Vanderkloof Dam

Afrikaans name: Vanderkloofdam

Vanderkloof Dam

Photo © Johan van Zyl

The Vanderkloof Dam is the second largest in South Afica and boasts the highest dam wall which is 108 metres in height. It is stated that it is 100 km in length, with a surface area of 133 square kilometres, when full!

Construction of the dam finished in 1977 and it was initially called the P.K. le Roux dam. A village was built on the southern bank to house workers during the construction period and this has become the village of Vanderkloof which is a popular tourist destination today.

The principle river feeding the dam is the Orange River. It is also fed by the Berg River, Knapsak River, Paaiskloofspruit and others.

The dam offers visitors numerous activities including fishing, boating and other water sports. The Rolfontein Nature Reserve is located along its southern bank.

Why do you visit the Vanderkloof Dam?

Vanderkloof Dam

Photo © Johan van Zyl

References and further reading

Getaway - Vol 31 No 09 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 91

Conolly s Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 347

For more info: Wikipedia

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