Sterkfontein Nature Reserve Accommodation

The 19000ha Sterkfontein Nature Reserve’s spectacular setting, amidst mountains and plains around an enormous dam, is to be found in the eastern Free State Province, South Africa. The reserve is between 1700m and 2350m above sea level, and has sweeping landscapes that change from indigenous forest with large yellowwood trees in the upper regions, to lush plains where springbok, wildebeest and other mammals roam. The dam stretches 16km lengthwise and 7km across and is renowned for its exceptional water quality.

The region surrounding Sterkfontein Nature Reserve is wool producing, with a Battlefields Route to the east. The majestic Drakensberg  Mountains and Golden Gate Highlands National Park lie to the south, and Lesotho border, to the west.

Annual temperatures at Sterkfontein Nature Reserve range between 14° and 24° Celsius, attracting water sports enthusiasts, anglers and holidaymakers seeking peace and quiet.

Top 6 reasons to visit Sterkfontein Nature Reserve

1. Hire a boat and watch a glorious sunset on the Sterkfontein Dam. The dam is popular for windsurfing too, as the wind blows fairly regularly.

2. The Sterkfontein 1500 annual swimming event happens here every February and is restricted to 650 entrants. Events include a fun swim, team event, the main 1500m swim and a 5000m marathon for Lewis Pugh and other crazies.

3. Anglers come for the gnarly yellowfish, best caught around The Cliffs or Whale Rock. Environmentally responsible fishing is encouraged and anglers are requested to avoid the breeding and restricted areas on the dam.

4. The Didima Rock Art Centre at Cathedral Peak in the northern Drakensberg is worth visiting to view ancient rock art created by South Africa’s first nation, the San. Stay for the fireside story telling experience.

5. You can drive into the Golden Gate Highlands National Park to see the wonderland of naturally formed sandstone sculptures scattered throughout the park. A variety of buck species, raptors and small mammals inhabit the park.

6. Further on is the chocolate-box town of Clarens, known as the Jewel of the Free State and famed for trout fishing. Climb Titanic Rock while it’s still standing!

Transport

The nearest airport to Sterkfontein Nature Reserve is OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg 310km away. An alternate air route is via Newcastle, located 190km from the reserve. Shuttle service companies operate at the airports and nearby Harrismith, however, to best enjoy Sterkfontein Nature Reserve and surrounds, hiring a car is the practical choice. To hire a vehicle, simply order one online.

Did you know?

The Sterkfontein Dam has the largest dam wall in South Africa and has a capacity of 2.6 million mega litres.

The ancient San rock art so prevalent in this area mostly depicts the San people’s religious beliefs and practices. The art would normally be carried out during a trance dance and by a shaman (medicine man). The images have fortunately survived centuries of weathering.