If a trip to the coast is not on the cards, here are a dozen inland spots where you can splash out this summer.
There are 55 kilometres of smooth water to putter down the Vaal River on an Old Willow No. 7 houseboat. Did we mention you can braai on board? Photo credit: Teagan Cuniffe
1. Ebenezer Dam
Limpopo
Deep in the hills of the fairy-tale ‘Land of the Silver Mist’, Magoebaskloof’s 386-hectare Ebenezer Dam bustles with activity. Built on the Great Letaba River, it’s a popular play- ground for watersport enthusiasts, with facilities suited to a variety of watercraft including motorboats, sailboats and even Olympic rowing boats. Should you tire of boating and boozing (the latter is classed as a sport by locals), enjoy an adrenaline rush by white-water tubing down the river, or ziplining above it. magoebaskloofadventures.co.za
2. Blyde River Canyon
Mpumalanga
The Blyde River Canyon Picnic Spot is an ideal place to cool off in the Lowveld heat. It’s a 26-kilometre drive from Hoedspruit on the R40 to Klaserie 1-Stop, then 27 kilometres on dirt up the canyon to the water. The road is rather tricky, particularly in summer when it’s muddy; low-clearance vehicles (even a purple Volksie) have been known to make it to this spot, though seldom unscathed. The campsite is very popular and it’s a first-come, first-served affair (day visitors R30 per person). It’s just a short descent from the campsite to the river’s edge, with plenty of space on the smooth rocks to sunbathe.
3. Cradle Moon Lake
Gauteng
With its clean, safe water and white sand banks, and only 30 minutes from Sandton, Cradle Moon Lake is a literal beach within reach. Built along the Crocodile River, the 32-hectare lake is well equipped for open-water swimmers, paddlers and rowers, and stocked for avid fly fishers. The more sedate are welcome to judge the athletes from the comfort of sun-loungers at the water’s edge, or from the vantage point of the chic cafe and bar, Current, with cocktail in hand. The relaxed boat cruises are also highly recommended (R190 per person).
4. Vaal River
Free State/Gauteng
Less than 50 kilometres from Parys (just an hour’s drive from Joburg), you can charter a houseboat and be the captain of your own adventure. With 55 kilometres of inland waterway to traverse, there’s plenty to explore along the shoreline. Dock at restaurants, spas and golf courses along the way, but with braai facilities on board you might not want to set foot on land. No special licence is required, just a keen sense of adventure and a fishing rod. And your binoculars for top-drawer birding, an ideal late-afternoon activity once you’ve anchored in a secluded spot.
5. Highover Wildlife Sanctuary
KwaZulu-Natal
The uMkomazi River first trickles out of the earth near Thaba Ntlenyana, the highest peak in Southern Africa. The fast-flowing vein gains traction as it jostles down the foothills of the Drakensberg escarpment, eventually lurching past Hella Hella Gorge near Richmond in a fury of white water. Here in this rural backwood lies a genuine hidden gem: Highover Wildlife Sanctuary. Popular among local kayaking enthusiasts (for obvious reasons), the surrounding mistbelt forests also entice nature lovers with 140 species of trees and more than 250 bird species, including the exceptionally rare blue swallow. Day visitors pay R40.
6. Bloemhof Dam
North West
Situated along the N12 ‘Treasure Route’ (190 kilometres from Bloemfontein and 350 kilometres from Joburg), Bloemhof Nature Reserve spans 12 000 hectares of mostly open Kalahari scrub, where large herds of springbok, black wildebeest, gemsbok and eland roam. An angler’s paradise, the dam hosts some fishing-calendar highlights, including the Tri-Nations Angling Competition and Bloemhof Bonanza. It’s also suitable for a variety of watersports, and powerboat launching facilities are available. Fed by the Vaal River, the dam itself covers an impressive 25 000 hectares and is home to hundreds of bird species, including rare waterfowl. Roads in the reserve are suitable for all vehicles, but the rainy season (December) brings a lot of mud. The entrance fee is R40 adults, R25 kids.
7. Boegoeberg Dam
Northern Cape
The Orange River meanders through an expansive semi-desert, a vital lifeline for the vineyards that line its banks. Some of its water accumulates in the 742-hectare Boegoeberg Dam, near Groblershoop. Named after the medicinal buchu plant that grows wild in the surrounding hills, it was constructed in 1929 and helped kick-start the local table-grape industry. Today, the tranquil dam rejuvenates both land and human. Its waters offer relief from the Kalahari heat and are fantastic for waterskiing, canoeing and sailing. Better yet, they also promise to reward the odd swing of a rod with a fat barbel. Day visitors pay R50 per person.
8. Vanderkloof Dam
Free State
Some 100 kilometres downstream of Gariep Dam, Vanderkloof has the highest dam wall in the country (108 metres). South Africa’s second-largest dam in volume, it’s fed by a number of rivers (including the Orange) and its shores have interest- ing features to explore – numerous small caves and scenic viewpoints, some only accessible by boat. When the dam is full, the shoreline is 100 kilometres long, making this a watersport enthusiast’s haven. The fishing is excellent, too, though you’ll have to compete with the many kingfishers that patrol the shore.
9. Commando Drift Nature Reserve
Eastern Cape
The heart of the Eastern Cape’s dry hinterland beats to the gentle rhythm of lapping water against the banks of Commando Drift Dam, 60 kilometres from Cradock. Formerly a farm owned by Voortrekker leader Hendrik Potgieter, the 950-hectare oasis sustains an abundance of wildlife, including mountain zebra and black wildebeest, as well as more than 200 species of birds. After years of drought, the dam is considerably lower than usual, but is still suited to motorboating, fishing and baljaaring in the shallows, and submerging yourself in the peaceful Karoo surrounds. Conservation fee, R12.
10. Gubu Dam
Eastern Cape
Hidden beneath the foot of Mount Kubusi, 30 kilometres from Stutterheim, lies 124 hectares of glittering water. Gubu Dam is frequented by an abundance of birds and other wildlife from the surrounding forests, and the occasional human. Undisturbed by the roar of outboard motors, visitors can glide along the dam’s tranquil surface on kayaks and canoes, dive in from the top of the quarry and swim in the warm water, or cast a hopeful line – the dam abounds with both rainbow and brown trout. Day visitors pay R20 pp.
11. Bulshoek Dam
Western Cape
Just north of Clanwilliam in the Cederberg, on the banks of Bulshoek Dam, Rondeberg Resort is a waterside sanctuary, ideal for family holidays. With camping facilities and air-conditioned chalets, it’s a great place to cool off. Not just a popular stop on the Cape-to-Namibia route, Rondeberg is a destin- ation in itself, with plenty to offer. Lawns down to the water’s edge provide the perfect spot to set up your tent, with easy access to the water for a dip in the heat of the day.
12. Buffeljags Dam
Western Cape
Don’t be deceived by the serene setting just outside Swellendam – the 170-hectare Buffeljags Dam is a-brim with adventure. Each section is suited to a different activity: in the south, motorboats cruise along the glassy surface with skiers and wakeboarders in tow; to the east, a fisherman’s rod emulates the tall reeds; and up the creek, canoeists explore what feels like uncharted territory. The excitement spills over into the surrounding Langeberg mountains, great for hiking, cycling and skinny-dipping in secret rock pools. Dam access is for overnight guests only.
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