The Vaal area - especially the Triangle - is stuffed with stuff to do. We recently packed the SUV up with padkos, healthy fruit juice and road trip music to take on the R59 to the Vaal. From art galleries to extreme sports - the place is filled with action around every corner.

One of our favourite things to do in the Vaal area is to brunch up a storm in Parys. From eggs bennie on English muffins to boere breakfast with strong black coffee, there's something for everyone. Parys itself is filled with cool artists and all in all, it is a small town with a big heart... and it's a popular destination for Jozi motorcyclists to check out over weekends.

If brunch is not hardcore enough for you, then you can always jump into a raft and head down the river. The most fun we've had in ages was heading down stage 6 rapids with nothing but high hopes and a life jacket. This has given us the opertunity (and so-called expertise) to tell you all about our favourite spots to go river rafting down the Vaal. Something else that is pretty extreme is to pump up your mountain bike's tires and head to the crater (or Vrede Dorp Dome as it's called) for some unforgettable peddling - the place is filled with cool mountain biking trails.

For those who'd much rather stay dry and dust free, there is a collection of pro designed, and pro frequented, golf courses to take a swing at... so what if Mark Twain called golf a good walk wasted - nothing quite blows off steam quite like beating a small white ball along a well trimmed lawn for a couple of rounds. Another way to take in the breath taking surrounds of these parts is to check out the coolest trees to sit down for an old fashioned picnic - Vereeniging is full of these kinds of places.

If you'd much rather embrace the majesty of the Vaal dam then why not have a look at our collection of top fishing hubs. Welcome to yellow fish paradise - you'll be bragging  about your catch for years to come. Don't forget to pack your hiking boots because this section of Southern Africa is filled with hiking trails that will keep you entertained for days.  There river boats you should check out as well - one of our favourite ways to entertain groups of friends in a single shot.

By Shawn Greyling

What are some of your favourite things to do in the Vaal? Let us know in the comments section below. Share this article with friends and family and plan a trip to the Vaal as soon as possible.