Ladybrand is a small agricultural town, 130 km east of Bloemfontein in the Free State province of South Africa. It lies in the foothills of the beautiful Maluti Mountains, 18 km from Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. Founded in 1867 following the Basotho Wars, it was named after Lady Catharine Brand, the mother of the speaker of the Cape Province legislative assembly, Sir Christoffel Brand. The settlement of Ladybrand was created by Voortrekkers to control the territories captured during the Basotho war. Today, it is a cosmopolitan town serving as a trade and business centre on the border of Lesotho as well as being the administrative centre of Mantsopa District Municipality which include the towns of Tweespruit, Excelsior, Thaba Phatswa, and Hobhouse. Many of the inhabitants commute daily to work in Maseru which is 18 kms away. The sandstone church in the centre of town is the main landmark. Like many eastern Free State towns there are some well preserved old sandstone houses in the district. Ladybrand is known for spectacular mountain scenery and a base to visit the Golden Gate National Park and Eastern Highlands.

From Bloemfontein, take the N8 East past Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu for 135 km to Ladybrand.

SHOPS:
There is a Spar in town.

“Ladybrand is a Town in the Eastern Freestate at the foot of the Platberg, 126 km east of Bloemfontein. It was founded in 1867 on the farm Mauershoek and attained municipal status in 1904.” - Chris Smit, 2023/05/15

Be the first to submit a link or media file

Be the first to submit a link