The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
Oviston
Oviston with Gariep Dam in the background
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Oviston is a small town that is located on the southern bank of the Gariep Dam, which was originally called the Hendrik Verwoerd Dam.
The town was originally founded, in the 1960's, as a base for workers that were building the Orange-Fish River Tunnel complex which is used to divert water from the Gariep Dam to help irrigate other parts of the Eastern Cape.
The Oviston Nature Reserve is nearby and is home to a wide variety of mammals. There are two other nature reserves in the vicinity of the Gariep Dam. They are the Gariep Dam Nature Reserve and Tussen-die-Riviere Nature Reserve.
Gariep Dam weather today
GARIEP DAM WEATHERThere are a number of recreational activities available on the dam and river including pleasure cruises, boating and fishing.
Above - Residential street
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Above - Oviston
Photo © Johan van Zyl