to venture further out and see what else the Klein Karoo has to offer, there are various options for hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, game drives and wine tasting. For more information, please visit the tourism office at Ladismith.
If you would like to venture further out and see what else the Klein Karoo has to offer, there are various options for hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, game drives and wine tasting. For more information, please visit the tourism office at Ladismith.
Hiking trails
The following popular trails are just suggestions. There is much more to discover, ranging from the Towersig routes (between 2 km and 12 km), taking 1 to 4 hours to the tough 12 km Elandsberg route that rises 792 m in altitude and takes 5 to 8 hours to complete.
The Stanley's Light Trail: 14 km
Starting point: 3 km outside of Ladismith
Suitable for older children
This circular hike is not only popular for its spectacular views, but also for the dynamo-powered light on the steep rock of the Toringberg, installed by Stanley de Wit in 1963. The dynamo is powered by the water that runs down the rocks.
Noukloof Nature Reserve: 12 km
Starting point: near Ladismith
Suitable for children
Indigenous vegetation as well as fauna like eland, springbok, duiker and steenbok can be seen on this beautiful walk.
Bushbuck Trail at Grootvaderbosch Nature Reserve: 10 km
Starting point: Grootvaderbosch Nature Reserve (about 40 minutes from the Karoo Wildlife Centre)
Suitable for children
The 10 km Bushbuck Trail in Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve rambles through prime indigenous forest.
The Stanley's Light Trail: 14 km
Starting point: 3 km outside of Ladismith
Suitable for older children
This circular hike is not only popular for its spectacular views, but also for the dynamo-powered light on the steep rock of the Toringberg, installed by Stanley de Wit in 1963. The dynamo is powered by the water that runs down the rocks.
Noukloof Nature Reserve: 12 km
Starting point: near Ladismith
Suitable for children
Indigenous vegetation as well as fauna like eland, springbok, duiker and steenbok can be seen on this beautiful walk.
Bushbuck Trail at Grootvaderbosch Nature Reserve: 10 km
Starting point: Grootvaderbosch Nature Reserve (about 40 minutes from the Karoo Wildlife Centre)
Suitable for children
The 10 km Bushbuck Trail in Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve rambles through prime indigenous forest.
Mountainbiking |
7weekspoort MBT Challenge
Ladismith is home to the yearly 7weekspoort MTB Challenge. Catering for families and different levels of expertise, there are well over a thousand riders from all over the Western and Southern Cape. flocking to Ladismith for the challenge. Riders will experience the raw scenic majesty of the poort while getting a serious work-out. For information and dates click here.
Trail at Grootvaderbosch Nature Reserve: 6 km
Easy
There is a cycle trail of 6km on the Grootvaderbosch Nature Reserve. On the adjacent conservancy there are also a few MBT trails to ride. For these rides permits are required from the conservancy. Please note that there are no mountain bikes for rent and you have to bring your own. For more information click here.
Buffelspoort Trail: 7 to 30km
Difficult
Another interesting trail is located at the Buffelspoort. This is a more taxing route and offers rugged, steep and challenging surfaces. The trail is quite strenuous and can be done as a circular route or a return with the distances varying from 7 km to 30 km. The trail will take approximately 1-4 hours to complete. Please note that there are no mountain bikes for rent and you have to bring your own. Buffelspoort is located about 30 minutes from Ladismith.
Ladismith is home to the yearly 7weekspoort MTB Challenge. Catering for families and different levels of expertise, there are well over a thousand riders from all over the Western and Southern Cape. flocking to Ladismith for the challenge. Riders will experience the raw scenic majesty of the poort while getting a serious work-out. For information and dates click here.
Trail at Grootvaderbosch Nature Reserve: 6 km
Easy
There is a cycle trail of 6km on the Grootvaderbosch Nature Reserve. On the adjacent conservancy there are also a few MBT trails to ride. For these rides permits are required from the conservancy. Please note that there are no mountain bikes for rent and you have to bring your own. For more information click here.
Buffelspoort Trail: 7 to 30km
Difficult
Another interesting trail is located at the Buffelspoort. This is a more taxing route and offers rugged, steep and challenging surfaces. The trail is quite strenuous and can be done as a circular route or a return with the distances varying from 7 km to 30 km. The trail will take approximately 1-4 hours to complete. Please note that there are no mountain bikes for rent and you have to bring your own. Buffelspoort is located about 30 minutes from Ladismith.
Horse Riding
Our horses are retired, but if you would like to discover the remoter regions on horseback, you can do so at the Anysberg Nature Reserve. Anysberg offers guided excursions, ranging from two hours to two days. Please note there is a maximum 95kg carrying capacity per horse, which includes rider and luggage. For more information click here.
Wine Tasting
White wines in the Klein Karoo include e.g. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc blend, and Chenin Blanc. The reds include e.g. Cabernet, Shiraz, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
For more information and opening hours:
Ladismith cellars
Wine Cellar at Hillock Wines
For more information and opening hours:
Ladismith cellars
Wine Cellar at Hillock Wines
Game drives |
Rooiberg Lodge & Safari offers game drives in the early morning and evening on their 5000 ha property. Over 30 species of wildlife roaming free. For more information, call: +27 63 161 0042
