Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Gariep is the perfect stopover between Gauteng and the Cape, 180 km south of Bloemfontein, just off the N1. Situated on the banks of Gariep Dam, the largest dam in South Africa, and bordering the Gariep Dam Nature Reserve, it straddles the borders of three provinces, namely Free State, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape. The caravan park consists of 106 sites, all with electricity and serviced by two communal ablutions and a laundry. There are also 16 luxury caravan sites each with their own ablution facilities. Accommodation consists of 44 two or three bedroom chalets newly refurbished, and 12 luxury one or two bedroom chalets. Our on-site restaurant, the Quenna Bistro, can seat up to 120 persons, and boasts a ladies bar and outside deck with a splendid view. Activities and facilities include: tennis and a driving range, fishing (own equipment), kiosk and swimming pool.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to TGCSA - Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
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Nestled within pristine surroundings, Gariep A Forever Resort is lauded by many guests for its spotless and comfortable accommodations, with rooms that boast modern decor and tasteful touches. The resort's amenities, including a stunning pool and top-notch ablution facilities, consistently receive high marks for their cleanliness and upkeep.
While the inviting atmosphere of the upgraded chalets and shaded outdoor areas enhances the overall experience, guests also recognize the resort for its excellent value and reasonably priced services. Friendly and efficient service contributes to the positive reviews, although some visitors have noted occasional slow service at the restaurant.
Atmosphere
Inviting
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Friendly
Amenities
Well-maintained
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We visited the resort for a nice get away weekend. The bathrooms were cleaned after every person bathed or showered or used the toilets. The cleaners were on standby all weekend long. Due to the Corona virus going around in South Africa. The dam were full and lots of people tried some fishing during the day. The campsites is well laid out for every camper. Every stand has its own braai area and running water. There is powerpoints with every stand but you need to have an caravan blueplug for the electrical cords that you need to plug in. There is different types of entertainment for young and old. Swimmingpool to cool off, tennis courts, and putt putt to play for big and small. If you are lazy to make your own food is there a restaurant to visit with best prices for breakfast, lunch or supper. If you want your own ablution at your campsite there is available with your stand. In these ablution is a small kitchen with your own bathroom. There is also chalets to sleep over, I will definitely visit this resort any time and will tell everyone to visit the resort.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
An ideal halfway stop. The distance from some of the camp sites to the ablution block is a problem. Some campers drove up the hill at 3 o' clock in the morning. More information regarding boat trips or visits to the dam wall will help. In general the resort is well serviced sites and has clean amenities. This is probably one of the best laid out caravan parks I have visited. Some sites are motor home friendly in the sense that the branches are not to low. The trees are exotics and deciduous which will give no shade in winter.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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We stayed over for 2 nights in the camping site at the Gariep Forever Resort on the way to the Tsitsikamma. The camping/caravan sites are big, spacious and most stands have big trees and grass. Come early as it works on a first come first serve basis - sites are not pre-allocated. The ablution facilities have just been renovated and is great! Ample activities for the kids to do, really huge swimming pool. Make an effort to view the Gariep dam at sunset, it is really beautiful. We will come again.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2019
Value
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Absolutely stunning accommodation overlooking the Gariep Dam. Our veranda opened onto the dam with loads of different birds paying an early morning visit. The finishings in the chalet were high quality and one feels like you are in a luxury hotel. We wish we could have spent longer as this place feels like a holiday destination and not just an overnight stop. Staff were super friendly and helpful. Unfortunately our visit coincided with a Dept Of Labour gathering which resulted in a bit noisy neighbors. All in all the beauty of the surrounding far outweighed a bit of noise in the middle of the night so we will HIGHLY recommend a LONG family visit to this resort as the facilities are great for families and couples.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I initially emailed the resort to find out accomodation and pricing including a child under 6 years. Please note they charge full price for any child over 2 years. The email I received back was a bit rude, never the less I had to book the accomodation as a friend was getting married. We booked online and the check in at the resort was very smooth and quick. A few things I can nit pick about is that the one room had no over head lighting, the DSTV remote was missing and we had to manually change the channels, also we had to call reception to get new towels when the cleaner took the used ones and never returned with new ones. We did notify them of these issues nothing was done about most of it but we did get our towels thankfully. The wedding venue for the reception was beautiful and we loved the beautiful views and well maintained property, pool was sparkling clean. Overall I will give it a slightly above average review. Not bad but not amazing either.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
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Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taking camping to a new level with this new upgraded and modern camping amenities. With daily cleaning services it makes camping so much more relaxing and enjoyable. There was enough trees and shade for the caravan and to relax under. I will definitely recommend the luxury stands at Gariep Dam.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2021
Value
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Facilities - Very clean and in a mint condition. Camping grounds - Well taken care of, point point per site, braai and dish washing basin, grass and trees for shade. Activities - trampoline, swimming pool, putt putt, hiking, boat rides, dam wall excursions, kiosk, conference facilities.
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Date of stay: March 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Forever Gariep resort is highly recommended with excellent, newly refurbished ablutions as well. Friendly staff all round and well-shaded sites to choose from. When I was there it was off-peak and mid-week, but nonetheless there were at least six caravans on site.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at Gariep Dam Forever Resort (first time at a Forever Resort). We were very disappointed that we had not bought the camping gear as it looks like it has amazing camping spots.
We opted for a luxury chalet as recommended by Reception as these are newly refurbished and right on the Dam.
Wow, what a view. Each chalet has its own braai area overlooking the Dam, which made for an amazing evening braaing and star gazing.
The chalets are listed as being for 2, however are HUGE with a fully equipped kitchen and all amenities provided for (towels/ toiletries/water bottle and ice).
There is a super comfy couch and flat screen TV ( I suppose if you are staying over a sporting weekend you can put the TV on). The 7D outside TV is more than enough to occupy the senses.
There are a lot of facilities offered, however they seemed closed when we arrived and left and maybe due to timing.
There is a well stocked supermarket and drinks shop at the entrance to the road leading to the Resort.
We will definitely be going back and as campers as the facilities looked clean and the sites very spacious.
Would recommend for singles/ couples and families as lots to do and great stopover or final destination
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Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
During our return trip to KZN from Port Alfred we needed accommodation at short notice. We had previously camped at some of the Forever Resorts, but now needed a chalet for an overnight stay. Although there were only two of us we booked a 5 sleeper. We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived - the chalet was well laid-out and everything was absolutely spotless. In addition we ordered a take-away meal from the restaurant, and this too was excellent. As an added bonus the resort had all my detail on file when I made the booking, and offered us a discounted senior rate for the chalet.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: April 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kuils River, South Africa40 contributions7 helpful votes
Hi . There are chalets at Gariep Dam. The 6sleeper had 3 bedrooms , sleeping 6 in a double bed room as well as two single bedrooms. I think you would need to book two 6 sleeper chalets perhaps. Best to call them to enquire about best option and rates.
Stellenbosch, South Africa85 contributions42 helpful votes
hi there, forever resorts have a website and you will find all the info you need, theyh are very friendly and will help if you phone. we arrived at 7pm and it was dark, i could not see but caugt a glimpse of tennis courts, pool, the dam of course, shop, restuarant, the house/rondavel itself had flat screen tv with all the chanels
There are more places to choose from in the Gariep Dam area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
forever resorts gariep dam hotel gariep
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Aventura Resort Gariep
LOCATION
South AfricaFree StateGariep Dam
NUMBER OF ROOMS
56
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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