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There are many amazing spots to choose from if you're looking for a getaway by the water. Sources: Ruby River Resort & Wikipedia[/caption]
1. Loskop Dam
Distance From Johannesburg: 2 hours 45 minutes
Where To Stay?
Ruby River Resort – a family-friendly resort, offering a wide range of leisure activities.
Why Go?
For the Southern Hemisphere’s largest dam, situated within the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve.
Things To Do
Visit the nature reserve, which is home to a variety of birds and wildlife, including three of the Big Five (namely, buffalo, white rhino and leopard), as well as hippo, warthog, giraffe and plenty of antelope.
2. Hartbeespoort Dam
Distance From Johannesburg: 1 hour
Where To Stay?
Eagle Waters Wildlife Resort – it features log chalets on the banks of the water, as well as luxury tents, and camping or caravan sites.
Why Go?
It’s great for a nearby holiday close to the water. Plus, the area offers plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
Things To Do
Enjoy water sports on the dam such as boat cruises, jet boat rides, tubing and more. There’s also plenty of adventure on dry land with activities like a visit to The Elephant Sanctuary where you can interact closely with the largest member of the Big Five, or the Snake & Animal Park.
3. Boskop Dam
Distance From Johannesburg: 1 hour 30 minutes
Where To Stay?
Tanglewood Nature Estate – relax in the outdoors at this camping estate. Select the ‘All Inclusive’ option and take the hard work out of your camping experience.
Why Go?
To experience the wildlife in the nature reserve, as well as the nearby town of Potchefstroom.
Things To Do
Boskop Dam is located within a nature reserve. Enjoy a picnic in the quiet outdoors, keeping an eye out for wildlife like wildebeest, zebra and various buck around the reserve. Or take a 15-minute drive to the nearby academic city of Potchefstroom, which offers plenty to see and do.
4. Allemanskraal Dam
Distance From Johannesburg: 2 hours 45 minutes
Where To Stay?
Aldam Holiday Resort & Conference Centre – a comfortable resort that offers different levels of accommodation, from luxury to camping.
Why Go?
It’s a fun stopover between Gauteng and the Free State.
Things To Do
The dam is perfect for water sports, including sailing, jet-skiing and power boating. Plus, the wide variety of fish attracts many anglers too. You can also visit the nearby Willem Pretorius Game Reserve to spot wildlife. You needn’t leave the resort for a day of outdoor activities – Aldam boasts tennis, volleyball and netball courts, as well as hiking and mountain bike trails, and a putt-putt course.
5. Bloemhoek Dam
Distance From Johannesburg: 2 hours
Where To Stay?
Thula Game Lodge – an exclusive, private game reserve where the game roams free.
Why Go?
You can enjoy a close encounter with nature.
Things To Do
If you’re staying at Thula, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Enjoy game viewing from a 4X4 (there are also nature walks for those looking to get closer to some of the animals), or a drive through the white lion-breeding farm. And don’t leave without experiencing a boat trip on the dam, where you can choose to row, or just relax with a drink at sunset.
By Gugu Maduna
There are many amazing spots to choose from if you're looking for a getaway by the water. Sources: Ruby River Resort & Wikipedia[/caption]
1. Loskop Dam
Distance From Johannesburg: 2 hours 45 minutes
Where To Stay?
Ruby River Resort – a family-friendly resort, offering a wide range of leisure activities.
Why Go?
For the Southern Hemisphere’s largest dam, situated within the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve.
Things To Do
Visit the nature reserve, which is home to a variety of birds and wildlife, including three of the Big Five (namely, buffalo, white rhino and leopard), as well as hippo, warthog, giraffe and plenty of antelope.
2. Hartbeespoort Dam
Distance From Johannesburg: 1 hour
Where To Stay?
Eagle Waters Wildlife Resort – it features log chalets on the banks of the water, as well as luxury tents, and camping or caravan sites.
Why Go?
It’s great for a nearby holiday close to the water. Plus, the area offers plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
Things To Do
Enjoy water sports on the dam such as boat cruises, jet boat rides, tubing and more. There’s also plenty of adventure on dry land with activities like a visit to The Elephant Sanctuary where you can interact closely with the largest member of the Big Five, or the Snake & Animal Park.
3. Boskop Dam
Distance From Johannesburg: 1 hour 30 minutes
Where To Stay?
Tanglewood Nature Estate – relax in the outdoors at this camping estate. Select the ‘All Inclusive’ option and take the hard work out of your camping experience.
Why Go?
To experience the wildlife in the nature reserve, as well as the nearby town of Potchefstroom.
Things To Do
Boskop Dam is located within a nature reserve. Enjoy a picnic in the quiet outdoors, keeping an eye out for wildlife like wildebeest, zebra and various buck around the reserve. Or take a 15-minute drive to the nearby academic city of Potchefstroom, which offers plenty to see and do.
4. Allemanskraal Dam
Distance From Johannesburg: 2 hours 45 minutes
Where To Stay?
Aldam Holiday Resort & Conference Centre – a comfortable resort that offers different levels of accommodation, from luxury to camping.
Why Go?
It’s a fun stopover between Gauteng and the Free State.
Things To Do
The dam is perfect for water sports, including sailing, jet-skiing and power boating. Plus, the wide variety of fish attracts many anglers too. You can also visit the nearby Willem Pretorius Game Reserve to spot wildlife. You needn’t leave the resort for a day of outdoor activities – Aldam boasts tennis, volleyball and netball courts, as well as hiking and mountain bike trails, and a putt-putt course.
5. Bloemhoek Dam
Distance From Johannesburg: 2 hours
Where To Stay?
Thula Game Lodge – an exclusive, private game reserve where the game roams free.
Why Go?
You can enjoy a close encounter with nature.
Things To Do
If you’re staying at Thula, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Enjoy game viewing from a 4X4 (there are also nature walks for those looking to get closer to some of the animals), or a drive through the white lion-breeding farm. And don’t leave without experiencing a boat trip on the dam, where you can choose to row, or just relax with a drink at sunset.
By Gugu Maduna
