Gariep Dam is what used to be called the old Hendrik Verwoerd Dam. The name was changed in 1996. The dam was originally built in 1969 and is the largest in South Africa measuring 100km long and 24km wide. It is possible to arrange tours of the dam wall through the Department of Water Affairs. Other interesting attractions at the Gariep Dam include the Norvalspont Concentration Camp, and the 13500 hector Gariep Nature Reserve. Accommodation is available in the form of various guest houses and at the very well equipped Forever Resorts Gariep.

Unfortunately when we visited the dam, all the sluice gates were closed and so we could not see the usual spectacular spray of water coming from them. Nevertheless, as the dam is on the main N1 route just 200km south of Bloemfontein, it is easy to pay the dam a visit or even overnight there and enjoy what the area has to offer.

Area of Gariep Dam Map