Venterstad is located on the Brakspruit, at the end of one of the southern spurs of the Gariep Dam. Only 8 km north of Venterstad, Oviston lies at the inlet of the Orange Fish River Tunnel. Venterstad was established on a farm owned by one JD Venter, and received municipal status in 1930.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Bethulie 43 km, Burgersdorp 58 km, Colesburg 77 km, Steynsburg 67 km

Average Rainfall – 500 mm per year

Average Temperatures

Summer 28°c; Winter 15°c

Banks – Absa

Dams – Gariep

Mountains – Drakensberg (200 km)

Rivers – Orange

HISTORICAL VIEW

Vaalbank Farm

President Paul Kruger is believed to have been born on this farm, 20 km northeast of Venterstad

NATURE

Oviston Nature Reserve

This 13 000 ha reserve borders the Gariep Dam and conserves part of the False Upper Karoo ecosystem. The reserve is home to one of the largest game populations in the Eastern Cape, with more than 48 mammal species. More than 148 bird species have been recorded. Activities include more than 50 km of game viewing roads, a guided overnight wilderness trail, a number of trails and day walks, fishing and picnic sites. Controlled hunting takes place during season.

ATTRACTIONS

Gariep Dam

The country’s largest dam, providing excellent recreational opportunities.

Orange Fish River Tunnel – Oviston

The town that was built to house the workers who constructed the Orange Fish River Tunnel, the longest irrigation tunnel in the world.

ACTIVITIES

Bird watching – Oviston Nature Reserve

Game Viewing – Oviston Nature Reserve

Water Sports – Oviston Nature Reserve

Outdoors

Boating, Fishing

Sports

Athletics, Netball, Rugby, Soccer

Accommodation in and around Trichardtsdal