The Gariep Dam is one of the largest dams in South Africa. It is an area populated by farms and private lands, a rural area far away from the hustle of city life, surrounded by plenty of reserves where its local residents and guests come over to enjoy various games and birdwatching.
It borders the provinces of the Eastern Cape and the Free State and is close to the town of Norvalspont. In addition to producing electricity, the dam was built for industrial, residential, and irrigation purposes.
The Gariep Dam region is now a well-liked vacation destination. It provides:
- Beautiful scenery and a range of activities like visiting historical sites
- Seeing an antelope by the water
- Even participating in the annual December gliding championships.
It is one area where tourists, in particular, can enjoy bird-watching, angling, bush camp picnics, game drives, water sports, and the chance to view the spectacular wildlife.
If you want to discover the various destinations for these activities and adventures, below are some fun things to do in Gariep Dam town.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Gariep Dam?
#1. Go fishing in the Gariep Dam with the Angling club
Trying out some fishing adventures here at the Gariep Dam while pairing up with the Angling Club comes first on our list of fun things to do here. You enjoy the adventure with the region’s residents, fellow visitors, and tourists.
The adventures that come with being present at this dam involve fishing with any of its fish species, primarily yellow fish, tilapia, and mudfish.
What other activities do you hold here?
Visitors and tourists showing up here can also choose to be part of its monthly festival anchored by the chairperson of the Angling Club. This event involves awarding a vast silver trophy to whoever gets to Hunt for the largest specimen.
#2. Explore the Oviston Nature Reserve
Enjoying your leisure hours visiting the Oviston Nature Reserve comes on our list of fun things to do in Gariep Dam. It is an isolated reserve on the island blessed with a peaceful environment and void of noise since you will never get to come across any cars.
Showing up here is to enjoy its wildlife, which comprises herds of zebra, springbok, wildebeest, ostriches, gemsbok, and other delightful creatures you will typically encounter at a zoo.
What else happens here?
Visitors showing up here can also choose to go cycling or hiking to the top of the koppies while enjoying the magnificent view of the dam.
#3. Spend a night at the lodging space of Venterstad
The hotels and resorts of Venterstad are designed to suit the taste and experience of enjoying a deep and dark quiet by visitors and tourists alike looking forward to passing a night during their stay in the area.
Why should you lodge here?
Here, visitors get to book a space for themselves in any of its Comfortable and spacious rooms, with the additional benefit of exploring the Gariep Route as well.
#4. See the Nguni cattle at Gelykfontein farm
The Gelykfontein Farm is a Gariep farmhouse offering visitors and tourists the opportunity to try something different during their stay in the area with a tour of its Nguni herd.
Why you should stop by here?
Right over at this farmhouse, visitors get to be part of its guided tour that has to do with the genealogy of these indigenous cattle, with stories to tell about the initial scorn of his neighbors, who are now also converted to the enchanting speckled cattle.
#5. Drive over the Bethulie Bridge
The Bethulie Bridge is another tourist attraction for Visitors looking forward to stocking up their Instagram profile with some beautiful photos of their holiday experience to the delight of their friends and followers.
Visitors showing up here get to come along with a camera lens in their company to take a picture of the elegant lines of this structure, which holds the bragging rights of being the longest road/rail bridge in both Africa and the southern hemisphere, running across the beautiful views of the Orange/Gariep River.
Why did you show up here?
Showing up here is more for the self-fulfillment purpose of being one of few persons to have visited the most extended concrete structure that spans the convergence of several rivers that drain into the Gariep, which they might as well choose to take photos of.
While exploring South Africa, for a wonderful vacation, you may like to check out the best places to visit in Dullstroom (South Africa), Parys (South Africa), and Yzerfontein (South Africa).
#6. Go bird sightseeing at the Orange River
If you are looking for the best places to visit in Gariep Dam, you should visit the Orange River. There exists a long list of places to go for bird sightings during your stay in Gariep, but one that stands out in the midst of them all is the Orange River, made famous for its associated floodplains, which are unique.
It is a rare sight to behold, as it is one of the few locations in which you get to see over 220 species taking their flights around the area.
Talking of its different species of birds, here guests get to set their sights on the Blue Crane, the national bird of South Africa, and many more dancing in the fields.
What should one expect to see?
As highlighted, visitors can set their sights on unique species such as the bald ibis, fish eagle, goliath heron, seagulls, and black eagle.
#7. Visit the historical Anglo-Boer War sites
If you are searching for the best things to do in Gariep Dam, Stopping by the historic Anglo-Boer war sites might not allow you to witness some of the craziest and wildest adventures in the area, but it is one to try out something different.
Being a concentration camp made up of memorial sites and cemeteries, this is an ideal location to explore the past lives of individuals with legendary status in the area.
Why you should visit?
Here, visitors get to be thrilled and fascinated with getting in touch with the history of these parts and their people. If you are looking for what to do at Gariep Dam, visit the historical Anglo-Boer war sites.
#8. Go river rafting down the Gariep river
This is something adventurous you would want to be part of, making our list of fun things to do in Gariep. It is an adventure where you get to tag along with any of its residents in arranging a fun trip downriver in a group.
It is an experience that involves having a smooth ride on its rivers and water bodies while getting in close touch with its wealth of stories about what goes on up and down the river.
Why is this a place you should be at?
It also has a picturesque environment, which can be very tempting to hang out at, especially if you are a nature enthusiast.
#9. Take a tour of the Gariep Dam wall
A famous saying goes, “Your stay around Gariep Dam wouldn’t be more fulfilling if you choose not to stop by at the Gariep Dam Wall,” one of South Africa’s most significant civil engineering projects.
It is a magnificent sight to behold in terms of its architectural structures, a rare sight that you might never get across the whole country.
What to expect?
Here, visitors get to check out this magnificent architectural structure built with enthusiasm by its engineers.
#10. Book for your stay at the Sunrose Guesthouse group
The Sunrose guesthouse group in Gariep Dam offers affordable lodging options, particularly for visitors on a business or holiday trip to the area in any of its affordable guest houses open for bookings.
Situated near Gariep Dam Village, it is safe to say this guesthouse is easily accessible from all corners of the area, specifically for those needing a place to pass the night.
Why should you lodge here?
The Sunrose guesthouse group is designed for both visitors and tourists alike looking forward to having a single-night sleepover or wanting to spend some extra days in the area.
Address: 14 Hamerkop St, Gariepdam, 9922, South Africa.
If you want more tours for your vacation to South Africa, then check out the best things to do in Port Elizabeth (South Africa), and George (South Africa).
#11. Enjoy the luxury of Adamsview accommodation
The welcoming lodging facilities of Adamsview Accommodation in Gariep Dam are made famous and popular for having one of the best views of inland South Africa and being a luxury accommodation at reasonable rates.
Offering standard self-catering accommodation to residents and visitors, this lodging facility is equipped and well-furnished with Spa baths, a fireplace, a kitchen, a baai, and a garden area.
Why should you lodge here?
Here, guests can enjoy a good rest in the most peaceful and quiet environment, an ideal location known for its Tranquillity.
Address: 40 Loerie St, Gariepdam, 9922, South Africa.
#12. Enjoy your stay at the Gariep A Forever Resort
As its name insinuates, the Gariep A Forever resort is situated at the largest dam in South Africa, intercepted by the Gariep Dam Nature Reserve, housing the different wild species of antelope and the Cape Mountain Zebra.
Since it is a lodging establishment near water, it also gives its visitors—particularly water enthusiasts—the chance to take advantage of the various water-sparkling attractions like game-viewing by boat, windsurfing, sailing, jet skiing, canoeing, and rowing.
What other services do they render?
The Gariep A Forever resort has three conference facilities open for bookings, preferably for guests on a business trip to the area, one which accommodates between 12 to 300 delegates.
Address: 2 Fiskaal St, Gariepdam, 9922, South Africa.
#13. Please your taste buds at the Welcome to Tjailatyd Restaurant
In the busiest places in the whole of Gariep Dam is where you will find this restaurant house of Tjailatyd, a cozy family restaurant with a sumptuous meal menu to satisfy its guests’ cravings, helping sort out their hunger needs as well.
Made famous and popular for its À la carte menu, this should be your preferred destination should you happen to find yourself in the area, where you not only enjoy a fantastic dining experience but also enjoy watching Rugby on its projector-size views.
What other functions does it render?
The Tjailatyd restaurant house also has pool areas for hosting events such as family reunions and anniversaries in its holiday social environment.
Address: Gariepdam, South Africa.
#14. Grab your pie of pizza at the Rustic Pub & Grill
The Rustic Pub & Grill is a fast food outlet in Gariepdam. It is unique and different from the rest since it offers vegetarian-friendly and special diets alongside its pizzas loaded with different flavors.
It is a preferred destination for residents since it mainly centers on dishing out the best South African food and delicacies prepared to suit your taste by its professional chefs.
What do they offer?
This restaurant house is famous for its delicacy of Skaapkop, which you would always find on its meal menu, though they also offer pizza and chicken cheese.
Address: Fiskaal St, Gariepdam, 9922, South Africa.
Looking for more thrill around? Why not check out the best things to do in Shiner (Texas), Dennis Port, and Beaver (Utah).
#15. Dine with the very best of Karoo cuisine at de Stijl Gariep Hotel
Aside from being a lodging facility, the De Stijl Gariep hotel also has an in-house eatery offering unique and tasty delicacies based on its organic, fresh, and local ingredients of karoo to spice up its guest’s dining experience and desires.
With its in-house eatery large enough to accommodate up to 100 guests, it can also be an ideal location for hosting different and various functions, be it business meetings, wedding anniversary celebrations, or birthday celebrations.
What do they offer?
Open to guests and visitors all day long, they offer for breakfast, lunch, and dinner the freshest of dishes made from the seasonal ingredients of karoo, which has special dietary requirements for vegetarians, vegans, halaal, kosher, and diabetic patients.
Address: 2 Aasvoel Str, Gariepdam, 9922, South Africa.
#16. Enjoy a mid-morning snack at the Quenna Bistro
The Quenna Bistro is another restaurant house coming on our list of places to visit in Gariepdam, of which guests, in particular, are ushered in to come to enjoy its wonderfully made mid-morning snack of mostly tasteful sammies, kiddies chicken strips, and milkshakes.
Showing up here is solely to enjoy the excellent meals it has got to offer, complemented by the efforts of its ever-friendly staff willing to assist you in enjoying its dining experience to the fullest.
Why do you stop by here?
The Quenna bistro restaurant house offers excellent meals that are reasonably priced on its comprehensive menu and has an ideal location to enjoy a good view of the dam.
Address: A, Forever Resort, 2 Fiskaal St, Gariepdam, 9922, South Africa.
#17. Relax over at the Lake Gariep Guesthouses
The Lake Gariep guesthouse is a lodging facility in one of the largest dams in South Africa, catering for shelter and a roof over the heads of tired travelers and holidaymakers searching for a comforting zone to relax.
Situated in an area crowned as a Tourism for the past decades, guests here also enjoy Game viewing, bird watching, freshwater fishing, boat cruises, water sports, gliding, dam wall tours, bowling, and much more.
Why should you lodge here?
Guests lodging here enjoy a pleasant and comforting stay in the area in the company of their family or friends.
Address: R33, Gariepdam, 9922, South Africa
#18. Enjoy the welcoming stay at Stoneridge guesthouse
The Stoneridge Guesthouse is an accommodation establishment in this regional area of Gariepdam, giving that penthouse feeling to its guests and visitors alike since it is isolated and nestled on the hills of Gariep Dam and overlooks the intriguing yet forlorn valleys of the Bo-Karoo.
Since it is isolated up in the hills, it personifies peacefulness. It has a luxurious space of double rooms, each with its own en-suite facility, surrounded by a gorgeous garden.
Why should I stay here?
The Stoneridge guesthouse is a complete package in its luxurious facilities, which are made up of safe open parking, a splash pool, and a fully licensed bar.
Address: 4 Kiewiet St, Gariepdam, 9922, South Africa
#19. Enjoy the self-catering accommodation of Angela’s guest lodge
The welcoming facilities of Angela’s Guest Lodge are another excellent option for places to stay during your visit to the Gariep Dam area, a beautiful and picturesque self-catering accommodation designed for guests and visitors’ convenience.
It is considered a preferred destination to reside at should you search for a convenient space to enjoy a tranquil retreat while also exploring the serenity of the Karoo and Gariep Dam.
Why you should stay here?
Its lodging facilities comprise a Safe enclosed plunge pool area with braai and lapa alongside a designated Honeymoon unit for honeymoon couples.
Address: 4 Hamerkop St, Gariepdam, 9922, South Africa
#20. Enjoy value for money at the Abancidou Lodge
The Abancidou Lodge is yet another resort in the Gariep Dam area. It is very accommodating, well-maintained, and neat for the delightful stay of its guests on a holiday or business trip to the area.
Even while operating on a pocket-friendly budget, you can rest assured that you can get a clean room with clean, fresh linen, guest amenities, a hot shower, and, of course, get one for yourself.
Why you should stay here?
It has basic amenities such as free parking and free high-speed Internet, a playground for kids, and family-friendly activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Gariep Dam known for?
The largest dam in South Africa is the Gariep Dam, which is situated close to the town of Norvalspont. The provinces of the Eastern Cape and the Free State border it.
The dam creates the Gariep Reservoir, which, when full, has a surface area of more than 370 square kilometers and a total storage capacity of about 5,340,000 megalitres. The dam’s main uses are for power generation, irrigation, and household and industrial purposes.
The 360 MW installed capacity of the dam’s power plant is run by Eskom. Furthermore, the northern bank of the dam is home to the Gariep Dam Nature Reserve.
Along with other creatures like zebras, black wildebeest, and ostriches, it is home to the greatest concentration of Springbok in the nation.
Can you fish in Gariep Dam?
Yes, fishing is allowed at the Gariep Dam. This popular fly-fishing spot is located in the Orange River, which is known for its abundance of different species.
There are several different species in the waters, such as carp, moggel, sharptooth catfish, chubbthead barb, orange river mudfish, and large- and small-mouth yellowfish.
Both the shoreline and a boat can be used for fishing. In addition, fishing contests are hosted at the dam
Plan Your Vacation To Gariep Dam
In conclusion, visiting Gariep Dam brings a wholesome feeling to the holiday experience of tourists with its sanctuary to wildlife housing species such as endangered Cape mountain zebra, ostriches, blue wildebeest, eland, springbok, hartebeest, as well as reserve for nature enthusiasts interest.
If you have visited the Gariep Dam, you should also write your reviews in the comment section below.
