Overberg District Municipality

Nature and water in Overberg District Municipality

The Overberg region features a network of vital water systems, ranging from the Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest reservoir in the Western Cape, to the brackish waters of De Hoopvlei, a RAMSAR-designated wetland. The landscape includes Soetendalsvlei, a significant freshwater lake near Cape Agulhas, and forested waterfalls within the Marloth and Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserves. These sites serve as critical irrigation sources for local agriculture and essential habitats for diverse birdlife and indigenous flora.

Overberg Nature and Water — Map

Antti Lipponen / CC BY 2.0

A

Theewaterskloof Dam

Theewaterskloof Dam is an earth-fill type dam located on the Sonderend River near Villiersdorp, Western Cape, South Africa.

B

Eikenhof Dam

Eikenhof Dam is an earth-fill type dam on the Palmiet River, near Grabouw, Western Cape, South Africa. It was established in 1977.

C

Elandskloof Dam

Elandskloof Dam is a gravity type dam located on the Elandskloof River, near Villiersdorp, Western Cape, South Africa.

D

Oakes Falls

Located within the Marloth Nature Reserve near Swellendam, this waterfall is accessible via hiking trails through indigenous fynbos and mountain forest.

E

Duiwelsbos

A waterfall situated in the Marloth Nature Reserve, reached by a 2-kilometer trail through a kloof of indigenous Afro-montane forest.

F

Drupkelder Waterfall

Found in the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve, this site features a series of rock pools and a waterfall within a dense indigenous forest canopy.

G

De Hoopvlei

A 19-kilometer-long brackish wetland within De Hoop Nature Reserve. It is a RAMSAR site of international importance, supporting over 75 bird species.

H

Soetendalsvlei

The largest freshwater lake in South Africa with no direct outlet to the sea, located near Cape Agulhas and vital for local bird populations.

I

Bellair Dam

An earth-fill dam on the Brak River near Barrydale, primarily used for irrigation and water storage in the region bordering the Little Karoo.

J

Voëlvlei

A seasonal wetland located near Elim and the Agulhas National Park, serving as a significant habitat for migratory and resident waterbirds.

K

Wildegansvlei

A natural wetland system near Elim that forms part of the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area, supporting diverse aquatic species and birdlife.

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