Gariep Dam Nature Reserve situated in Xhariep, is the Free State's largest nature reserve and a popular attraction for game watchers, anglers and boating entusiasts.

It is a combination of the 36 487 ha Gariep Dam (which holds back a vast 6 000 million cubic litres of water) on the Orange River and an 11 237 ha game sanctuary on its northern shore. The reserve boasts the largest number of Springbok in the country and other animals such as zebra, black wildebeest and ostrich.

From the dam some 200 000 ha of land is irrigated, by means of a tunnel of 83,8 km, delivering water to the upper valleys of the Fish River, and then from another 13,2 km tunnel to the Sundays River. The dam covers some 374 square kilometers. With the supply of some 455 million litres of water to the dry Karoo region around it, the hydro electric scheme generates 600 000 kilowatts of power, as well.

The game reserve accommodates the largest population of springbok in any reserve in the country and also features Cape mountain zebra, klipspringer, black wildebeest, red hartebeest and ostrich. Situated between Bloemfontein and Colesberg in the Free State, it is an ideal place to stop over on your way between Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Adjoining the Reserve and close to the gariep Dam Wall, is the privately owned Aventura Resort, with an extensive range of sporting and entertainment facilities that are available to the whole family, like swimming, tennis, golf, trampolines, bowls, mini golf and water sports.

There are also a number of Guest Houses and B&B's at Gariep Dam Village. Water sports and attractions include sailing, power boating, canoeing, skiing, angling and sporting. A tour through the dam wall could also be done, down to the bedrock - an amazing feat of engineering that beholds your eyes. Beautiful sunsets and the tranquility of a vast expanse of water make this area a must for those seeking a breakaway from the rush of everyday-life.