West Fort (Old Leper Colony) - Image 1
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West Fort Old Leper Colony

3.9
·34 reviews·Pretoria, South Africa

Explore the historic ruins of West Fort Old Leper Colony, offering commanding views and a poignant glimpse into the past.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best for views and exploration

CrowdLow
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West Fort (Old Leper Colony) - Image 1

West Fort Old Leper Colony

Best Time

Daytime

Best for views and exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the historic ruins of West Fort Old Leper Colony, offering commanding views and a poignant glimpse into the past.

3.9
(34 reviews)

"A special place that deserves to be preserved, offering commanding views despite its ruins."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐾 Dog-Friendly Exploration

Enjoy a free outing with your dogs, taking in the open air and scenic views from the mountain top.

⚠️ Be Prepared for Ruins

Understand that the fort is largely in ruins and may not be as well-maintained as other historical sites.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Commanding Views

Commanding Views

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from the fort's elevated position.

Historic Ruins

Historic Ruins

Explore the remnants of the old fort, a poignant testament to its past and a unique historical site.

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Planning Your Visit

Preservation Needs Attention

This historic site is largely in ruins and requires significant preservation efforts. While offering commanding views, accessibility can be challenging for the less adventurous.

A Glimpse of the Past

Once a significant landmark, the West Fort Old Leper Colony is now mostly ruins. It's a poignant reminder of history, offering a unique, albeit somber, experience for those interested in local heritage.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best for views and exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🐾 Dog-Friendly Exploration

Enjoy a free outing with your dogs, taking in the open air and scenic views from the mountain top. Reddit

⚠️ Be Prepared for Ruins

Understand that the fort is largely in ruins and may not be as well-maintained as other historical sites. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Adventurous Access

The fort is reachable for adventurous visitors, offering an interesting structure and commanding views. Reddit

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Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 Dog-Friendly Exploration

Enjoy a free outing with your dogs, taking in the open air and scenic views from the mountain top. Reddit

⚠️ Be Prepared for Ruins

Understand that the fort is largely in ruins and may not be as well-maintained as other historical sites. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Adventurous Access

The fort is reachable for adventurous visitors, offering an interesting structure and commanding views. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.9
(34 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the free outing and commanding views offered by the West Fort Old Leper Colony, noting it as a dog-friendly spot. However, many express disappointment over its dilapidated state and lack of maintenance, hoping for future restoration.

"Nice outing with my dogs, free air on top of the mountain"

Madoda KaShabeni

"After visiting Fort Klapperkop I was curious to see what the Daspoortrant one looked like. Please dont waste your time going because that Fort is non existant. The only fort there is now are squatter camps"

Mandy Janse Van Rensburg

"A special place that deserves to be preserved."

Mike Butler

What People Like

Free outing
Commanding views
Dog-friendly

What People Dislike

Ruins
Lack of maintenance
Inaccessible

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Access to the West Fort Old Leper Colony can be challenging. It's described as reachable for the more adventurous visitors, suggesting it might involve some off-road or less-maintained paths. It's recommended to research local access points before visiting. Reddit

Information regarding public transport directly to the West Fort Old Leper Colony is scarce. Given its condition and location, it's likely that private transportation is the most practical option. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Reviews suggest that visiting the West Fort Old Leper Colony is a free outing, particularly for enjoying the air and views from the mountain. Reddit

As the site is largely in ruins and not actively maintained, there are no official opening hours. Visitors can typically access it during daylight hours. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The West Fort Old Leper Colony is described as being in ruins, with only remnants left. It's noted that it's not being maintained or accessible to the public in the same way as other forts. Reddit

Visitors can explore the historic ruins of the fort and enjoy commanding views over the surrounding area. It's a place for those interested in history and heritage. Reddit

While it offers open air and views, the site's condition as ruins and potentially challenging access might make it less ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues. Reddit

Yes, visitors have mentioned enjoying outings with their dogs at the West Fort Old Leper Colony, appreciating the free air and space. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The commanding views over the landscape offer excellent photographic opportunities. The historic ruins themselves also provide unique and atmospheric shots for history buffs and photographers. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the West Fort Old Leper Colony offers open air and views, its current state as ruins and potentially challenging access might make it less suitable for families with very young children or those with mobility concerns. Reddit It's more of an exploratory site for older children interested in history and a bit of adventure. Reddit

However, if you have older children who enjoy exploring and you're looking for a free outing with space for them to roam (under supervision), it can be a unique experience. Just be prepared for uneven terrain and the lack of amenities. Reddit

🐶 Pet Owners

The West Fort Old Leper Colony is a great spot for pet owners looking for a free and open space to take their dogs. Visitors have specifically mentioned enjoying outings with their dogs, appreciating the ability to let them enjoy the fresh air. Reddit

Ensure your pets are on a leash where necessary and always clean up after them. The terrain might be a bit rough, so consider your pet's comfort and safety when planning your visit. Reddit

🏛️ History Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by local history and military structures, the West Fort Old Leper Colony offers a poignant glimpse into the past. While it's largely in ruins, the site's historical context as a fort is evident. Reddit

It's a place to reflect on what once was and to appreciate the historical significance, even in its current state. The commanding views also add to the atmosphere, allowing you to imagine the fort's strategic importance. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Historical Significance and Current State

The West Fort Old Leper Colony holds historical significance as one of the forts surrounding Pretoria. However, unlike some of its counterparts, it is described as being in a state of disrepair, with only ruins remaining. Visitors note that it is not being maintained or made easily accessible to the public, which is seen as a pity given its potential. Reddit

Despite its current condition, the fort offers commanding views over the area, making it an interesting spot for those who appreciate historical remnants and scenic vistas. Some visitors have compared it unfavorably to other forts, highlighting the lack of preservation efforts. Reddit

For those who are adventurous, reaching the fort can be an interesting part of the experience. It's a place that evokes a sense of the past, offering a unique, albeit somber, glimpse into history for those willing to seek it out. Reddit

Visitor Experience and Accessibility

The experience at West Fort Old Leper Colony is often described as a free outing, particularly for enjoying the open air and the mountain's vantage point. It's noted as being dog-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their pets along for the exploration. Reddit

However, accessibility is a key point of discussion. The fort is not easily accessible and is recommended for the 'more adventurous visitors.' This suggests that the paths might be rough or unmarked, and the site itself is not developed for general public access. Reddit

Travelers advise that one should not waste time expecting a well-preserved fort, as only ruins are present. The hope is that the municipality will eventually restore this fort, but for now, it remains a site for those who appreciate its historical context and are prepared for its current state. Reddit

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