The Gariep Dam, built in 1972 provides irrigation to over 200 000 ha of surrounding landing via a massive network of nearly 100 km of tunnels. The dam also has a hydroelectric power plant that generates up to 360 MW of power. Guided tours of this amazing structure will take you inside the dam wall itself.
The Gariep Dam not only provides an abundant supply of clean energy and water. The 37,000 ha reservoir created behind the dam - the largest reservoir in the country - is a paradise for both aquatic birdlife and sportsman alike. Sailing, canoeing, fishing, powerboating, water-skiing, and windsurfing are all very popular on the dam.
To the north of the Gariep Dam, over 11,000 ha of land have been set aside to form the Gariep Dam Nature Reserve, which provides sanctuary to many large herbivores including black wildebeest, red hartebeest, klipspringer, zebra and springbok.
ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES AT GARIEP DAM NATURE RESERVE:
- guided tours of Gariep Dam wall
- fish hatchery
- game drives
- fishing
- river rafting and canoeing
- boat trips
- annual international gliding championships (December)
- Water Sport Festival (February)
- Gariep 500 rubber duck race - (February)
- Norvalspont Concentration Camp Graveyard
- Stable Inn Environmental Education Centre
SUMMARY OF WILDLIFE & FLORA:
Mammals:, springbok, Cape mountain zebra, klipspringer, black wildebeest, red hartebeest
Birdlife: ostrich, variety of aquatic birds
Fish: yellowfish, barbel, carp
DIRECTIONS TO GARIEP DAM NATURE RESERVE:
- off the N1 at the R71 off ramp, halfway between Springfontein and Colesberg