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Nwanedi Dam

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Nwanedi Dam is an arch-type dam built in 1964 on the Nwanedi River, part of the Limpopo River basin, located approximately 48 km southeast of Musina in Limpopo Province. The reservoir covers a surface area of 56.6 hectares with a total capacity of 5,310,000 cubic metres, fed by a catchment area of 109 square kilometres. The dam wall stands 36 metres high and 110 metres in length. It sits within the Nwanedi Nature Reserve, a protected area of roughly 11,170 hectares in the foothills of the Soutpansberg (Venda Mountains), about 20 km east of Tshipise and 35 km north of Thohoyandou.

Canoeing and kayaking are listed activities at the reserve, though paddlers must bring their own equipment — no rental gear is available on site. The dam is paired with the adjacent Luphephe Dam, located less than 250 metres to the east, and the two are collectively referred to as the Twin Dams. The surrounding landscape is characterised by umbrella thorn savannah with patches of mopani and baobab trees, transitioning to denser, lusher vegetation closer to the mountains. The reserve supports antelope, giraffe, white rhino, baboons, and a variety of bird species, all of which may be observed from the water.

The Tshihovhohovho (also referred to as Tshivholovholo or Domboni) waterfall is a notable natural feature within the reserve, where the Nwanedi River drops over sandstone cliffs. The reserve is operated by Limpopo Wildlife Resorts, and accommodation in chalets is available on site. Fishing is also permitted on the dam. The hazard potential of the dam has been officially ranked high (3), which paddlers should factor into their planning. The dam is operated by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and serves primarily as an irrigation reservoir.

Access to the reserve is via the R525 from Tshipise toward the Pafuri Gate. Given the remote location in the northern reaches of Limpopo, paddlers should plan logistics carefully, including bringing all paddling equipment, as none is available for hire at the reserve.


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