The beautiful town of Ladismith in the Klein Karoo may be off the beaten track, but tourists who skirt it are missing out, writes Sean Christie.
Even young children will tell you that to sell something these days you need a strong brand. And with rural economies shrinking faster than Tokyo Sexwale’s political stock the South African dorp — which is, generally speaking, more reliant than ever on the tourist’s buck — is no different.
In the national drive to isolate distinct character traits that could be used to lure tourists to rural towns, Ladismith in the Klein Karoo has been somewhat at a disadvantage, primarily because, in name, to many people the place is merely a misspelt version of the much larger and better known town of Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal.
Getting there
Perfect for: Those who like telling it on the mountain, and also for those who prefer to tell it to the mountain, from a distance, with a glass of wine or tumbler of brandy in hand.
Accessibility: About 350km from Cape Town on the picturesque R62, a drive time of four hours.
Cost: Accommodation in Ladismith ranges from the multistar (approximately R500) to the comfortably rustic (R200).
Full Storyvia Rural charm and peace | Arts and Culture | Travel | Mail & Guardian.
