Gariep Dam is South Africa's largest water storage reservoir, situated on the Orange River on the boundary between the Northern Cape and the Free State, approximately 30 kilometres east of Colesberg. Its scale makes it well suited to long-distance open-water paddling, with enough surface area to explore different sections on repeated visits.

Canoeing is permitted on the dam, though paddlers are expected to bring their own equipment. The Forever Resorts facility at the dam offers access to the water for canoeists with their own craft, alongside a motorboat launch ramp for those arriving by powerboat. Siloam Village, another operator in the area, offers boat drop-offs to islands on the dam, which could serve as a destination for paddlers looking for a point-to-point route. The surrounding area also includes a nature reserve that encompasses the dam, providing a backdrop of open Karoo and Free State landscape.

The dam sits within a region that supports game drives and birdwatching, so paddlers on the water can expect to encounter wildlife and bird life along the shorelines. The broader Gariep area is oriented around water-based recreation, and motorised craft including jet skis and motorboats are active on the dam, which is a relevant safety consideration for paddlers sharing the water.

Downstream of the dam, the Orange River between Gariep Dam and Vanderkloof Dam offers a different paddling experience entirely. Commercial canoe trips operate on this approximately 20-kilometre stretch of river, combining flatwater paddling with fishing opportunities. This section is accessed via operators such as those based at the Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve near Hanover, roughly 679 kilometres from Johannesburg off the N1 highway between Bloemfontein and Beaufort West.

Accommodation options in the Gariep Dam area range from camping and self-catering facilities to guesthouses and lodges, giving paddlers flexibility in planning multi-day trips. The region has a dry Karoo climate, and heat is a notable factor during summer months, as noted by paddlers who have travelled through the area in late December.