Gariep, formally Hendrik Verwoerd Dam, was part of the Orange River Project, a government imitative that took place in the 1960’s. Originally the Gariep Dam was built to supply Hydro Electric Power and water to the region.

The sheer size of Gariep Dam, 374 square kilometres when full, makes it South Africa’s largest and the excellent weather conditions have transformed the area into a tourist hot spot.

Along the shores and on the hills overlooking the Gariep Dam are hotels, holiday resorts, yacht clubs, fishing clubs and camp sites that will accommodate all travelling budgets. The dam caters for all water sports including angling, and sunset cruises.

The Gariep Game Reserve which has its boundary along the shores of the dam is the largest game reserve in the Free State. Commercial game drives are available or pack a picnic lunch and explore the game reserve and surrounds from the comfort of your own vehicle.