Spionkop Game Reserve & Battlefield site

Spionkop is famous for its historic battlefield site, and horse trails through the spionkop game Reserve

Spionkop Game Reserve is located between Ladysmith, Bergville and Winterton in the foothills of the Drakensberg. Spionkop Game Reserve is also situated at the entrance to Battlefields. Stocked with rhino, giraffe, zebra, eland and numerous other antelope, home to more than 270 bird species and with spectacular views of the Drakensberg over Spionkop Dam, Spioenkop Game Reserve is well worth a visit.

Spioenkop Mountain stands sentry over thorn savannah and water where visitors can see panoramas that stretch from hot valley bushveld across cool water to the Drakensberg Mountains often covered in snow in the winter. Steeped in Anglo Boer War history, the Spionkop Game Reserve boasts a rich selection of wildlife including white rhinoceros, giraffe and a variety of plains and bushveld antelope. The abundance and variety of species assures visitors a rewarding game experience.

Spionkop dam offers opportunities for a variety of water-sports and there is a road network open to tourists. Busses are not permitted as the road system is unsuitable. The Discovery Trail presents two wonderful hiking options, a 3 or 6 kilometre loop around the southern shore in an area free of dangerous game. Various picnic sites are dotted around the dam’s edge. There is also the fantastic oppertunity to experience game viewing on horseback.

Spioenkop Mountain is the site of the infamous Battle of Spioenkop which took place in 1900 where the British suffered one of their worst defeats of that period. The Battlefield is accessible by road and the 360 degree view from the summit can only be described as spectacular.

From the reserve there are views of the Drakensberg Mountains which extend from Giants Castle, to the Sentinel in Royal Natal National Park.