Stanley’s Light Trail
Ladismith Day Hike – Elandsberg
Information on Stanley’s Hiking Trail
The trail is open to the public, free of charge. Please do not leave any rubbish behind and don’t fiddle with any part of Stanley’s light. As with any hike, leave your details with a relative/guesthouse who can contact emergency services if you get in trouble. Cellphone coverage can be expected on most parts of the trail.
The Western slopes (left of map) provide more gradual ascent through mountain fynbos, and with good rains some fresh water streams.
The Eastern ascent (right on map) traverses rapidly over more rocky cliffs and ridges with no waterpoints, and can be hard on the quads (also tough for knees, if you hike clockwise)!
The lower 2km West-East section looks level and easy, but is still rugged hiking terrain! Views from the top and general natural beauty is worth every hour climbed…
This 12 km circular day hike provides challenging elevation gains, and crosses the perennial stream which originally energized the dynamo light. This iconic feature is visible above Ladismith through most of the year, and situated near the top turning point of this Elandsberg hiking trail.
The stiff climb to reach the 1500m above sea level requires good fitness levels, so anticipate 3 – 5 hours to reach the Light, and up to 9 hours to complete the circular trail.
Stanley de Wit (*7.1.1926 +14.10.2012) installed his original hydro system on 31 May 1963, on the cliffs of Elandsberg. Later, a photovoltaic LED light was installed by volunteers after the alternator was damaged by lightning.
Parking options:
Drive on gravel road for 2,5km – West and North out of Ladismith
Turn left 33°28’11.6″S 21°15’56.1″E and cross the Swartberg river bed twice – this can be flooded after big rainstorms, and blocked with rocks from the kloof/mountain.
Park at the T-Junction next to the open shelter. 33°27’44″S 21°15’43.5″E
Private parking can also be arranged on Elandsvlei farm 33°27’53.4″S 21°14’45.4″E (Fritz Bruce 082 902 6519).