Although small in size, the province of Gauteng is home to over a quarter of South Africa’s entire population. As the name suggests, “Place of Gold,” there are large amounts of gold in the area. Today, Gauteng is South Africa’s economic hub, a cosmopolitan region that’s full of diversity. Its most famous cities and the top reasons people come to this part of South Africa are Pretoria and Johannesburg, which is also the commercial capital of the province. But there’s another aspect of Gauteng that makes it so popular–fishing. The province is sprinkled with dams, lakes, and rivers that attract anglers to catch anything, including trout, carp, bass, and yellowfish. Are you interested in testing the waters yourself? Skip the family resorts in Gauteng just this time and opt for a more unique stay. Check out the best fishing lodges in Gauteng, South Africa.
1. Tranquil retreat with mountain views in Magaliesburg (from USD 71)
This retreat is perfect for an off-the-grid adventure away from social media. Although the property has no Wi-Fi or television, it makes up for it with a beautiful outdoor area and magnificent mountain views. You can swim or fish on a catch-and-release basis at the small, nearby dam. There’s bass, tilapia, and carp in the waters.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
hospitable hostess clean and tidy cottageHost:
catherine is an amazing host and the rest of her family was very accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
great place to stay and really affordable
2. Lovely abode for two in Roodepoort (from USD 31)
This bright and cozy little cottage for two boasts a riverfront location that makes it ideal for fishing and relaxation. You can access an outdoor swimming pool and a tennis court or bring your fishing gear and test the waters. There’s even a barbecue grill for cooking the fish and enjoying a delicious meal. During the summer months, the owners grow a vegetable garden where you’re free to pick.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
wifi was ready at our usei had a wonderful visit the accommodation has plenty of space and is very comfortablemy friend thought that the space was very cozy and he described it as the perfect staythis was a great place to visit it looks exactly like the pictures and is very comfortablemost comfortable beds and duvet best sleep i’ve had in a long timeCleanliness:
the place was great and very cleanit is extremely clean and the hostess is such an amazing personwe loved the spacious lounge and bathroom and the clean white linenclean tidy and spacious cottage with lovely trees and a tranquil feelclean neat and a great place for business staysHost:
host is very helpfuljenny is an excellent hostjenny is such a lovely hostjenny is a wonderful and attentive hostessjenny is so kind and accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
it’s close to a lot of places and still extremely private and secureexcellent location if you are travelling to the west randit feels like you are out in the wild whilst still being close to everythingvery tranquil and peaceful location excellent for anyone looking for a quite weekenda great place to spend time relaxing
3. Family-friendly residence with a full kitchen in Vaal Marina (from USD 106)
This family-friendly vacation rental in Gauteng boasts three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and it is surrounded by a lush greenery. You will find everything you need on the property, such as clean sheets, towels, and a washer and dryer. The kitchen is fully equipped with a dishwasher, a microwave, a refrigerator, and cooking essentials for prepping the day’s catch, which you can savor indoors or outdoors.
While fishing enthusiasts are only steps from the water, the rest of the group can cheer them on from the spacious deck.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
amazing place clean and great thoughtful placesRead more reviewsLocation:
great place to stay next to the dam
4. Secluded, luxury villa close to wildlife in City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (from USD 422)
If you think luxury and wildlife don’t go hand in hand, think again. This spectacular villa is set on a farm, with nothing but a lush greenery and a vast jungle all around. It is a four-bedroom rental that can host up to eight guests who can relax but also get an adrenaline rush from a drive through the game farm. The common area boasts a bar with a wine cooler, a fully equipped kitchen, and an outdoor pool and a hot tub.
While exploring the area, keep an eye out for buffalos, zebras, giraffes, and even leopards. The nearby dam is excellent for fishing, especially kurper fish.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it really has absolutely everything you need and was extremely comfortableCleanliness:
we are grateful to prince for cleaning up the kitchen tooit is peaceful refreshing clean and privatesurrounded by wonderful views and with clean and spacious rooms insideHost:
very friendly and helpful staff and great hoststhey were both so helpful and made our stay peacefulRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is beautifulthe perfect place to escape the city lifethis farm is a hidden gem and so close to pretoria - we absolutely recommend itgreat place to relax with a big group of friends
5. Pet-friendly cottage with a backyard in Vanderbijlpark (from USD 132)
Sitting on the banks of the Vaal River, this lovely family cottage is an excellent choice for a relaxing vacation away from the city. The backyard is furnished with a picnic table and another large dining table to seat the entire group. There is also a lot of space for kids and pets to run around freely.
This pet-friendly accommodation in Gauteng is cozy and equipped with a washer, a flat-screen television, a fireplace, and a well-appointed kitchen. Note that the rental comes without Wi-Fi, but it offers plenty to do like fishing and boating at the river.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
very clean and exceptional settinghadedah was clean and very comfortablehouse is cozy and very cleanHost:
the staff are friendly and helpfuljune and the onsite staff were wonderfuljune is a great host as wellthe staff is very kind and helpful as wellamazing homey house with a wonderful host who is very attentive to guests needsRead more reviewsLocation:
great location on the rivergreat location good value for moneycozy house amazing locationperfect place for a break awayjune’s place was very homey and comforting
6. Cozy haven with four bedrooms in Vaal Marina (from USD 158)
Set in an idyllic setting that boasts peace, this four-bedroom haven is the perfect place for water-loving guests. The nearby dam is an excellent spot for fishing, but there are many other sites within walking distance too. Other water-based activities available in the area include jet skiing, swimming, yachting, and parasailing.
While on the property, you can go for a swim in the private pool. Fur babies are welcome too, and there’s plenty of green space for them to run around.
7. Stunning hideaway in a pecan nut orchard in West Rand (from USD 103)
Built with reclaimed materials, this two-bedroom accommodation boasts high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that let the light flow inside. Each bedroom has its own ensuite bathroom with a wood fireplace and large bathtub while the kitchen has everything needed for prepping hearty meals, and the veranda is ideal for dining. During your stay, you can go fishing at the nearby dam, wander around the pecan nut orchard, or find your way out of the on-site labyrinth.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the wifi also works great i would definitely come backthe common areas are comfortable and the space is tranquil and quietHost:
amazing host and a great staylovely host with a beautiful soulgreat host and amazing little touches in the whole spaceit's peaceful and quiet with some very friendly animals for companyRead more reviewsLocation:
what a beautiful and tranquil location and houseexcellent location beautiful house with a great lay outthe house was immaculate perfectly private and a delightful walk along the river belowabsolutely beautiful place perfect location to unwind and get back to natureit was magical peaceful and perfect exactly what i needed for a quiet retreat away from the city
A great fishing trip to Gauteng
Whether you’re a professional or a rookie when it comes to fishing, you can always mix your hobby with a great vacation. The province of Gauteng is home to rivers, lakes, and dams that make it a great place to perfect your fishing skills. However, going fishing doesn’t mean sleeping in a tent or waking up in the middle of the night to drive to a lake or river; check out our list of the best fishing lodges in the province to see for yourself.
For more places to stay, check out some safari lodges in Gauteng as well.
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