Directions to Sterkfontein Dam (near Harrismith)

About 350 kms from Gauteng. From Pretoria and Joeys - take N3 south to Harrismith. Pass through Harrismith on N3. Otherside of Harrismith, take N5/S796 offramp back toward town. Carry on straight on N5 (Bethlehem).Pass through 4-way stop. After about 5km turn left onto R712 (Clarens/Qwa-Qwa/Golden Gate). Turn left after about 10km onto R74 (Oliviershoek Pass/Bergville/Northern Berg). Entrance to Sterks is about 10km on the right.

Sterks has chalets (for the soft option) and camping (for the hardcore sailors) - chalets must be booked far in advance. Facilities vary from good to bad depending on how many bus loads of locals have been there the previous week and whether trashing of the facilities formed part of their day's activities.

Best sailing conditions - W to NW and E. Sail from point - there is a nice big bay which is great in the W to NW - if you get in trouble you get washed back to shore. Sterks is a biiiiig dam and the water state can get angry when the wind gets to 20 knots and above.

Best sailing months are September to December but due to the local geography (on the border of cool Free State plains, escarpment and hot Natal low lands), Sterks tends to get a localised thermal wind and may blow anytime during summer months.

Cold fronts bring big westerlies, some times in the order of 35 to 40 knots. Sterks has clean mountain water. Give the Catfish and Caterpillar a visit (about 20 kms along the road to Oliviershoek Pass) - nice pub and good food.