The picturesque dam nestles at the foot of the 1,466-metre high Spioenkop which was scene of a decisive battle between British and Boer forces in 1891 during the South African War. Countless graves and memorials are scattered across the mountain’s summit as a grim reminder.

Today, Spioenkop is very popular with outdoor enthusiasts. The dam offers fishing and boating, while eland, hartebeest, zebra, giraffe, kudu, buffalo and white rhino can be seen in the surrounding nature reserve. Here, there is also a pleasant campsite, as well as a swimming pool, battlefields museum, tennis courts, children’s playground and a slipway on the southern shore.

Iphika, at the foot of Spioenkop on the northern shore, is a secluded tented safari camp, reached by a private track. As other vehicles are not permitted in this sector, visitors are offered a unique wilderness experience.