{{futureEnquiries.length}}
Michael-John stayed at Rose Cottage and had a wonderful holiday at the Gariep Dam.
Located just off the N1 at the meeting place of the Free State, Eastern Cape and the Northern Cape, the Gariep Dam is in the middle of everywhere and in the middle of nowhere. After a 9 hour drive from Cape Town we pulled into the small town of Oviston on the edge of the dam and checked in at our lovely self-catering house called Rose Cottage Oviston. The house had a swimming pool overlooking the dam, and a refreshing swim was well in order.
The establishment's manager, Rubé, pointed us to the local attractions and told us a bit about what to do in and around the dam. It's not the Garden Route so don't expect zip-lines and bungee jumping. This is the Karoo, where things are slow and people aren't in a rush. But if you're a bit tired of city living this is a great respite.
Rubé was also on the town's tourism board and told us about the Lentefees that's going be happening nearby. From a Capetonian perspective we have some or other festival almost every week, but out in this small town it's going to be a major thing. And you know what, I'd really enjoy going. I think it would be a great vibe with all the neighbouring towns coming together to celebrate spring. That's the beauty of South Africa and the giant quietness that is the Karoo. It's about coming together and helping each other out, because with little else to distract you it's about the people near you that matter.
That being said, the Karoo is an incredibly beautiful place. I really enjoy the arid landscape of this area with its spectacular sunsets, as the fiery red sun meets the dry, brown earth. And with the Gariep Dam in the foreground it is even more beautiful.
Unfortunately our time in the area didn't permit any kayaking or sailing on the dam, but we did take a nice long walk along the edge, admiring the size and beauty of this big dam in the middle of one of the most dry places in South Africa.
The Gariep Dam is an ideal stop if you are en-route from Johannesburg to Cape Town, and offers a nice respite from the Karoo heat. But why not make a weekend of it, and stay over for an extra day or two. There are friendly locals to be met, and maybe if you're lucky you'll catch the Lentefees. If you're travelling through, make sure to stop off at the Rose Cottage.
