The Gariep Dam was originally named the Hendrik Verwoerd Dam after the first Prime Minister of the Republic of South Africa Hendrik Frensch Verwoerd on its commission in 1971. The name was officially changed to Gariep Dam on 4 October 1996. Gariep is San for "Great water", and is the original name of the Orange River.
The wall is 88m high and has a crest length of 914m and contains approximately 1.73 million m³ of concrete. The Gariep Dam is the largest storage reservoir in South Africa.
I'm from Tulbagh, Western Cape, South Africa. Tulbagh is a small farming community.
Get Pushed Challenge: I have been doing this challenge on and off...
@paulaw Paula, as far as I can remember the box shaped thing is something to do with the sluice gates mechanism. The top of the wall is a two lane road.
@kwiksilver Back home and I do have some snow pics to post. There was snow in Beaufort West when we got there on Sunday. Loads of snow in the Matroosberg and all around Ceres and Tulbagh.
WoW!!! You traveled far!!! This place is gorgeous!!! Whenever we travel to Gouteng by car we often pause for a leg stretch here, beautiful scenic spot!!!
@monkeykid It was quite a journey! Left Tulbagh Thursday morning, stayed overnight in Colesburg. Arriving in Jo'burg Friday afternoon. Left Jo'burg early Sunday morning. Overnight in Beaufort West and back in Tulbagh Monday lunchtime. The weather in Jo'burg was lovely and warm. We also always stop off at the dam. Would love to see the sluice gates open.
OOps, just read above comments, but decided not to edit ;)
WoW!!! You traveled far!!! This place is gorgeous!!! Whenever we travel to Gouteng by car we often pause for a leg stretch here, beautiful scenic spot!!!