There is something so special about a day spent outdoors in the African sun. No matter the time of year, you can catch beautiful weather and bask in the glory of the scenery we call home.
From safaris to skiing in the snow, there is a climate and landscape for every season and every taste. In South Africa, we are lucky to have some of the most spectacular dams open to visit.
Many nationwide dams boast clean and safe picnicking sites and impressive fishing, boating, and canoeing facilities.
South Africa’s Best Dams
Whether you are looking for a quiet day out fishing on your boat, planning a relaxing picnic with the family or want some sites to stop at on a road trip – here are some of the best and most breath-taking dams South Africa offers.
1. Albert Falls Dam
Found in Pietermaritzburg, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Albert Falls Dam is within the Albert Falls Nature Reserve. Established in 1976, it originates from the Umgeni River and is one of the largest dams in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Many people frequent the dam for fishing, canoeing, bird watching, and picnicking.
The surrounding nature reserve means there are often wildlife sightings.
Albert Falls Dam is rated one of the best bass fishing dams in the world, and an annual international bass fishing competition is held at the dam.
2. Lady Grey Dam
Lady Grey Dam is set in a beautiful valley, surrounded by mountains, trees, and old rustic buildings. It is an exquisitely scenic dam worth visiting if you are near it. The dam is found in Lady Grey, Eastern Cape, and is one of South Africa’s Best Dams.
The dam is sheltered in deep settler history. All the houses around the dam were built to face the first church built in the village – approximately in 1860. The dam wall is 25m high and holds 157.5ML of water. The dam was officially re-opened in 1925.
It is a dam for sightseers and will undoubtedly take your breath away. Immerse yourself in the area’s history and see the dam as farmers would have seen it nearly 200 years ago.
3. Berg River Dam
This dam is in the incredible Franschhoek region in the Western Cape. Once the dam was established, indigenous plants were planted downstream to blend in with the surrounding scenery.
The dam helps increase the water supply into the shorted Cape Town. It is 68m high and was the first dam built in South Africa that falls under the World Commission on Dams guidelines.
The surrounding area showcases the magnificent scenery in the Western Cape, and Franschhoek is a great small town for tourists to visit.
4. Midmar Dam – South Africa’s Best Dams
Boating, waterskiing, fishing, and swimming are popular at Midmar Dam, one of South Africa’s Best Dams. It has a whopping capacity of 235,400 megaliters and covers 3860 acres. There are camping and picnicking areas around the dam, each with its unique feel.
Every year, the Midmar Mile is held at the dam. Swimmers complete a mile across the water, and it is considered one of the world’s most significant open-water swimming events.
The areas around the dam become very cold during the winter, but it is still a great time of year to take in the winter scenery. Summer is an absolute blast around the dam, with families spending the days in the warm sun and splashing around in the cool waters.
The Midlands Meander is close by. Stop by quaint shops and locations to catch a meal or a craft beer.
5. Driekloof Dam
Found in Harrismith within the Free State, Driekloof forms an integral part of the Drakensberg Pumped Storage Scheme, run by Eskom.
It is a portion cut off from the Sterkfontein Dam, one of South Africa’s Best Dams. It was opened in 1979 and has a surface area of 1.906 square kilometres, a 47-meter-high dam wall, and a capacity of 32.071 cubic meters.
6. Hartbeespoort Dam – South Africa’s Best Dams
A dam that is a popular destination for holidaymakers and weekenders, Hartbeespoort Dam has it all. It is in Hartbeespoort in the North West Province and sits below the Magaliesberg mountain range.
The dam is 149.5 meters long and 59.4 meters wide, making it one of South Africa’s best dams.
Boating, swimming, canoeing, waterskiing, and other water sports are always available at this dam.
7. Sterkfontein Dam
Sterkfontein Dam is the third-largest dam in South Africa and boasts the country’s largest dam wall. It is situated outside Harrismith in the Free State and forms part of the Tugela Vaal water transfer scheme.
It is a popular angling area because of its abundance of trout and other fish found due to the excellent conditions.
This is one of South Africa’s Best Dams. It is surrounded by nature conservation areas, which create a beautiful landscape against the dam.
Multiple hikes along the dam’s edge and surrounding nature reserves exist.
Spend the day around a dam.
Pack up a basket of your favourite treats and snacks. Maybe even a sneaky beer or two and take the family to the dam for the day. Set up a relaxing area and watch the kids frolic at the shoreline. Why not throw out a line if you are feeling lucky?
The always-on South African weather will ensure you have a beautiful day to enjoy the sights and sounds of some of the most amazing dams in the world right at your doorstep.
If you are going on a road trip or vacation, find any dams nearby. You can stop there during your stay or take a detour on your journey. They may seem simple, but something is calming and still about visiting a dam and immersing yourself in the natural scenery and abundant wildlife on show.
Remember to check out any day-rate passes before taking the trip to your dam. Some of this money is used to cover conservation costs.
