| Duration: | 3 Day(s) - 2 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Kayaking |
Sterkfontein Dam is an awesome weekend paddle away. With its crystal clear water, great visibility, and stunning mountain panorama, we paddle a round trip from the put-in to our overnight base camp at the foot of the mountain. There we embark on summitting Mt (still to find out the name of it) and seeing the world through the eyes of an eagle.
Tour Type: Guided self-catering, own camping equipment (all to come on the kayaks)
Characteristics: Flat, crystal clear dam water
Paddling Distance: 40 km
Paddler Profile: Singles, Couples, Families, Groups
Experience: 1st time paddlers to experienced paddlers
Age Group: 6 years upwards
Fitness Levels: Paddling fitness required, able to swim, and comfortable in water
Closest Town: Harrismith, Free State
Tour Availability: Summer months - October - April
Min / Max Paddlers: 20 minimum and 30 maximum
Day 1: Sterkfontein Nature Reserve
After work, late afternoon or early evening, we all meet at the Sterkfontein Nature Reserve where we set up our 1st overnight camp and get to know all our fellow paddlers over a braai or takeaway dinner.
Day 2: Kayaking
We wake, make breakfast, and pack up the campsite. We then drive down to the water's edge and proceed to pack all our camping kit and food into our kayaks. After a safety briefing and some paddle instruction, we slowly make our way to a very pretty “snack spot” where we can get out, stretch our legs, fish, snorkel, or just relax for a while.
We then get back in the kayaks and make our way to our overnight camp at the foot of a very beautiful mountain. We set up camp, have lunch then those looking to enjoy a very scenic hike leave to walk to the saddle of the mountain.
The hike is worth the effort as the views are incredible, and on a clear day, as far as the eye can see. Those remaining at camp can relax, swim, snorkel, or fish. Cooking at this campsite needs to be done on gas cookers as we aren’t allowed to make bonfires in the National Park.
Day 3: Kayaking
We normally wake up surrounded by mist, which soon evaporates as we get up and have breakfast, and pack all our kit back into the kayaks. We have a leisurely paddle back, enjoying the scenery.
We stop off at a conical island just over halfway back. We climb to the top and have lunch/snacks, and those looking for some excitement, there are some rock ledges to jump off. This is also a popular fishing spot. We then make our way back to our cars.
