26 biggest dams in South Africa in 2024: What are their capacities?
South Africa's largest dams are popular tourist attraction sites, even though most were primarily built for irrigation, electricity production, and domestic and industrial use. This article provides insightful details about the biggest dams in South Africa, which can be helpful when deciding which reservoirs to visit first.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Which are the biggest dams in South Africa?
- 1. Gariep (5,340,000 megalitres)
- 7. Theewaterskloof (480,000 megalitres)
- 8. Greater Brandvlei (459,000 megalitres)
- 9. Heyshope (451,300 megalitres)
- 10. Dee Hoop (374,600 megalitres)
- 11. Woodstock (373,260 megalitres)
- 12. Loskop (362,000 megalitres)
- 13. Grootdraai (350,000 megalitres)
- 14. Kalkfontein (325,100 megalitres)
- 15. Goedertrouw (301,000 megalitres)
- 16. Albert Falls (290,100 megalitres)
- 17. Spioenkop (272,265 megalitres)
- 18. Mthatha (253,674 megalitres)
- 19. Driekoppies (250,900 megalitres)
- 20. Inanda (241,700 megalitres)
- 21. Midmar (235,400 megalitres)
- 22. Erfenis (206,100 megalitres)
- 23. Rhenosterkop (204,600 megalitres)
- 24. Molatedi (200,800 megalitres)
- 25. Ntshingwayo/Chelmsford (194,600 megalitres)
- 26. Qedusizi (194,000 megalitres)
- What are the different types of dams in South Africa?
- Which is the largest dam in South Africa?
- What are the 3 biggest dams in South Africa?
- Which dam is the deepest in South Africa?
- What are the six major dams in Cape Town?
- What is the 2nd biggest dam in South Africa?
- What is the biggest dam in Mpumalanga?
- What are the dangerous dams in South Africa?
- How full are the dams in South Africa?
- What are the top 10 largest dams in the world?
- Which is the biggest dam in Africa?
This article lists the biggest dams in South Africa, in descending order, based on their capacities when full. It also unveils popular recreational activities the locals and foreigners participate in when they tour these reservoirs.
Which are the biggest dams in South Africa?
Water reservoirs provide fresh water and electricity in South Africa's major cities. Additionally, these places are fantastic recreational centers to visit. This article focuses on the following dams:
| Rank | Dams/water reservoirs | Estimated capacities (megalitres) |
| 1. | Gariep | 5,340,000 |
| 2. | Vanderkloof | 3,187,557 |
| 3. | Sterkfontein | 2,616,000 |
| 4. | Vaal | 2,613,500 |
| 5. | Pongolapoort/Lake Jozini | 2,445,900 |
| 6. | Bloemhof | 1,269,000 |
| 7. | Theewaterskloof | 480,000 |
| 8. | Greater Brandvlei | 459,000 |
| 9. | Heyshope | 451,300 |
| 10. | Dee Hoop | 374,600 |
| 11. | Woodstock | 373,260 |
| 12. | Loskop | 362,000 |
| 13. | Grootdraai | 350,000 |
| 14. | Kalkfontein | 325,100 |
| 15. | Goedertrouw | 301,000 |
| 16. | Albert Falls | 290,100 |
| 17. | Spioenkop | 272,265 |
| 18. | Mthatha | 253,674 |
| 19. | Driekoppies | 250,900 |
| 20. | Inanda | 241,700 |
| 2'1. | Midmar | 235,400 |
| 22. | Erfenis | 206,100 |
| 23. | Rhenosterkop | 204,600 |
| 24. | Molatedi | 200,800 |
| 25. | Ntshingwayo/Chelmsford | 194,600 |
| 26. | Qedusizi | 194,000 |
Many South Africans love the idea of dams being tourist attraction sites, especially for those who love camping, fishing, and watersports. Show gratitude by not littering the area or polluting the water when you visit. Here is a list of dams in South Africa, which have the highest capacities:
1. Gariep (5,340,000 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 1971
- Height: 88 meters
- Total capacity: 5,340,000 megalitres
- Location: Border of Eastern Cape and Free State, South Africa
Gariep reservoir is South Africa’s largest water reservoir and one of the best holiday destinations in Mzansi. Its inlets are the Orange, Caledon, Slykspruit, Broekspruit, Barkspruit, Palmietspruit, and Oude Spruit rivers.
The concrete gravity-arch hydro reservoir was constructed in 1965 in Norvalspont town between the Free State and Eastern Cape provinces and opened in 1971. It is 88 m high, 914 m long, and covers a 353 million m2 surface area.
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There are lots of fun water sports and activities to enjoy at the Gariep dam area, including 4x4 trails, bird watching, boat cruises, canoeing, fishing, guided dam wall tours, motor boating, MTB trails, on-site restaurant & bar picnic areas, putt-putt sailing, and scenic tractor rides.
2. Vanderkloof (3,187,557 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 1977
- Height: 108 meters
- Total capacity: 3,187,557 megalitres
- Location: Between Northern Cape and Free State, South Africa
Vanderkloof is about 81 miles (130 km) away from the Gariep reservoir and is the second biggest dam in South Africa. The 3,187.557 million m3 reservoir was built in 1973 and opened in 1977. Its original name is PK Le Roux.
The reservoir is 108 m high and 766 m long. It holds 3,187,557 megalitres and sits on a 133.43 km2 region. The reservoir produces up to 360MW of energy and is a fishing paradise for yellow fish, catfish, carp, and mudfish.
3. Sterkfontein (2,616,000 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 1980
- Height: 97 meters
- Location: Free State, South Africa
- Total capacity: 2,616,000 megalitres
Sterkfontein is among the top 10 biggest dams in South Africa. The dam is located close to the Harrismith town in the Free State. Sterkfontein means a strong fountain in Afrikaans. The reservoir was redirected from the Tugela River due to a water shortage in Johannesburg in the 1960s and 1970s. Its wall is 93 m high, and its capacity is 2.616 million m3. Sterkfontein stretches over a surface area of 69.37 km2 and is 18.8 km long.
4. Vaal (2,613,500 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 1938
- Height: 54 meters
- Location: Border of Gauteng and Free State, South Africa
- Total capacity: 2,613,500 megalitres
The Vaal dam is among the top 5 biggest dams in South Africa. It was constructed along the Vaal River and 77 km south of the OP Tambo International Airport. The Vaal, Wilge, Klip, Grootspuit, Molspuit rivers, and Sterkfontein dam feed the reservoir when water drops too low.
Lying on 322 km2 of land and with a shoreline stretching over 800 km, the 2,613.5 million m3 capacity reservoir has enough water sports, fishing, and other recreational activities.
5. Pongolapoort/Lake Jozini (2,445,900 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 1973
- Height: 89 meters
- Location: Jozini, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Total capacity: 2,445,900 megalitres
Phongolo River is the sole perennial feeder of Lake Jozini dam (formerly known as the Pongolapoort dam). Lake Jozini is home to Bowstripe Barb, Imber, Sharptooth catfish, Threespot Barb, Carp, River Goby, Silver Robber, Purple Labeo, Rednose Labeo, Silver catfish, Redbreast Tilapia, Mozambique Tilapia, and a variety of other smaller fish species.
The reservoir is about 280 km northeast of Durban and was primarily built for irrigation in 1973. It is 89 m high, 451 m long, has a 13 272.8 ha surface area, and covers a 7814 km2 water catchment area. Environmentalists are concerned about the massive water pollution from pesticides because it endangers wildlife.
6. Bloemhof (1,269,000 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 1970
- Height: 33 meters
- Location: Border of Northwest and Free State, South Africa
- Total capacity: 1,269,000 megalitres
Bloemhof is among the top 10 dams in South Africa, when ranked by capacity. It holds up to 1,269 million m3 of water; its inlets are Vall and Vet rivers. The dam has a 33 m high wall and is 4,270 m in length. Bloemhof covers an area of 2226 ha, and its former name was Oppermansdrif.
The reservoir primarily supplies water to the Vaalharts irrigation scheme (which generates considerable return flows). Additionally, the reservoir boasts various plains game, including springbok, black wildebeest, eland, and gemsbok, along with small predators and rhinos.
7. Theewaterskloof (480,000 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 1980
- Height: 35 meters
- Location: Western Cape, South Africa
- Total capacity: 480,000 megalitres
Theewaterskloof reservoir is built on the Sonderend River close to Villiersdorp in the Western Cape. It is Cape Town's leading water supplier with a 480 million m3 capacity. The reservoir occupies a surface area of 5,059 ha. Besides the annual Synergy Live Music Festival, other activities include hiking, watersports, fishing, biking, and playing golf.
8. Greater Brandvlei (459,000 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 1983
- Height: 22 meters
- Location: Western Cape, South Africa
- Total capacity: 459,000 megalitres
Brandvlei and the Kwaggaskloof reservoirs were combined to form the Greater Brandvlei in 1989. It is built on a tributary of the Breede River and is primarily used for irrigation. The dam's wall has a height of 21.5 m, and its length is 1250 m. The total capacity is 459 million m3, and the reservoir stretches to 4110 ha when full. The area is widely used for fishing.
9. Heyshope (451,300 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 1986
- Height: 28 meters
- Total capacity: 451,300 megalitres
- Location: Mpumalanga, South Africa
Heyshope was opened in 1986 in Mpumalanga along the Assegaai River. Its wall height is 28.5 m, and its length is 1030 m. Its capacity is 451.3 million m3, with a surface area of 5 023.8 ha.
You can fish largemouth bass, carp, and yellowfish at this water reservoir. Other fun things at Heyshope include boat riding, nature walks, waterside camping, bird watching, biking, hiking, and more.
10. Dee Hoop (374,600 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 2014
- Height: 81 meters
- Total capacity: 374,600 megalitres
- Location: Limpopo, South Africa
Deep Hoop is one of the largest reservoirs in Limpopo. The 374.6 million m3 reservoir is 81 m high and 1000 m long. It is a gravity dam constructed on Steelpoort River near Burgersfort, in the Sekhukhune area. It is the only reliable water solution for over 800,000 people living in the Nebo plateau.
11. Woodstock (373,260 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 1982
- Height: 54 meters
- Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Total capacity: 373,260 megalitres
The reservoir is about 50 km south of Harrismith in the upper reaches of the Tugela River in the KwaZulu-Natal province. It is 865 m long with a wall of 54 m in height and 373.26 million m3 capacity.
Woodstock dam allows for a range of adventure and sports activities such as canoeing, horseback riding, fishing, windsurfing, hiking, bungee jumping, bird-watching, mountain climbing, paragliding, stargazing, mountain biking, archaeological tours, etc.
12. Loskop (362,000 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 1939
- Height: 49 meters
- Location: Mpumalanga, South Africa
- Total capacity: 362,000 megalitres
The Loskop dam has a 361 million m3 capacity, meaning it holds 362 million m3 of water when full. The reservoir was constructed in 1939 along the Olifants River and near Groblersdal town.
Since the primary source of income for Groblersdal communities is farming, Loskop was mainly built for irrigation. The dam is 49 m high and 105 m long, covers 12,285 km2 of land, and has crocodiles and fish.
Meanwhile, the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve supports over 200 species of birds (including the ostrich, fish eagle, goliath heron, and other waterfowl) and almost 70 mammalian species (including antelope, giraffe, zebra, leopard, brown hyena, and white rhinoceros).
13. Grootdraai (350,000 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 1981
- Height: 42 meters
- Location: Mpumalanga, South Africa
- Total capacity: 350,000 megalitres
The 2180 m long reservoir lies along the Vaal River. It is 42 m high with a 350 million m3 volume. Grootdraai was constructed in 1981 to provide water to petrol plants like ESKOM'S Tutuka Power Station, Duyha Power Station, and the Malta Power Station. There are many comfortable, stylish, and affordable hotels around the area to accommodate tourists.
14. Kalkfontein (325,100 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 1938
- Height: 36 meters
- Location: Koffiefontein, Free State, South Africa
- Total capacity: 325,100 megalitres
Kalkfontein dam was established in 1938 and renovated in 1977. The reservoir lies on the Riet River, near Koffiefontein, Free State, South Africa. It has a 325.1 million m3 water holding capacity. Kalkfontein is 36 m high and 317 m long.
The dam covers a surface area of 769.7 ha, and when the Orange River floods, water is transferred from the Orange River at Vanderkloof Dam to this reservoir. Tourists enjoy camping, fishing, and yachting are popular activities here.
15. Goedertrouw (301,000 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 1982
- Height: 88 meters
- Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Total capacity: 301,000 megalitres
The earth-filled reservoir on the Mhlathuze River in KwaZulu-Natal province was constructed in 1980 and opened two years later. Goedertrouw is 88 m high and 660 m long with a 301 million m3 capacity. It is the leading water provider for the industrial complex at Richards Bay.
16. Albert Falls (290,100 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 1976
- Height: 33 metres
- Location: Near Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Total capacity: 290,100 megalitres
The 290.1 million m3 capacity reservoir is on the Umgeni River in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal Province. Albert Falls was constructed in 1976 with a 33 m high wall and 23.521 km2 surface area. The place has one of the best campsites in South Africa.
17. Spioenkop (272,265 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 1972
- Height: 53 meters
- Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Total capacity: 272,265 megalitres
Spioenkop covers a 15 km2 surface area with a 272.265 million m3 volume. The reservoir is on the Tugela River in the KwaZulu-Natal province. Spioenkop dam is the people's favorite water sports destination.
Besides this, one can explore the 4,400-ha Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve and enjoy the breathtaking views of Ladysmith and Winterton while standing on Spioenkop's summit. The reservoir and game reserve are only 14 km from Winterton and 35 km from Ladysmith.
18. Mthatha (253,674 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 1977
- Height: 38 meters
- Location: Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Total capacity: 253,674 megalitres
The Mthatha dam was constructed on the Mthatha River in 1977 for commercial and domestic use. The reservoir is in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, and its capacity is 253.674 million m3. Its surface area is 2,541.7 ha, covering an 886 km2 water catchment area.
19. Driekoppies (250,900 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 1998
- Height: 50 meters
- Location: Mpumalanga, South Africa
- Total capacity: 250,900 megalitres
Driekoppies was established in 1998 for irrigation. The gravity/earth-fill type dam is on the Lomati River, near Malelane, Mpumalanga, South Africa. Its walls are 50 m high, and the reservoir is 2340 m long. It covers a total surface area of 1870 ha and creates Lake Matsamo.
20. Inanda (241,700 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 1989
- Height: 65 meters
- Location: Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Total capacity: 241,700 megalitres
Inanda is among the top 20 biggest dams in South Africa. It was established in 1989 for domestic and industrial use. This earth-fill type dam is 50 m deep and 595 m long. The reservoir lies on the Mgeni River, near Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Recreational activities done at this dam include fishing, skiing, sailing, camping, or weekend braai.
21. Midmar (235,400 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 1965
- Height: 30 meters
- Location: Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Total capacity: 235,400 megalitres
Midmar is a combined gravity and earth-fill type dam and recreation area. The reservoir is located near Howick and Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Midmar dam's primary purpose is to serve municipal and industrial use. Some of the most popular pastimes at this place include boating, picnicking, swimming, waterskiing, and fishing.
22. Erfenis (206,100 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 1960
- Height: 34 meters
- Location: Theunissen, Free State, South Africa
- Total capacity: 206,100 megalitres
The Erfenis is an earth-fill dam on the Vet River near Theunissen in Free State, South Africa. It was established in 1960 for irrigation and is 34 m deep and 489 m long. The locals and foreign tourists use the reservoir as a camping, boating, and fishing venue. They also play exciting watersports like surfing.
23. Rhenosterkop (204,600 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 1984
- Height: 36 meters
- Location: Mpumalanga, South Africa
- Total capacity: 204,600 megalitres
Rhenosterkop is a combined gravity and arch-type dam in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The dam was established in 1984 on the Elands River, part of the Olifants River basin. It is 36 m deep and 515 m long. Rhenosterkop dam is an angling paradise for fishing and camping.
24. Molatedi (200,800 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 1986
- Height: 29 meters
- Location: North West, South Africa
- Total capacity: 200,800 megalitres
Molatedi is an earth-fill dam on the Marico River dam near Zeerust, North West, South Africa. It was established in 1986 for irrigation and domestic water supply purposes. The reservoir covers a surface area of 3,600 hectares (8,900 acres). It is 29 m deep and 260 m long.
25. Ntshingwayo/Chelmsford (194,600 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 1961
- Height: 23 meters
- Location: Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Total capacity: 194,600 megalitres
Ntshingwayo/Chelmsford is a combined gravity and arch-type dam on the Ingagane River in South Africa. It holds 194,600 megalitres of water and covers a surface area of 3,610.1 ha.
The reservoir is 23 m deep and 1 677 m long. Chelmsford dam was established in 1961 for municipal and industrial use. It is enclosed in the Chelmsford Nature Reserve, which has wildlife (including springbok, oribi, blesbok, and red hartebeest) and birds like the crested grebe, black-bellied bustard, African grass owl, flamingo, whiskered tern, osprey, and fish eagle.
26. Qedusizi (194,000 megalitres)
Source: UGC
- Opened: 1997
- Height: 24 meters
- Location: Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Total capacity: 194,000 megalitres
Qedusizi, previously known as the Mt. Pleasant dam, has a surface area of 2 513 ha. The dam is a composite earth-fill type with a roller-compacted concrete spillway. It sits on the Klip River, upstream of Ladysmith town in KwaZulu-Natal. Qedusizi is 24.3m m deep and 1 437 m long.
What are the different types of dams in South Africa?
South Africa has arch dams (curve-shaped dams), buttress dams (flat or curved dams located on the downstream side to brace a large dam), and embankment dams (massive dams made of earth and rock).
Which is the largest dam in South Africa?
Gariep reservoir is South Africa’s largest water reservoir, with a total capacity of 5,340,000 megalitres. It is also one of the best holiday destinations in Mzansi.
What are the 3 biggest dams in South Africa?
Gariep (5,340,000 megalitres capacity), Vanderkloof (3,187,557 megalitres capacity), and Sterkfontein (2,616,000 megalitres capacity) are the three biggest dams in South Africa.
Which dam is the deepest in South Africa?
Gariep is the deepest dam in South Africa. Its total capacity is 5,340,000 megalitres.
What are the six major dams in Cape Town?
Cape Town heavily depends on surface water from six major dams: Theewaterskloof, Wemmershoek, Voelvlei, Steenbras, and Berg River.
What is the 2nd biggest dam in South Africa?
Vanderkloof is the second-largest dam in South Africa (in volume), with a capacity of 3,187,557 megalitres. Its height of 108 meters (354 ft.) is also the highest dam wall in the country.
What is the biggest dam in Mpumalanga?
Heyshope is the biggest dam in Mpumalanga. The water reservoir holds up to 451,300 megalitres of water when full.
What are the dangerous dams in South Africa?
50% of South Africa's dams are unsafe to swim in without guidance from a tour guide. Chemicals used in mining end up in rivers pouting into dams. Additionally, there have been numerous cases of dams collapsing and killing people. For instance, Merriespruit collapsed in 1994 and killed 17 people after flooding in a Free State suburb.
How full are the dams in South Africa?
In July 2021, the Department of Water and Sanitation warned about the 83.3% to 82.8% declining dam levels in South Africa within a week. Mr Ratau appealed to the people to keep conserving water to maintain water security as rains improve the dams' water levels.
What are the top 10 largest dams in the world?
These are the ten biggest dams in the world and their capacities:
- Kariba dam (185 billion m3) on the Zambesi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- Bratsk dam (169 billion m3) in Siberia, Russia.
- Akosombo dam (144 billion m3) in the southeast of Ghana.
- Daniel Johnson dam (140 billion m3) on the Manicouagan River in Québec, Canada.
- Guri dam/the Simón Bolívar Hydroelectric Plant (135 billion m3) in Venezuela.
- Aswan dam (132 billion m3) on the Nile River in Egypt.
- WAC Bennet dam (74 billion m3) in British Columbia, Canada.
- Krasnoyarsk dam (73 billion m3) on the Enisej River in Siberia, Russia.
- Zeya dam (68 billion m3) in Russia near the border with China.
- Robert-Bourassa dam (61.7 billion m3) in Québec, Canada.
Which is the biggest dam in Africa?
Kariba dam on the Zambesi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe is the biggest dam in Africa. Its capacity is around 185 billion m3. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is also massive. Its total volume is 10 million m3.
The biggest dams in South Africa charge an entrance fee, and you can find cozy accommodation at the nearest hotels and restaurants. Some dams are enclosed in game reserves to offer tourists more adventure.
Briefly.co.za posted Table Mountain facts, activities, ticket prices, restaurants, hours of operation, and more information you should know when planning the trip to this place.
You are missing out on so much fun if you have never been to South Africa's famous Table Mountain. It truly is an experience you will never forget.
Source: Briefly News
