The young leopard was seen roaming in the mountains surrounding the Wagendrift farm.

The local Veterinarian sedated the leopard for research purposes and determent that the leopard was five months old.

One of the Bid five on Wagendrift

One of the big five on Wagendrift

One of the Big five on Wagendrift, Laingsburg

Laingsburg Flood - Swartbergstraat

laingburg

The Buffels River already overflowed its banks around 08h00 the morning of Sunday 25th January 1981. At the same time two rivers named Baviaans and Wilgerhout integrate with the Buffels, meaning there was a much higher volume of water accumulated at one time. The latter integrate just in front of the railway bridge. The level of the water started to rise in town about 12h00 and at 14h00, the town (CBD) was almost fully covered. While the water rose by seconds there was no time for those still at home to take any belongings with them. Most of the residents were used to water level rising from time to time up to their doorsteps, particular those located next to the Buffels River.

Those trapped in their houses fled to their roof for safety, but eventually the roofs collapsed. The speed and volume of water was higher and stronger in the southern part of the town because of its location and obstruction in and around river i.e. railway and N1 national road bridges. All houses were swept away in no time and so were the people.

Consequently, about 140 people lost their lives. One Hundred and four (140) people were from Laingsburg and others from the surrounding towns such as Montague, Ladismith, and Zoar. It is said that about 12 people were washed downstream and eventually rescued at the Floriskraal dam about 21km`s outside town. Many bodies were unidentified or not even found. 26 years ago this all happened.

The children of the district used to play in the river after lunch on a Sunday afternoon, but that day, Sunday 25 January 1981, was different. It took the lives of nine children from one family, named Diko. That was the biggest loss of a single family. Many recovered bodies were buried in the flood cemetery of Laingsburg.

Today the flood level can still be seen at buildings in town. It is also indicated in town by means of a signboard. Flood experts reckon that this was the biggest flood that Laingsburg had experienced in many years.

Source: http://laingsburgtourism.co.za/index/laingsburg-flood

Situated in the heart of the Karoo, next to the Buffalo River, between Laingsburg and Ladismith, and enroute to Seweweekspoort, lies the peaceful, unique and fully contained self catering lodge Wagendrift. Although one is surrounded by the sights and sounds of

nature and its abounds, the choices still remains whether you would like to pass time by leisurely taking a bush walk and doing some bird watching, or getting the adrenalin rush of doing something more physical such as swimming, mountain biking, motorcycle trails or exploring the 4×4 routes. Wagendrift Lodge is also ideally suited for teambuilding exercises, hosting a spacious conference centre and entertainment area, as well as comfortable sleeping facilities for up to 22 people including 10 additional camping sites.

FOR MORE INFO, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.wagendriftlodge.co.za

Regards,

The Wagendrift Team