The Gariep Dam is situated quite close to the charming little town of Bethulie, which makes it the perfect stopover for holiday makers wanting to explore the trails and environment surrounding the dam.
There are several nature walks to embark on that will take you around the dam and offer you some spectacular views - rocky hills, clear water and some beautiful greenery. Other activities include fishing, bird watching, horse riding and game viewing; you might spot a zebra or two in the area as well!
The nearby Bethulie Bridge is a great spot to watch the sunset over the lake and rocky terrain. Interestingly enough, there is an old legend known to many of the town and the river; mine workers travelling from the Transkei back to Bethulie believe that the lake of Gariep contained a fearsome river monster snake. As the train crossed the bridge, they would toss coins from the carriages as a peace offering.