Vanderkloof Dam

Vanderkloof Dam is 45 km from Orania, about 30 minutes on the R369. It has the highest dam wall in South Africa, 108 m, and holds about 3,200 million cubic metres of water, which makes it the second-largest dam in the country by volume. It lies on the Orange River, where the Northern Cape meets the Free State, and was opened in 1977 as the P.K. le Roux Dam.

People come here for sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing and boating. Anglers catch catfish, carp and small-mouth and large-mouth yellowfish. Fishing is only allowed at certain spots, and you get a permit at the Rolfontein Nature Reserve office. Adventure Kayaking, based in Vanderkloof, runs guided kayak trips on the dam and the river.

Eskom's Vanderkloof power station is underground at the dam wall and has two 120 MW generators. Northern Cape Tourism says you can visit it by appointment, so phone ahead if you want to see it.

Rolfontein Nature Reserve borders the dam, with white rhino, zebra, springbok and gemsbok, picnic spots and a short 4 km walking trail. Sandgat camping resort is on the river below the dam, 7 km from the town of Vanderkloof, which was built for the people who built the dam.

Looking for a place to stay near Vanderkloof? Wilger Rus is 45 km away in Orania. See our page on accommodation near Hopetown, Vanderkloof and Strydenburg.