Things to do near
Katse Dam
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Hiking Trail
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Ficksburg (43.6 km from Katse Dam) This trail comprises two day trails suitable for the fit and unfit. One is 11.2 km and the other 10.5 km, with an optional 2 km walk up Pyramid Mountain. There are overnight facilities for 24 people in an old farmhouse, with outbuildings that houses the ablution facilities, as well as a youth centre that can cater for groups of up to 150 people. There is also a campsite for 4x4 roof- or surface tents.
Four By Four Trails
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Butha-Buthe (47.3 km from Katse Dam) Maliba Lodge 4x4 Trail is situated in the Tsehlanyane National Park in Lesotho. It has a 2 to 3 difficulty grading and is suitable for 4x4 and 2x4 vehicles. The drives range from one to four hours. These are self-drive and all-year-round entrance trails.
Accommodation can be found at Maliba Mountain Lodge and Maliba River Lodge.
Four By Four Trails
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Clocolan (66.2 km from Katse Dam) Groenkloof 4x4 is in a valley at the foot of Viervoetberg, in the Eastern Free State. The farm offers tracks for quad bikes, mountain bikes and 4x4s. The tracks cross each other but are clearly marked so that nobody gets lost. The 4x4 trail is set along a sandstone cliff and heads to the top of a plateau. The trail splits at the top of the plateau. The trail grading is 2 to 3. You will be asked to deflate your tyres to 1.5 bar and so it is recommended that you bring your compressor along. The trail is 21 km long and takes about 4.5 hours to complete. If you like bass fishing, take your rod along! Please call for further information as the exact GPS coordinates are unknown. A fee is charged.
Four By Four Trails
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Fouriesburg (67.7 km from Katse Dam) Didibeng Mountain Park has one main circular 4x4 trail which has many routes branching off towards viewpoints. The trails are located about 5 km from Fouriesburg. The main route is mostly a grade 2 and the routes branching off are more challenging with gradings of 3 to 5. The trails explore the Ventersberg Mountain Range. In total, the trails equal 34 km and it takes approximately 5 to 6 hours to complete. 4x2 vehicles are welcome with low range and high clearance. These are self-drive trails.
Shops
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Ladybrand (79.4 km from Katse Dam) A visit to The Mud Studio just outside Ladybrand is a well worth detour to make. Werner and Philippa du Toit are two very talented artists. They have won much international acclaim. The factory shop offers some beautiful pieces to take back home.
Hiking Trail
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Clarens (82 km from Katse Dam) Start at either the Kloof gate in Hill Street or the tennis courts in Berg Street. The route contains 160 m of climbing until you reach a contour path overlooking the village. Alternative routes are indicated with arrows on the summit. Enjoy stunning views of Clarens, Mount Horeb and the Maluti Mountains in the distance.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.5 km
Duration: 2.5 hours
Hiking Trail
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Clarens (82 km from Katse Dam) The short routes around Kloof Dam form part of the Kloof Mountain Trail and are perfect for joggers and walkers with dogs. Nesting waterbirds can be seen around the dam and from spring into late summer the wildflowers are abundant. Pack a picnic and head from the dam to the Kloof, a shady pine forest and ravine where there a waterfall cascades during summer.
Galleries and Museums
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Clarens (82.7 km from Katse Dam) The Addy & Hoyle Art Gallery is on the square in the middle of the little artists' village of Clarens. This beautiful mountain retreat is rightfully gaining the reputation as an art centre in South Africa. The gallery is the major outlet for local paintings. The gallery is open every day from 9 am until 5 pm.
Spa and Wellness
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Clarens (82.9 km from Katse Dam) Clarens House of Beauty aims to promote optimal health and functioning through their holistic treatments. All the treatments are personalised to every client’s individual needs. With the use of quality products and relaxing music, all clients are guaranteed to have a calm and healing treatment.
Situated in between the scenic mountains of Clarens, this day spa is the perfect getaway for escaping the city and restoring balance to the mind and body. You are guaranteed to have an unforgettable spa experience at Clarens House of Beauty!
Galleries and Museums
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Clarens (83 km from Katse Dam) The Johan Smith Art Gallery opened its doors in November 1999. Situated on Clarens
square, in the shadow of the Maluti mountains, it is an integral part of a visit to the picturesque Eastern Free State. The gallery houses a fine selection of paintings, ceramics, glass, bronze and other works of art.
Spa and Wellness
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Clarens (83 km from Katse Dam) Body Bliss Day Spa is located in the reception building of Kiara Lodge, a large resort situated in the picturesque village of Clarens. The spa offers a variety of treatments and day packages from Monday to Sunday. There is also a range of wonderful treatment products available for sale to the public.
Other facilities in the resort include a restaurant, a pub, a swimming pool, floodlit tennis courts and a children’s playground.
Golf Courses
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Clarens (83.1 km from Katse Dam) Set among majestic mountains, river, willow and lombardi poplar trees, Clarens Golf Estate ensure your round of golf will be a memorable one.
An 18-hole course, golfers will find the classic "risk and reward" design here.
Galleries and Museums
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Clarens (83.1 km from Katse Dam) Bloud Donki Art Gallery is situated in the picturesque valley of Clarens. Here you will find the finest collection of paintings, ceramics, sculptures, photography, and functional artworks.
The modern, trendy and stylish atmosphere creates an ideal setting for immersing yourself in contemporary South African art and enjoying the tranquility of the town.
The gallery is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 until 16:30, Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30 until 17:00, and Sundays from 8:30 until 15:00. It is closed on Tuesdays but during school holidays it is open seven days a week.
Galleries and Museums
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Clarens (83.2 km from Katse Dam) Essensual Art Gallery is a gallery with a difference, where the human form in all its glory is celebrated. Artworks from various artists are exhibited and a myriad of mediums are used. The art is sourced mainly locally and gives new, upcoming artists a chance to show their work.
Hiking Trail
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Clarens (83.2 km from Katse Dam) Time this walk for late afternoon to view the sunset over the magnificent mountains surrounding Clarens. The Maluti View Walk forms part of the Scilla Walking Trail. Start at the Hill Street farm gate and continue up the slope to your left. Pretty fynbos, lichen, ferns and interesting succulents line the footpath.
Duration: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 300 m