SPIOENKOP GAME RESERVE - HISTORY

 
The area is rich in history with remains of a number of late iron age sites present in the reserve. However, the main historical significance of Spioenkop involves the events which took place as part of the "Relief of Ladysmith" during the Anglo Boer War. The tragedy of war is evident in the number of grave sites in the surrounding area but the extent of the carnage can only be understood by visiting the battlefield on the summit of the mountain where there are graves containing close on eight hundred bodies. A booklet on the battle is available from the reception office and is well worth reading. A point of significance is the fact that there were three men present at the battle who were destined to become national leaders, two of whom would play significant roles in world history. The three were General Botha, leader of the Boer forces, Winston Churchill who was a journalist, and Mahatma Ghandi who was a stretcher bearer.