We are set to travel to the town of Gariep Dam, continuing our journey south. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to learn much about the local economy, but the town is clearly thriving, as evidenced by the busy streets filled with cars — none of which seemed old or rundown. We stopped at a gas station, noting that there are six stations near the intersection and adjacent block, indicating high demand.
The town of Gariep Dam, also known as Oranjerville, was founded in the 1960s during the dam’s construction as a settlement for the builders and workers involved in the project. Over time, it has transformed into a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors who come to enjoy the reservoir and the surrounding natural beauty.
The Gariep Dam, South Africa’s largest dam, is located on the Orange River, marking the border between the Free State and Eastern Cape provinces and serving multiple purposes: flood control, water supply, and power generation. Additionally, the dam is actively used for hydroelectric power production.
In South Africa, the Orange River is named after the Dutch royal House of Orange and is one of the longest rivers in southern Africa, stretching approximately 2,200 km. It originates in the Drakensberg mountains in Lesotho and flows into the Atlantic Ocean at the border between South Africa and Namibia.
The next day marks our last long leg in Africa, a journey of approximately 400 km with a stop in Jansenville, a small town near the Indian Ocean.
Jansenville is a tiny settlement with a population of only about 5,000 people. Its origins trace back to the Dutch Reformed Church, which established a congregation here in 1854. The area is known for its game farms, hunting grounds, and nature reserves, including the Addo Elephant National Park.
But what caught our attention the most was the slightly changed landscape and the presence of windmills.
In South Africa, we often see these amazing windmills pumping water for livestock. They are everywhere — along roadsides, in rural areas, and even depicted in artworks.
Initially, we thought these windmills were merely traditional cultural elements, but it turns out that each windmill is a true piece of engineering marvel, perfectly adapted to the harsh climate and absence of electricity.
The town of Gariep Dam, also known as Oranjerville, was founded in the 1960s during the dam’s construction as a settlement for the builders and workers involved in the project. Over time, it has transformed into a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors who come to enjoy the reservoir and the surrounding natural beauty.
The Gariep Dam, South Africa’s largest dam, is located on the Orange River, marking the border between the Free State and Eastern Cape provinces and serving multiple purposes: flood control, water supply, and power generation. Additionally, the dam is actively used for hydroelectric power production.
In South Africa, the Orange River is named after the Dutch royal House of Orange and is one of the longest rivers in southern Africa, stretching approximately 2,200 km. It originates in the Drakensberg mountains in Lesotho and flows into the Atlantic Ocean at the border between South Africa and Namibia.
The next day marks our last long leg in Africa, a journey of approximately 400 km with a stop in Jansenville, a small town near the Indian Ocean.
Jansenville is a tiny settlement with a population of only about 5,000 people. Its origins trace back to the Dutch Reformed Church, which established a congregation here in 1854. The area is known for its game farms, hunting grounds, and nature reserves, including the Addo Elephant National Park.
But what caught our attention the most was the slightly changed landscape and the presence of windmills.
In South Africa, we often see these amazing windmills pumping water for livestock. They are everywhere — along roadsides, in rural areas, and even depicted in artworks.
Initially, we thought these windmills were merely traditional cultural elements, but it turns out that each windmill is a true piece of engineering marvel, perfectly adapted to the harsh climate and absence of electricity.
