Xhariep (or Gariep) Dam, the youngest town in the Free State, officially became a registered municipality as recently as 1994. It was originally erected in the late 1960's for the construction workers building the Gariep Dam. After the official opening of the dam (originally called the Hendrik Verwoerd Dam, after the man know as the architect of apartheid) in 1972 the potential of the town as a tourist haven next to the largest dam in South Africa was recognised. Gariep Dam is situated virtually in the centre of South Africa. It is an ideal inland holiday destination as well as a perfect stopover for tourists travelling between Gauteng and Cape Town.
Xhariep (or Gariep) Dam, the youngest town in the Free State, officially became a registered municipality as recently as 1994. It was originally erected in the late 1960's for the construction workers building the Gariep Dam. After the official opening of the dam (originally called the Hendrik Verwoerd Dam, after the man know as the architect of apartheid) in 1972 the potential of the town as a tourist haven next to the largest dam in South Africa was recognised. Gariep Dam is situated virtually in the centre of South Africa. It is an ideal inland holiday destination as well as a perfect stopover for tourists travelling between Gauteng and Cape Town.
Beautiful sunsets and the tranquillity of a vast expanse of water make this town a must for those seeking a breakaway from the rush of everyday-life.
Attractions include:
Guided tours through the 13km of tunnels in the Gariep Dam wall
State Fish Hatchery
Game drives in the Gariep Nature Reserve
Fishing
River rafting and canoeing
Southford Horse Stud Farm
Boat trips
Annual international gliding championships (December)
Water Sport Festival (February)
Gariep 500 rubberduck race - (February). It is the longest inland race in the world
Norvalspont Concentration Camp Graveyard
Stable Inn Environmental Education Centre - for those who want to learn more about nature
Source: Courtesy Free State Tourism -
http://www.dteea.fs.gov.za/
