Visit Gariep Dam

About Gariep Dam

Gariep Dam, straddling the border between the Free State and the Eastern Cape, is South Africa’s largest dam by volume. This massive reservoir on the Orange River creates a striking blue oasis amidst the semi-desert Karoo landscape. The name “Gariep” (meaning “great water” in Khoekhoe) perfectly captures the dam’s vast 374km² expanse, with shorelines featuring rugged cliffs, sheltered coves, and unexpected wildlife habitats just 200km south of Bloemfontein.

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