Off-Site Activities
Midlands Meander
The Midlands Meander is a slow drive through the foot hills of the Drakensberg in search of quaint stores boasting all the ingenuity of the local people. From crafts to food, there is something for even the most discerning of taste. This is a full day of traveling recommended only for the avid shopper.
Township and Freedom Struggle Tours
The township has become a cultural African Mecca of its own. A living testament to the fortitude and resilience of the tribes of Southern Africa. Township tours include being taken by an experienced guide to the various township cultural and historical locations.
Battlefield Tours
It is hard to conceive that the heart of beautiful central and northern KwaZulu-Natal was once the scene of bloody conflict between the Zulu, Boer and the British. Their clashes and military engagements shaped the history of South Africa, and shook the might of the British Empire's military. It was in this area over a period of some seventy years, that one historical drama after another unfolded. On request, qualified tour guides will take you through the various sites ensuring that you are enriched with more than just memories of a magnificent landscape.
The Battle of Isandlwana & Rorkes Drift:
Visit the site of The Battle of Isandlwana. On 22 January 1879, this was the first major encounter in the Anglo-Zulu War between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom. Eleven days after the British commenced their invasion of Zululand in South Africa, a Zulu force attacked a portion of the British main column. The battle was a crushing victory for the Zulus and the British army had suffered its worst defeat against an indigenous force.
In the afternoon, relive the Battle of Rorke’s Drift, also known as the Defence of Rorke’s Drift. The defence of the mission station of Rorke’s Drift immediately followed the British Army’s defeat at the Battle of Isandlwana on 22 January 1879, and continued into the following day, 23 January. Just over 150 British and colonial troops successfully defended the garrison against an intense assault by 3,000 to 4,000 Zulu warriors. The Zulu attacks on Rorke’s Drift came very close to defeating the tiny garrison, but were ultimately repelled. Eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded to the defenders, along with a number of other decorations and honors.
Siege of Ladysmith & Spionkop:
Travel to Ladysmith for a recounting of the Siege of Ladysmith, a protracted engagement in the Second Boer War, taking place between 30 October 1899 and 28 February 1900. The Ladysmith Siege Museum is considered to be the best Anglo Boer War museum in the country. The building that houses the Museum was built in 1884. During the Siege it was used as ration post for civilians. A diorama depicts Ladysmith and surroundings at the time of the Siege. Artefacts, documents, uniforms and firearms are on display.
Continue to the outskirts of Ladysmith to the site of the Battle of Spioenkop. The battle was fought about 38 km west-south-west of Ladysmith on the hilltop of Spioenkop from 23-24 January 1900. The South African Republic and Orange Free State engaged British forces during the Second Boer War during the campaign to relieve Ladysmith, resulting in a British defeat.
Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park:
Didima in the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park is renowned for the exceptional beauty of its mountainous landscapes, filled with hidden natural and cultural treasures, and is listed as South Africa’s first cultural and environmental World Heritage Site. Beyond its natural beauty and diversity of animal and plant species, as well as the variety of its habitats, the power of its cultural values lies in the San hunter-gatherers and the quality and multiplicity of their rock art. The Park is one of the most densely painted regions in Africa, if not the entire world. Didima camp boasts the San Rock Art Interpretive Centre, providing fascinating insights into the art and culture of the San, and includes static displays and audio-visual presentations within a reconstructed rock shelter.
There are also various short hiking trails around the camp to experience this natural wonder first hand.
October 1899 marked the beginning of the Anglo-Boer War and Ladysmith was to be a key point in the struggle for Natal.
The Battle of Colenso 15 Dec 1899
The Battle of Thabanyama 20-23 Jan 1900
The Battle of Spionkop 23-25 Jan 1900
The Battle of Vaalkrantz 5 Feb 1900
The Battle of Tugela Heights 14-27 Feb 1900
The British paid a heavy price with approximately 1818 either killed or wounded and 1541 dead from disease.
Fly Fishing
There are a number of dams within the reserve which offer guests the opportunity to fish. These dams are well stocked with bass and various other fish species. Guests will be accompanied by a guide when fishing. The Drakensberg offers the best fly fishing in South Africa. There are excellent trout waters in the region with well-stocked dams and pristine stretches of river where brown and rainbow trout occur in abundance.
Historical Sites
If you can possibly tear yourself away from the peaceful seclusion and beauty of Nambiti Hills Private Game Lodge and its surroundings, we recommend a guided tour of these historical sites:
Siege Museum
Town Hall
Town Hall Museum
'The Twins' (2 x 6.3 Howitzers cannons)
Statue of Ghandi
All Saints Church
Scenic Flights
To fly over the majestic Drakensberg mountains is to be forever in awe. A World Heritage Site, the Drakensberg is full of scenic drama and extraordinary beauty. When you see it from the air, you are privy to the magnitude and variety of this incredible mountain range that cuts through much of KwaZulu-Natal. Flights over the central Drakensberg leave from Ladysmith Airfield or Champagne castle in the Drakensberg.
White River Rafting
It is the effervescent spray and churning waters that challenge the adventurous and raise the adrenaline. If you prefer something a little more sedate, you can go rafting down the river. Either way, we'll make all the arrangements and get you there. Summer is an ideal time for white water rafting and the Nambiti Reserve has twice hosted the South African white water championships. There is an excellent 20 km stretch of rapids and pools in this section of the Tugela Canyon, including the intimidating 'washing machine' and 'finger rock' rapids. Water levels alter the mood of the river, and experiences can be varied, but all adventures are guaranteed to be unforgettable.
Golf
The Cathedral Peak 9-hole Golf Course has been termed 'the thinking golfers' course' and is set against the magnificent backdrop of the Drakensberg. The Champagne Sports Resort Golf Course boasts 18 holes designed by Hugh Baiocchi, set in perfectly manicured grounds and equally spectacular scenery. The Ladysmith Country Club also offers a 13-hole Golf Course
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL OFF SITE ACTIVITIES ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY
