Written By: Jacqueline Cochrane
Adapted from the Indwe In flight Magazine
Image: Emfuleni Local Municipality
A mere hour away from the concrete chaos of Johannesburg, a lazy river awaits, ready to surprise travellers with an abundance of things to do and places to see.
Ask any resident of Pretoria or Johannesburg, and they'll be quick to tell you that an hour spent in traffic is really not that much. In fact, the art of being productive in traffic has been mastered by many a resident, and it is not uncommon to see commuters make the most of their time spent in traffic by applying make-up, scheduling the day's meetings telephonically, or frantically sending text messages.
And yet, an hour's drive is all it takes to transport these hapless inhabitants from their urban jungle to a place of peace in the countryside.
A gentle route dictated by the course of the Vaal River, the Vaal Meander makes for a day trip with a difference that can easily be extended to a relaxing weekend breakaway. And while some like to visit the area purely to benefit from the cathartic effects of the river and its gentle flow, others prefer to indulge in the variety of adrenaline-fueled activities on offer.
The Vaal Meander offers easy access to our country's largest stretch of navigable inland water, and has gained popularity as a recreational zone that guarantees hours of fun for the whole family. Visitors who prefer to make use of the therapeutic powers of the water in a leisurely way will be sure to enjoy a tranquil cruise down the river. Some cruisers can be rented to host parties, weddings or themed dinners, while others have been converted into houseboats. The latter is a popular option among tourists who want to explore this “Inland Riviera” with the option to sunbathe, swim, birdwatch, fish, or merely settle down with sundowners, as dusk paints the surrounds with a pastel palette.
If cruising and snoozing don't tickle your fancy, some of the action-packed activities in the area might prove more alluring. Water-skiing and jet-skiing are excellent ways of enjoying the natural beauty while still getting the blood pumping. Canoeists can also often be seen gliding across these serene stretches of waters. If it is even more adventure you crave, the idea of white-water rafting might be right up your alley. Unbeknown to many, the Vaal hosts several renowned rapids, which offer a challenging way for any outdoor enthusiast to make the most of the river.
With settlements such as Vanderbijlpark, Parys and Vredefort loosely dotted about the river, a wide array of accommodation in the Vaal is offered, guaranteed to suit all tastes and ages. From comfortable self-catering set-ups and caravan parks, to hotels that are dedicated to luxury and comfort, the Vaal Meander offers board for every budget. The area is also a firm favorite among bridal couples, with a broad selection of wedding venues to choose from. From the safari-chic of luxury game farms to the continental appeal of river front establishments, the Vaal is a sure setting for a dream wedding. Experienced wedding committees, dedicated to providing their clients with a fairytale occasion, will ensure that every detail is seen to.
More recently, this vicinity has also become increasingly popular as a venue for conferences, team-building, and other corporate occasions. There are three main hotels in the area: Riviera on Vaal, Emerald Casino Resort Hotel, and the Riverside Hotel & Conference Centre. In addition to being hubs of fun and entertainment, these hotels can also cater for larger groups. The Emerald Casino Resort is also an optimal setting for quality family time, with amenities such as tenpin bowling, wall climbing, adventure golf, game drives, an Animal World and a dedicated kid-zone. Last but not least, the casino offers all the chance to flirt with lady luck.
Also to be found on the beautiful banks of the Vaal are three excellent golf courses, namely the Emfuleni Golf Estate, the Maccauvlei Country Club, and Riviera on Vaal Hotel and Country Club. These golf courses allow fans to indulge in a round of their favorite activity while feasting their eyes on the natural beauty of the environment.
Day-trippers love the accessibility of this area and its proximity to major metropolises, and tourists often come back to visit the restaurants, towns and arts and crafts stores that make this Meander such an enjoyable one.
The Vaal Meander also hosts several sites of historical value. Capering through this peaceful countryside, it is hard to envisage the battlefields that marked this area during the Anglo Boer War of 1899 – 1902. The treaty that signified the end of this war, namely the Peace Treaty of Vereeniging, was also negotiated here. Our country's more recent history is also remembered through memorial structures such as the Sharpeville Monument, which was erected in remembrance of the 1960 Sharpeville massacre.
It is usually only upon one's return to the big city, that one truly realises just how therapeutic it is to spend time along the Vaal in the close company of family and friends. Blessed with a wealth of natural beauty and an abundance of activities to choose from, the Vaal Meander is a true tonic for body and mind.
