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Sterkfontein Dam

Sterkfontein Dam (280 km from central Johannesburg)

Prevailing Wind Conditions

Predominately NW to W. This direction usually starts at 9am in a Northerly direction and strengthens towards mid day switching towards NW/W. This direction usually starts out gusty, but steadies by mid day or the afternoon.
Easterly wind at this dam is usually very constant in strength, and can reach gale force in the main body of the dam. Accompanying this direction is a sharp fall in temperature.
All other directions of wind at this dam tend to be erratic and short lived.
Wind strength here often reaches gale force, and tends to run in a weekly cycle of wind and no wind.

Camping Facilities

Camping overnight will cost R16 per vehicle + R10 per person Electricity is also available at specific spots near the ablution blocks.
Braai and wash-up facilities are also available.
The camping area at the waters edge is fairly sloppy and sometimes uneven. This is very much dependent upon the water level. No tree cover is available throughout the dam circumference.
Chalets

4, 5, 6 and 8 bed Chalets starting from R100 per night, are very well equipped. They are the best option if you are planning your trip in Winter.
The contact details for the Nature reserve may be found at:
http://wildnetafrica.co.za/directory/client0234.html

Alternative Accomodation

There is a superb B&B, The Caterpillar and Catfish, at the crest of the OliviersHoek Pass ( about 10 km further on towards Bergville from the dam). Their rates are R180 per person, per night, bed and breakfast.
Their contact details may be found at:
http://drakensberg.kzn.org.za/drakensberg/about/63.xml

Directions

From Johannesburg, take the N3 Natal highway towards Harrismith. (2½ hour travel)

There are two likely routes to the dam from Harrismith. The first takes you through Harrismith, past the bottle stores and other necessities and the second skirts the outside of the town - a better route unless your beer supplies are low.

Through town:

From JHB, take the first Harrismith offramp at the Wimpy.
Go straight up until the traffic circle (after 3rd robot), and go ¾ the way round, i.e. right turn.
Turn left at the T-junction, and right at the 1st robot to go under the bridge.
At the next T-junction, after driving over the bridge, turn right towards Bethlehem.
Bypassing town:

From JHB, continue past the first Harrismith, Wimpy offramp Take the N5 Bethlehem / R74 turn off and follow the N5 Bethlehem signs If you have come from the JHB direction, you will turn right at the stop street, pass under the highway and turn right at the Engen sign.
2km further on there is a fourway stop - carry on straight towards Bethlehem The two routes meet here:

2.8 km further on, take the R74 to Bergville
8.5 km further on, turn left, again the R74 towards Bergville The dam entrance is 7.3 km further, on the right After the pay gate, follow the road to a T-junction; left takes you to the chalets, ablution blocks and camping area; right takes you to the waters edge and launch ramp.

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