Drakensberg District: Nature, Water and Cultural Heritage

At the Gariep Dam, water sports, boating and swimming are just as much a focus as fishing: the dam is considered an excellent fishing spot. In the Drakensberg District, highland hikes, protected areas with distinctive landscapes and wildlife, and cultural heritage in Lady Grey and Steynsburg round out the picture. Wellness is also among the possible travel interests.

Water Activities on the Gariep and Orange Rivers

The Gariep Dam is suitable for water sports, boating and swimming, and is also an excellent fishing spot. In the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality, the Orange River offers opportunities for boating; the waters of the Gariep in the same municipality are suitable for water sports. You can choose based on the activity: boating is possible at both locations, while the Gariep Dam also offers swimming and fishing.

Highlands and Protected Areas

Grasslands National Park is in the Eastern Cape Highlands near Rhodes and Barkly East. It protects rare grassland ecosystems and important catchment areas. A catchment area is an area from which water drains into a river or lake; the park therefore protects important water areas as well as rare grasslands. Hiking opportunities in the highlands around Rhodes and Barkly East are considered “world-class.”

On the outskirts of Aliwal North is the municipal Buffelspruit Nature Reserve, known for its open grasslands and populations of plains game. The Oviston Nature Reserve, on the southern side of the Gariep Dam, offers a different natural setting: the 16,000-hectare protected area is home to various antelope species as well as the Cape otter, African wildcat, Cape hare, Cape porcupine and native mongooses. The protected areas therefore offer distinct natural attractions: open grasslands and plains game in one, a large area and diverse wildlife in the other.

Rock Art and Railway Heritage

The area around Lady Grey is rich in sandstone and San rock art. This brings together geological features and cultural heritage. Lady Grey’s historic sites include the Powder Magazine. The Steynsburg Tunnel offers visitors a glimpse of South Africa’s railway heritage.

Wellness and Recreation

The Aliwal Spa Holiday Resort in Aliwal North is a thermal bath and wellness destination, accessible via the N6. Local hot springs also offer wellness experiences. Just outside Burgersdorp is the J.L. De Bruin Dam Resort, a recreation and camping destination. This offers a choice of different travel interests, from wellness to recreation and camping.

Plan Your Stay

Your answer can serve as a guide when choosing where to stay.

Note About the Mountain Ski Resort

The site of South Africa’s only mountain ski resort is in the Senqu Local Municipality. The Joe Gqabi District Municipality reported in February 2026 that it has been closed since 2020. Check its operating status again before making specific plans.

Discover more destinations: Ugie, Nomlengane, Barkly East, Jamestown, Venterstad, Steynsburg, Bloemendal, Burgersdorp

For the broader travel overview: Eastern Cape.