Gariep Dam Shoreline Trail
Gariep Dam is South Africa’s largest dam — an inland sea stretching across the southern Free State where the Orange River was dammed in the 1970s. The 28km Shoreline Trail follows gravel and dirt tracks along the dam’s vast waterfront, delivering wide water views, Karoo scenery and the solitude of one of the most remote recreational destinations in the country.
What to Expect
Gravel roads and dirt tracks undulate along the dam shoreline through open Karoo-edge terrain. The riding is intermediate in effort with gentle climbs and a constantly changing perspective on the enormous dam. Game including springbok and blesbok are resident in the resort area. Wind off the dam can be a significant factor — plan your direction accordingly.
Gariep Dam Resort
The resort has comfortable accommodation, a restaurant and full fishing facilities — Gariep Dam is one of South Africa’s premier freshwater fishing destinations. Combining a trail ride with a fishing trip and an overnight stay makes for an excellent weekend.
Getting There
From the N1 between Colesberg and Hanover Road, turn off at the Gariep Dam interchange. GPS: -30.5523, 25.5134.
n
🌐 Visit Official Trail Website →
More Trails in Free State
9 trailsBloemfontein Franklin Nature Reserve Trail
12km intermediate MTB loop through Franklin Game Reserve on Bloemfontein's doorstep — dirt tracks and singletrack…
Sasolburg Vaal River Trail
25km intermediate Vaal River trail from Sasolburg — riverine singletrack and gravel paths along the Vaal…
Rosendal Mountain Escape
22km intermediate MTB escape from the tiny sandstone village of Rosendal — rocky mountain terrain, Rooiberge…
Clarens 20km Scenic Route
20km intermediate MTB loop from Clarens village through sandstone mountain terrain — longer climbs, wider views…
Smithfield Red Rock Route
32km intermediate red rock gravel and singletrack loop from Smithfield in the southern Free State —…
Ficksburg Sandstone Challenge
45km advanced sandstone mountain loop from Ficksburg — technical singletrack over dramatic red and orange sandstone…
Reitz Grassland Sprint
18km easy to intermediate gravel sprint from Reitz through open Highveld grassland — a quick, accessible…
Lindley 42.72 Mile Route
69km advanced gravel epic from Lindley — the longest of the three Lindley routes, a full-day…
De Rust 22.76 Mile Trail
37km intermediate gravel loop in the southern Free State Karoo-edge landscape — wide open terrain, sparse…