S1 - Ep 153 - Britstown - The Smartt Dam on the Ongers River!

To be 100% honest, there is nothing better than waking up on a farm away from all the city chaos. Rosedale Farm outside Britstown was no different. We left the cottage and made our way to the Smartt Dam which is on the Ongers River about 2km away from the farmhouse. I was absolutely gobsmacked when I walked up the dam wall and saw the phenomenal sight before my eyes. This is where one can see that water is life! Life for the farmers and their livestock and for the abundance of birdlife which is supported by this dam. I take my hat off to Thomas William Smartt who had the foresight to have this dam built. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #southafricavlog #rosedaleguestcottage #smarttdam #britstown
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[@michalf6460]

Loved it

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it. 👍🏻 It was fun to film too.

[@munesumangava9751]

A dam is a forever legacy. Great foresight!!! Life!!!!

[@debbiekruger9414]

There is nothing like the freedom of open space. What a brilliant area

[@DustBugsTravel]

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the dam, it is absolutely gorgeous there and with such a rich and special history. 🤩

[@flodillon991]

Loved the birds singing a real pleasure to hear and the canals to take the water to the farmers marvelous. That dam must look spectacular when full. Well done.

[@DustBugsTravel]

We can't even imagine how big it must be when it's full. They had so much rain in the Karoo recently and it's still only 20% full. The variety of birds was incredible to see! 🦩🦤

[@user-rf5ko9oo2i]

As you were leaving I sew Dusty in the car's back window. ❤ People who can love a teddy bear sure are soft hearted loving folk. Bless you both for bringing parts of our country into our home. Places we would never see if it weren't for your fascinating videos. Thumbs up Dust Bugs. Thank you.

[@munesumangava9751]

A fabulous looking day, blue skies and fantastic views!!!

[@dillystrollip2242]

well done i love it and have shared in australia where my daughter lives

[@DustBugsTravel]

Great, thanks! 👌🏻 It was a memorable experience exploring the dam and your area.

[@toscabrutus1781]

Uitstekende Program en baie intressant die area! Groete uit LIma Peru!

[@ruanvanheerden1449]

My dad grew up on a farm 60 km outside Britstown called Annasdal.There is mountain on the farm that looks like a bb gun pellet turned upside down.When we climbed on top of it u could see The Smartt Syndicate Dam.Visited the dam a few times also.It's a massive dam like u said.We used to spend every December holiday on the farm allthou we are from Namibia.When my grandma passed away in 1987 my dad inherited the farm.We still went there for holidays until somewhere in the 90's.My dad then sold the farm to our neighbor farmer.Never been back there.My brother and sister visited the farm afterwards again.Fond memories.I really wana go visit our old farm again.Something bout the Karoo that is hauntingly beautiful and gets into ur soul.

[@frederikbrits9559]

Britstown was established on farm Gemsbokfontein in 1877. The owner was Johannes Frederik Jacobus (Hans) Brits, b 1830 x Hester C Smit xx Anna Benade. Gemsbokfontein was well-known as halfway stop to the daimant fields. Hans accompany in the early 1850's David Livingstone to Betchuanaland

[@marcellehmann7356]

I love the videos you guys make. The dam is beautiful and quite interesting Are you going to the Freestate in the future and Northern cape?

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, we're happy to hear that you enjoy what we do. This was our third trip to the Northern Cape. We did Calvinia and Williston before and then Nieuwoudtville and Loeriesfontein. You should check out those videos too! 😁 We'll for sure be back in the Northern Cape. The Free State is definitely on our list for future trips, just not exactly sure when.

[@erictorr357]

I can remember how Rosedale was under flood in 1961 when the dam broke. My sister and I actually went to the same school as Dillys and Clive, her brother and we could not get home to Carnarvon due to the floods.

[@DustBugsTravel]

What a frightening experience that must've been for young people! 😨 I often think back to the immense size of this dam, so I'm sure major destruction was caused by the break. We appreciate you sharing this bit of history. 👌

[@thedinoenthusiast8443]

I'm Aunty Dilly's neighbour

[@munesumangava9751]

Cute Angora goats which look like sheep😳

[@elrico8806]

Love the videos... Are you going towards prieska aswell?

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, glad you enjoy them. 👊🏻 We didn't make it to Prieska, but definitely on our list for another time.

[@annawitter5161]

Angora goats - goats with a perm! Thats what we used to call them. I think I actually found my heart in the Karoo. Nice shot of the goshawk! The dam is so beautiful Love all the bird life. Wonderful how the leiwater is organised

[@DustBugsTravel]

😁 The hairdressers in that part of the country have a whole lot of picky clients with all those cuties prancing around! 😍🐑 That dam is absolutely amazing, the foresight that was shown, should be an example to us all. 💦