What climatic conditions can be expected?
The weather is very variable, so visitors should always be prepared for unexpected cold spells. The rainfall is mainly restricted to the hot summer months. The nights are cold during the winter, but the days are usually sunny and pleasant. The annual rainfall varies from 750 to 1400mm.
The landscape, plants and animals
The extended nature conservation area around the Sterkfontein Dam is characterised by rugged mountains.
Reedbuck, mountain reedbuck, grey rhebok, are some of the animals found in this reserve covering 18 000 ha.
Birds found in the reserve include the bald ibis, the blue and whitebellied korhaan, the buffstreaked chat, the ground woodpecker and the sentinel. Bearded and Cape vultures as well as black and martial eagles and secretary birds are also found.
Yellowwood, wild peach, koko tree, silky bark, black bark and bush guarri flourish in the sheltered kloofs. 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.
The mountain slopes are decorated with wild myrtle, redwood, “ouhout”, bush guarri, highveld protea, silver sugarbush and the scarce tree fern.
This is a well sought after fly-fishing destination.
What facilities are available?
The caravan park is equipped with ablution facilities and power points. Along the shoreline there are 50 camping sites (without electricity).
Slipways and boathouses are available for the boating enthusiast.
No shops are available and visitors must bring their own provisions.
Overnight facilities are available in the form of 17 fully equipped chalets with a breathtaking view of the dam and the mountains beyond.
Recreational activities
- All types of aquatic sport can be enjoyed especially windsurfing and kite-boarding.
- The dam offers the serious angler a big challenge and hours of relaxation to the rest of the family.
- Visitors are welcome to walk through the reserve and enjoy the nature.
- Ten kilometers of tourist roads allow visitors ample opportunity for game viewing.
- The prevailing winds at Sterkfontein Dam make it ideal for sailing.
- The reserve is also a popular spot for camping, angling, game viewing, biking and hiking.
- The Sterkfontein Mile Swim is hosted annually in February.
Contact Details?
Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve
PO Box 24
Harrismith
9880
Tel: 058 – 622 3520
Fax: 058 – 622 1772
Banking Details
What, where, when?
- Hours Gate: 06h00 – 22h00
- Office: 07h30 – 16h00
The reserve is situated approximately 23km from Harrismith on the Harrismith/Bergville road (R74).
From the Bloemfontein and Gauteng (via N1) areas it can be reached from the N5, via Kestell or the N3 over Villiers and is about a four hour drive from both areas.
For further information, Google “Sterkfontein Dam”