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Xhariep Region, Free State:
This is a region of vast grassy plains and endless vistas, where the visitor can enjoy the
open blue skies - star-studded at night - and the fresh unpolluted air. The Gariep Dam is
situated in the southernmost corner of the region and offers excellent recreational
opportunities for anyone wishing to escape city life ... |
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Gariep Dam:
The Free State's largest nature reserve is a combination of the 36 487 ha Gariep Dam on
the Orange River and an 11 237 ha game sanctuary on its northern shore. From the dam some
200 000 ha of land is irrigated, by means of a tunnel of 83,8 km, delivering water to the
upper valleys of the Fish River, and then from another 13,2 km tunnel to the Sundays
River. The dam covers some 374 square kilometers. With the supply of some 455 million
litres of water to the dry Karoo region around it, the hydro electric scheme generates 600
000 kilowatts of power, as well.
The dam was officially opened in 1972 and is very popular with both anglers and boating
enthusiasts. The game reserve accommodates the largest population of springbok in any
reserve in the country and also features Cape mountain zebra, klipspringer, black
wildebeest, red hartebeest and ostrich.
Situated between Bloemfontein and Colesberg in the Free State, Gariep Dam is an ideal
place to stop over on your way between Cape Town and Johannesburg. Adjoining the Reserve
and close to the Gariep Dam Wall, is the Aventura Midwaters Resort, with a range of
sporting and entertainment facilities such as swimming, tennis, golf, trampolines, bowls,
mini golf and water sports. Water sports and attractions include sailing, power boating,
canoeing, skiing, angling and sporting. A tour through the dam wall could also be done,
down to the bedrock - an amazing feat of engineering that beholds your eyes. |
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Philippolis:
Situated on the R717, Philippolis is the oldest settlement in the Free State and traces
it's origins to a mission station founded in 1823 on a site chosen by Rev. John Phillip of
the London Missionary Society. |
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Smithfield:
This quaint Free State town lies halfway between the most popular route linking Cape Town
and Durban and was named in honour of Sir Harry Smith, governor of the Cape Colony, who
laid the foundation stone for the local church in 1848. Smithfield is a tranquil oasis to
those choosing to break their journey and enjoy the outstanding hospitality of the local
community. At Wilgegund Nature Reserve Conservancy, visitors can enjoy horse riding,
walking, picnicking and a taste of undisturbed rural life. |
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Zastron:
At the end of the Highlands Route, the pretty, town of Zastron lies in a prosperous
agricultural district. Nearby, a striking landmark, the "Eye of Zastron" is a
hole nine metres in diameter in one of the cliffs of the Aasvoelberg. Zastron has several
historical monuments and fine examples of sandstone architecture. From the caravan park in
Eeufeeskloof, roads lead to view sites high in the mountains. The caravan park is also the
starting point of the two-day Aasvoelberg Hiking Trail. The area is notable for its caves
and Bushman paintings. |
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Text courtesy of
SA-Venues.com |
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• Free State accommodation by Town:
• Bethlehem • Bloemfontein
• Clarens • Clocolan
• Deneysville • Ficksburg
• Fouriesburg
• Gariep Dam • Harrismith
• Kroonstad • Parys
• Philippolis • Smithfield
• Springfontein
• Van Reenen • Welkom
• Wesselsbron |
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