Stompdrif Dam

About Stompdrif Dam

The Stompdrift Dam, completed in 1965 on the Olifants River near De Rust in the Western Cape, is the largest dam in the Klein Karoo region. Featuring a unique combined multi-arch and gravity-type concrete wall that stands 49 metres high from its lowest foundation, the structure creates a reservoir with a capacity of approximately 55.3 million cubic metres and a 25-kilometre shoreline.

The dam serves a vital agricultural role by providing irrigation water to regional fruit orchards, while also acting as a central hub for outdoor recreation and biodiversity. Its expansive waters are a prominent destination for boating, waterskiing, and angling - particularly for wild carp and bass, and its shores support the Stompies Oord resort, camping facilities, and eco-tourism trails that host a diverse range of local bird and plant species.