Gariep Dam Accommodation
Rose Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Gariep Dam
Transgariep & Goldfields
Rose Cottage at Gariep Dam is a self catering complex that is situated half-way between Johannesburg and Cape Town. It is an ideal pit-stop for the weary guest... wanting to break their journey... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Angelas Lodge
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Gariep Dam
Transgariep & Goldfields
Angela's Guest Lodge is ideally suited for the weary traveler wanting to break their long and tiresome journey or alternatively for the guest who wants to spend some extra days enjoying all that the Karoo and Gariep Dam area has to offer... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Gariep Dam, Free State © Gariep Dam
Gariep Dam is one of South Africa’s great inland water destinations, stretching across the Orange River in the southern Free State. Its vast blue waters, rugged shoreline and surrounding open plains create an impressive setting for boating, fishing, water sports and peaceful breaks in the countryside.
Completed in 1971, the dam was originally known as the Hendrik Verwoerd Dam before being renamed Gariep Dam in 1996. It remains an important part of South Africa’s water infrastructure, supplying water to a large area and helping regulate the Orange River. The enormous reservoir is also a striking engineering landmark, with its scale best appreciated from viewpoints around the surrounding hills.
Outdoor activities are the main attraction. Anglers come for fishing, while boating, sailing, swimming and canoeing can be enjoyed in suitable areas. The shoreline and surrounding grasslands are also rewarding for birdwatching, with the reservoir attracting a variety of waterbirds. For a quieter experience, a picnic beside the water while watching the changing colours of the landscape is hard to beat.
The Gariep Dam Nature Reserve offers opportunities to explore the natural surroundings and spot wildlife, while nearby Gariep Dam town provides accommodation, restaurants and practical facilities for visitors. The area also makes an excellent stop on the journey between Bloemfontein and the Eastern Cape.
Situated in the Transgariep & Goldfields Region, Gariep Dam combines striking scenery with outdoor recreation and an important chapter in South Africa’s water history. Its huge expanse of water against the semi-arid Free State landscape makes it one of the province’s most memorable destinations.
