Wake the Lake

Leave your own boat on the trailer for an afternoon and join a cruise on the Lazy Lady, Qwantani’s motor cruiser. Take in the bays and mountain views, keep an eye out for Robinson on the island, and feel free to bring your own drinks and snacks.

Cast from the shoreline, fish from a boat or head out in a fishing kayak. The resort can arrange a guided trip, hire you equipment or drop you off at a productive spot, and February is prime time for fly anglers chasing Sterkfontein’s smallmouth yellowfish.

Single and double kayaks are ready for a paddle along the shoreline at your own pace. Add a guide for local knowledge on the water, or book the two-hour Learn to Kayak session, which finishes with a proper trip out.

A gentle way to get the whole family on the water. Pedal boats seat up to four, so even the youngest crew members can take a turn.

Swap the engine for the wind. Experienced sailors can hire a boat for a half day, or book a skipper and sit back with up to five on board.

Pure family adrenaline: hold on to an inflatable tube as you’re towed across the dam. Expect plenty of laughter and the odd spectacular splash.

Fitting for a festival called Wake the Lake. Whether you’re learning to stand up or working on your tricks, Sterkfontein’s open water and mountain backdrop make for sessions to remember.

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Brought a 4x4 to tow the boat? Put it to work. Serious off-roaders can follow a guide in a winch-equipped Jeep on a six-hour route in their own vehicle; the terrain is genuine and scratches are possible, so pack a picnic. Prefer to sit back? The Scenic Game Drive heads into the Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve in a Land Rover game viewer. Sightings are never guaranteed, which is half the fun.

Share the driving in a guided two-seater buggy. Choose a one-hour run near the resort, a 90-minute trip to Scream Valley with Scream Rock, fossils, a natural pool and Yellowwood Cave, or a two-hour route to Mount Lebanon through rivers and beneath towering cliffs. Drivers must be 16 or older with a valid learner’s or driver’s licence.

One-hour guided quad tours for beginners and experienced riders, one rider per quad, minimum age 16. Younger riders can try the small electric junior quad, with a guide alongside for the very smallest.

Five guided walks, each starting with a 4x4 ride to the trailhead. Pick the moderate 2 km Escarpment Hike, the tougher 6 km Vulture Rock trail with its vultures and remarkable geology, the rugged route to Lung Cave, the easy 20-minute walk to San and Boer art at Battle Cave, or a two-hour hike to Twin Falls.

Sharks, mermaids, pirates or tigers: pick a design and wear it proudly all day. Perfect before the beach party or the Sunday regatta.

Fred, First Group’s friendly blue mascot, joins the entertainment team for Fred’s dance, games, story time and plenty of photos. Keep an eye on the Kids Zone for when Fred appears.

Slip, slide and splash in the February sunshine. The water slides are a guaranteed hit on a hot Free State afternoon.