Die dam wat alles verander. Die Karoo op sy mees dramaties.
The dam that changes everything. The Karoo at its most dramatic.
Dag 3 van die Gateway to the Karoo Gravel Trek bring jou van Oviston se rustige oewer af na die majestieuse Gariepdam — die grootste dam in Suid-Afrika. Dit is 'n dag wat jou asem wegneem, letterlik en figuurlik.
Day 3 of the Gateway to the Karoo Gravel Trek takes you from the quiet shores of Oviston to the majestic Gariep Dam — the largest dam in South Africa. It's a day that takes your breath away, literally and figuratively.
Maar eers — ontbyt by Willem se Kampie Padstal. Roosterkoeke met spek en eiers en 'n lekker koffie. Soos net die Karoo dit kan maak.
But first — breakfast at Willem se Kampie Padstal. Roosterkoek with bacon and eggs and a good coffee. Like only the Karoo can make it.
Willem se Kampie Padstal | Willem's Camp Farm Stall
📍 Roosterkoeke met spek & eiers by die vuur — die perfekte begin vir Dag 3.
Roosterkoek with bacon & eggs at the fire — the perfect start to Day 3.
"Ek wens vir jou 'n klip in die Karoo waar jy in stilte kan sit & jou drome met 'n stokkie in die sand kan skryf." — Willem se Kampie Padstal
Vars, warm roosterkoeke uit die vuur — die perfekte brandstof vir 73km van Karoo-gravel voor jou.
Fresh, warm roosterkoek from the fire — the perfect fuel for 73km of Karoo gravel ahead of you.
Dag 3 Hoogtepunte | Day 3 Highlights
Tipies Karoo — wye oop vlaktes, 'n windpomp, beeste langs die grondpad, en berge in die verte.
Typical Karoo — wide open plains, a windmill, cattle alongside the gravel road, and mountains in the distance.
🏆 Die hoogtepunt van Dag 3 is onbetwisbaar: die kruising van die Gariepdam-wal — die grootste dam in Suid-Afrika.
The highlight of Day 3 is undeniable: crossing the Gariep Dam wall — the largest dam in South Africa.
Die Gariepdam stuit die magtige Oranjerivier. Om oor die wal te ry terwyl die water aan beide kante strek, is 'n oomblik wat jy nie vergeet nie.
The Gariep Dam holds back the mighty Orange River. Riding across the wall with water stretching on both sides is a moment you won't forget.
Die Gariepdam-wal in volle glorie — water spoel oor en 'n reënboog vorm in die mis. 'n Oomblik wat jou asem wegneem.
The Gariep Dam wall in full glory — water spilling over and a rainbow forming in the mist. A moment that takes your breath away.
Die Gariepdam vanuit die lug — die Oranjerivier kronkel deur die Karoo-landskap voor dit deur die massiewe wal gestuit word.
The Gariep Dam from the air — the Orange River winds through the Karoo landscape before being held back by the massive wall.
📍 Die eerste blik op die Gariepdam — 'n panorama wat jou laat besef hoe groot hierdie watermassa werklik is.
The first glimpse of the Gariep Dam — a panorama that makes you realise just how vast this body of water truly is.
Die Gateway to the Karoo Gravel Trek in een foto — fiets, dam, en eindelose Karoo-landskap.
The Gateway to the Karoo Gravel Trek in one photo — bike, dam, and endless Karoo landscape.
Dag 3 Roete Detail | Day 3 Route Detail
Oviston → Gariep Dam
| Afstand / Distance | 73.4 km |
| Geskatte tyd / Est. time | 4u34 |
| Klim / Elevation gain | 450m |
| Afdaling / Elevation loss | 380m |
| Hoogste punt / Highest point | 1,380m |
| Laagste punt / Lowest point | 1,220m |
| Gravel / Unpaved | 44.5 km (61%) |
| Teer / Asphalt | 28.2 km (38%) |
| Graad / Difficulty | Hard 💪 |
Die roete wissel tussen gravel en teer — 'n goeie mengsel wat die bene fris hou. Die dag se hoogteprofiel toon 'n geleidelike klim na 1,380m voor die afdaling na die dam.
The route alternates between gravel and tar — a good mix that keeps the legs fresh. The day's elevation profile shows a gradual climb to 1,380m before the descent to the dam.
🍱 Middagbreek / Lunch break: ~km 40-41 — kospakkie dag! Die perfekte plek om te stop, bene te rek en die Karoo-stilte in te asem.
Lunch stop day! The perfect spot to stop, stretch your legs and breathe in the Karoo silence.
🔗 Sien Dag 3 roete op Komoot | View Day 3 route on Komoot
Oornag | Overnight: Fish Eagle Lodge
Fish Eagle Lodge by sonsondergang — na 73km in die saal, is hierdie uitsig die perfekte beloning.
Fish Eagle Lodge at sunset — after 73km in the saddle, this view is the perfect reward.
📍 Jou tuiste vir die nag — Fish Eagle Lodge, Gariep Dam. Chalets met braai-areas, groen gras, en die dam net om die draai.
Your home for the night — Fish Eagle Lodge, Gariep Dam. Chalets with braai areas, green lawns, and the dam just around the corner.
Aandete en die eerste rondte drankies ingesluit — sit terug, rek die bene, en geniet die Karoo-aand.
Dinner and the first round of drinks included — sit back, stretch the legs, and enjoy the Karoo evening.
Die Volledige Trek | The Full Trek
Smithfield → Bethulie → Oviston → Gariep Dam → Springfontein → Smithfield
| Totale afstand / Total distance | 375 km |
| Geskatte tyd / Est. time | 26u59 |
| Totale klim / Total elevation gain | 2,110m |
| Totale afdaling / Total descent | 2,110m |
| Hoogste punt / Highest point | 1,570m |
| Laagste punt / Lowest point | 1,230m |
| Gravel / Unpaved | 288 km (77%) |
| Teer / Asphalt | 85.3 km (23%) |
| Graad / Difficulty | Hard 💪 |
375km van suiwer Gateway to the Karoo — 77% gravel, 2,110m of climbing, 5 days of unforgettable landscape.
375km of pure Gateway to the Karoo — 77% gravel, 2,110m of climbing, 5 days of unforgettable landscape.
🔗 Sien die volledige roete op Komoot | View the full route on Komoot
Trek Besonderhede | Trek Details
24–28 September 2026 | Smithfield, Gateway to the Karoo
✅ 5 dae / days | 4 oornagte / nights | Maks 10 fietsryers / Max 10 riders
✅ Ondersteuningsvoertuig / Support vehicle
✅ Alle etes / All meals + eerste rondte drankies / first round drinks
✅ Goodies bag | Fisio / Physio
💰 R9,900 per persoon / per person
🔗 Bespreek jou plek nou / Book your spot now — slegs 10 plekke / only 10 spots!
💬 WhatsApp vir navrae / WhatsApp for enquiries: 061 544 1436
🔗 Teken in vir ons nuusbrief / Subscribe to our newsletter
➡️ Lees Dag 4 / Read Day 4 — Gariep Dam → Springfontein (kom binnekort / coming soon)
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