Gamkapoort Dam Cottages

Nestled at the mouth of the majestic Gamkapoort Canyon, overlooking the Gamka and Dwyka rivers, lies a wilderness beckoning you to leave your city life and experience the tranquility the Karoo has to offer.

The cottages lie in the Gamkapoort nature reserve which is located at the original entrance to Gamkaskloof (Die Hel). The constuction of the dam allowed for the creation of a nature reserve which is inhabited by mamals, insects, birds, and plants of a large variety.

Activities

NOTE: All activities are undertaken at visitors own risk.

Photography

Plants, wildlife and scenery make this is a photographer’s paradise. Sunrises and sunsets are stunning, the mountains are on your doorstep and the dam is a backdrop of infinitesimal variety. This area will test your inventiveness. The dam and it’s surrounds abound with wildlife, some 110 bird species, a large variety of insects, reptiles, various antelope and predators.

Plantlife in this area is predominantly succulent.

Cycling

There is only one road in but it is worth the ride down – and if you are brave, fit or stupid – the ride back up again. Other rides include Seweweekspoort, 21Kms of down hill. This is mountain bike country.

Canoeing and Swimming

Canoeing is the only form of boating allowed on the dam. The two arms of the dam both stretch upstream for some 12Kms with the best birding being in the upper reaches. There is a wind factor in the summer months especially in the afternoons. Normal safety rules apply.

The dam is a brown water dam but swimming is a must in the summer.

Swim at own risk.

Hiking

There are no official hiking trails but visitors are welcome to walk around the reserve. It is essential to talk to Fox before setting out as there are some places which are no go areas.

This is a photographers paradise, sunrises and sunsets are stunning, the mountains are on your doorstep and the dam is a backdrop of infinitesimal variety. Succulent plants abound. This area will test your inventiveness.