What climatic conditions can be expected?
The rainfall is mainly restricted to the hot summer months. The nights are cold during the winter, but the days are usually sunny and pleasant.
The landscape, plants and animals
The nature reserve, with an area of approximately 700 ha, lies in the dry grass veldt region of the Free State and at the northern shore of the dam. The Erfenis Dam covers an area of approximately 3308 ha, when full and is situated at the confluence of the Great Vet and the Vet River.
Wild olive and especially karee grows along the ridges, while the open veld consists of grass interspersed with Karoo bushes.
Animals like black wildebeest, blesbok, springbok, red hartebeest, mountain reedbuck, common reedbuck, steenbok, Burchell’s zebra and the endangered tsessebe can be seen.
A variety of terrestrial birds, waterfowl and raptors such as the fish eagle, inhabit the reserve.
Fish species include carp, barbel, yellow fish and mudfish.
What facilities are available?
The caravan park is equipped with ablution facilities and power points for ten caravans. Along the shoreline there are more caravan sites (without power) and ablution facilities. No barbeque equipment is provided.
Overnight facilities are available in the form of a bush camp with five huts. These huts are equipped with four beds (3 + 1 mattress) and a refrigerator. The camp is also situated near an ablution block and warm water is available. There is also scullery and a lapa available for groups.
Slipways and boathouses are available for the boating enthusiast.
No shops are available and visitors must bring their own provisions.
Recreational activities
- All types of aquatic sport can be enjoyed.
- The dam offers the serious angler a big challenge and hours of relaxation to the rest of the family.
- Visitors are welcome to walk through the reserve and enjoy the nature.
- Ten kilometers of tourist roads allow visitors ample opportunity for game viewing.
- The Erfenis Dam Mile Swim is hosted annually in November.
Who do I contact?
Mr Sepp Van Rensburg
Reserve Manager
Erfenis Dam Nature Reserve
PO Box 131
Theunissen
9410
Tel: (057) 733 2125
Fax: (057) 733 2085
Cell: 060 968 3178
Email: belinda.sep@gmail.com
What, where, when?
- Hours: Gate: 06h00 – 21h00
- Office: 07h30 – 16h00
Erfenis Dam Nature Reserve is situated eighteen kilometers east of Theunissen, on the Theunissen – Winburg road (R708). From the N1 highway, the turnoff to the reserve lies 20 km west of Winburg, on the Winburg – Theunissen road (R708).