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Sterkfontein Dam and Nature Reserve

 

Description

The vast expanse of water which is the Sterkfontein Dam lies a few kilometres from the edge of the Drakensberg Escarpment in the topmost reaches of the Vaal Dam catchment on the Nuwejaarspruit. The cool, fresh, deep waters are ideal for trout and other fish and it is a popular angling spot. It is the third largest dam in South Africa providing a perfect playground for sailing and other watersports. The surrounding landscape is scenically stunning - characterised by rugged mountains, lush ravines and rolling grasslands.

In this beautiful setting is the Sterkfontein Dam Reserve covering 18 000 hectares. Perfect for long walks, hiking (there is a two-day hiking trail) and biking, it also offers excellent game viewing and bird watching. You can tick off oribi, reedbuck, mountain reedbuck, grey rhebuck, the bald ibis, the blue and whitebellied korhaan, the buffstreaked chat, the ground woodpecker and the sentinel. Gaze up to the sky and you could spot bearded and Cape vultures as well as Verreaux's (black) and martial eagles soaring. Secretary birds can also be spotted in treetops or stalking in the grasslands.

The precipitous ravines are populated with yellowwood, wild peach, koko, silky bark, and black bark trees as well as bush guarri. Wild grape has twined into the tree tops where they form a dense leafy canopy. Fungi and lichen nestle against living and rotten tree trunks. Mountain slopes are adorned with wild myrtle, redwood, ouhout, hush guarri, highveld protea, silver sugarbush and the scarce tree fern.

Directions

R74 on the Oliviershoek Pass from KZN and Harrismith. From Bloemfontein and Gauteng (via N1) it can be via the N5 or the N3.

Sterkfontein Dam and Nature Reserve Map

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Accommodation near Sterkfontein Dam and Nature Reserve

*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling distance.

 
Qwantani Private Rentals |

Qwantani Private Rentals

Harrismith Self-catering in Harrismith
5.49km from Sterkfontein Dam and Nature Reserve

Qwantani is a unique resort located on the waters edge of Sterkfontein Dam in the Sterkfontein Nature Reserve. The 52 chalets are usually fully occupied by individual owners and the private rentals offered here are scarce. Each chalet sleeps 6 in one en-suite double and two twin bedrooms. Rates are per chalet per week or for period requested.

  • R900 Rooms/Units
  • 312 Guests
 
 
Wild Horses Lodge |

Wild Horses Lodge

Harrismith Lodge in Harrismith
6.77km from Sterkfontein Dam and Nature Reserve

Luxury Drakensberg mountain lodge. Superior sight fly fishing. Boat charters. Romantic getaway. Honeymoon packages. Horse Riding.

  • R950 p/p sharing
    R950 Single
  • 8 Guests
 
No Reviews
 
Farm Yard |

Farm Yard

Harrismith Self-catering in Harrismith
7.34km from Sterkfontein Dam and Nature Reserve

Come and experience the tranquil atmosphere of the Eastern Free State on the Farm Yard with its superb sandstone house. At the Farm Yard, you can be sure of a getaway to remember.

  • R800 Rooms/Units
  • 15 Guests
 
 
The Cottage at Baker's Kop |

The Cottage at Baker's Kop

Harrismith Self-catering in Harrismith
10.32km from Sterkfontein Dam and Nature Reserve

Charming, self-catering cottage set on a farm ideally situated for stopovers or as a base for exploring the Northern Drakensberg, Clarens, Golden Gate, and the Eastern Free State.

  • 2 Guests
 
 
Beauchef Farm House |

Beauchef Farm House

Harrismith Self-catering, Harrismith Country House in Harrismith
13.75km from Sterkfontein Dam and Nature Reserve

Self Catering or Catered Farm House   Beauchef Farm House is designed to accommodate groups of up to ten people sharing, and is situated within the Buffalo Hills Private Game Reserve approximately 30km’s South of Harrismith in the Eastern Free State, Drakensberg Highlands. 

  • R285 p/p sharing
    R750 Rooms/Units
  • 14 Guests
 
No Reviews
 
The Fishing Cottage |

The Fishing Cottage

Harrismith Self-catering in Harrismith
13.98km from Sterkfontein Dam and Nature Reserve

The Fishing Cottage is a self-catering farmhouse 30 km outside of Harrismith at Kerkenberg, and is on a horse farm on the edge of a fish-filled dam, with breathtaking views. It has two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, as well as an outside rondavel. Nearby activities are game viewing, horse riding, fishing, hiking, quad biking and hunting.

  • R1 600 Rooms/Units
  • 8 Guests
 
No Reviews
 
Ingwe Cabin |

Ingwe Cabin

Northern Drakensberg Self-catering in Northern Drakensberg
14.87km from Sterkfontein Dam and Nature Reserve

Ingwe Cabin is situated halfway down the Oliviershoek Pass in the Northern Drakensberg, between Little Switzerland and Alpine Heath. This charming cabin is nestled on the Farm Ingwe, high up in the mountains along a 4x4 track.

  • R300 p/p sharing
    R300 Single
  • 6 Guests
 
 
Little Switzerland Hotel |

Little Switzerland Hotel

Bergville Hotel, Bergville Self-catering in Bergville
14.90km from Sterkfontein Dam and Nature Reserve

Little Switzerland Hotel is an unforgettable experience enhanced by the peace and tranquillity of the majestic Drakensberg mountains. Savour the breathtaking views, explore the lush fern-filled forests, seek out the exciting bird life and delight in this ancient wilderness of flower decked foothills

  • R865 p/p sharing
    R895 Rooms/Units
    R1 730 Single
  • 132 Guests
 
No Reviews
 
Jabulani Bush Camp |

Jabulani Bush Camp

Bergville Self-catering, Bergville Tented Camp in Bergville
15.69km from Sterkfontein Dam and Nature Reserve

Located in the Northern Drakensberg, Jabulani offers the ideal location to relax and unwind in a magnificent setting situated within easy distance from both Johannesburg and Durban.

  • R200 p/p sharing
    R1 000 Rooms/Units
    R250 Single
  • 24 Guests
 
 
Drifters Drakensberg Mountain Lodge |

Drifters Drakensberg Mountain Lodge

Poccolan Robinson's Bush Nature Reserve Safari Lodge in Poccolan Robinson's Bush Nature Reserve
15.76km from Sterkfontein Dam and Nature Reserve

National Heritage Site, this 1000 hectare indigenous farm has to be seen to be believed. Accessible only by 4x4 or transport provided, this mountain lodge is situated at an elevation of 1800 meters above sea level and is shadowed by the greater Drakensberg peaks on the property.

  • R595 p/p sharing
    R795 Single
  • 10 Guests
 
 
  • Dams and Vleis