The Free State’s largest nature reserve is a combination of the 365-sq-km Gariep Dam (which holds back a vast 6 billion cubic litres of water) on the Senqu (Orange) River and an 112-sq-km wildlife sanctuary on its northern shore.
During February the world’s longest inland rubber-duck race takes place on the dam. The event runs over 500km and is completed in a single day. Well-laid-out Forever Resorts Gariep offers loads of water-sport activities.
In the reserve you can choose from seven chalets (from R550) or campsites (from R100); there are more options in the town of Gariep Dam, near the dam wall at the reserve’s western edge.
