The Vaal River

THE VAAL RIVER AREA

1 to 2 hr from Sandton / Johannesburg


View Vaal River Meander in a larger map

Just an hour south of Johannesburg lies the Vaal dam - an often overlooked gem in Johannesburg's tourism catalogue. The core focus of this part of the world is obviously water sports, and with nearly 60 kilometres of navigable water, there's enough space for everyone out there. There are plenty of places to launch your boat or yacht, and water skiers and wakeboarders revel in the ideal conditions typical of the dam.

Activities on the Vaal River

As this area has grown in popularity, so enterprising locals and out-of-towners have developed a number of worthwhile attractions, activities, and accommodation options, both on the water and off. This was formalised nearly 15 years ago with what has become known as the Vaal meander - an organisation that offers visitors a great way to identify those establishments along the dam that offer products of a superior standard. But it goes further than that - the team behind the Vaal Meander have always focused on the arts, crafts and cultural side of things, and over the last few years they have built up a database of those places that embody the organisation's philosophies, all of which are built into easily followed routes.

The Vaal Meander can be experienced in one of two ways. Firstly, it offers an ideal itinerary of things to do, events to attend, and places to see on a relaxing day trip from Johannesburg. But at the same time, it reveals just how much there is to see and do in the area - with enough information on accommodation, boutique stores, adventure activities, entertainment, sporting facilities, conference venues and boating facilities to encourage you to stay for the weekend. Or longer.