Vaal River, one of the major water sources in South Africa is also one of its longest rivers. Its brownish-grey waters flow from Drakensberg, streaming for 1,210 km (751.86 mi) until it joins Orange River. The water body is also a popular all-season destination known for its hundred islands and white-water rapids with monickers such as “Big Daddy.” Furthermore, its bounty of gigantic fish species excites anglers and fly fishers. The entire river is divided into three watersheds - the Upper, Middle, and Lower Vaal. You’ll also find expensive riverfront houses, little towns, dams, nature parks, and golf courses along the riverbanks. Enjoy the riverside lifestyle by joining a river cruise, experiencing a white-water rafting tour, fly fishing for carp, or spending a few days in nearby accommodations. Read on to find the top fishing lodges near Vaal River, South Africa.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) host status, recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and a location with easy access to fishing spots. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.
1. Fly Fishing Paradise (from USD 61)
Fly Fishing Paradise is a vast property built near Vaal River. The rental is a rustic hut that’s spacious enough for a couple and a small dog. It has self-catering facilities and a spacious deck for dining alfresco with relaxing river views. There’s also a stairway that goes down to the riverside where you can fly fish or launch your kayak. Kayak rentals are 100 ZAR (5.43 USD) a day.
There are also plenty of smallmouth yellowfish, mudfish, carp, sharptooth catfish, and largemouth yellowfish you can catch in the river. You can then grill your catch at the barbecue area. After, take a relaxing dip in the shared outdoor pool and hot tub to end the day.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
sparkling clean awesome shower wish we could have stayed longerRead more reviewsHost:
our host leon was very kind and tended to our queries swiftly
2. Vaal River Bush Lodge (from USD 520)
This luxurious getaway is 60 minutes from Johannesburg. It can host large groups with its spacious bedrooms and open living spaces. Splendid views of Vaal River will be seen from the glass walls of the living and dining areas. You can simmer in the hot tub or outdoor pool that overlooks the water.
Near the main house is the Boathouse. Enjoy watching the birds and the boats floating down the river while dining or lounging inside this modern sunroom. If you ride through the water, you can catch massive fish, such as common carp. You must bring your own watercraft and park in the private jetty and slipway. Otherwise, you can rent from the host’s recommended providers.
Top guest reviews
Host:
amazing host and care takerfriendly crew on site always ready to helpstaff is very friendly they made sure we felt at homestaff are friendly and willing to help with all requestsa beautiful house with a great hostRead more reviewsLocation:
lovely place and a great location on the riverabsolutely beautiful location stunning glass house to hang out in right on the riverexcellent experience great location with plenty space and everything you need on site
Superhost
3. Riverside Rhapsody, Vaal River
This luxurious single-level vacation home is surrounded by a manicured garden with easy access to the Vaal River. It has a resort-like vibe with its wood and wicker furnishings that fill the spacious open living area and bedrooms. The living area and select bedrooms have sliding doors opening to the terrace and garden. It also has a wide deck where you can stretch out for a tan or grill some barbecue, and you’ll find an outdoor pool surrounded by greenery too.
Additionally, you can visit the riverbank where you can launch a canoe to paddle around the river. You might also catch some North African catfish if you try your luck fishing. The owner can give referrals to providers for boat rentals as well.
Riverside Rhapsody, Vaal River, Vanderbijlpark
Address: 37 Kaalplaats Peninsula, 1911, Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, South Africa
3.27 km (2.1 mi) from Barrage Bridge Gauteng, Freestate border
4. Rus & Vrede on Vaal (from USD 82)
Great value for money with affordable yet luxurious accommodation.
Immaculate facilities, heated pool, daily room cleaning, insect repellents, and complimentary rusks and muesli.
Stunning setting on the Vaal River with tranquil and breathtaking views, secure parking, and nearby golf course.
Healthy breakfast options in-room, delicious rusks, and a well-equipped kitchenette for self-catering needs.
This gorgeous two-story boutique-style guest house is by the riverbanks of Vaal River and offers capacious bedrooms for couples. The guest rooms are stylish with modern and vintage-looking furnishings and big picture windows offering river views. The ground floor king rooms have access to a private balcony where you can relax on loungers while admiring the riverside scenery.
Though there are no cooking or dining facilities on the property, you will have access to a coffee station. You can also go to Parys where there are shops and restaurants where you can dine.
To reach the riverbank, you’ll only have to walk through the landscaped garden. This part of the river is too shallow to run a jet ski, so it’s best to paddle around in a kayak or go fishing for some kind of carp.
Rus & Vrede on Vaal
Address: 10 Rosettenville
30.74 km (19.1 mi) from Barrage Bridge Gauteng, Freestate border
5. Ski-inn Riverhouse 1 (from USD 210)
Ski-Inn Riverhouse 1 offers self-catering lodgings for large groups or families. It features seven spacious bedrooms spread over two floors. Select rooms feature a private balcony offering vistas of the trees or the river. The ground-floor rooms have glass patio doors that open to a manicured garden with a clear view of the riverbanks. Be aware that you must bring your own drinking water, flashlights, or emergency lamps during your stay.
In addition, the house is a few steps from the banks of Vaal River where there is a wooden deck and boat slip. It’s the perfect spot for catching some North African catfish and some common carp. You can also watch the sunrise or sunset over the water.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very comfortable furnishings and new clean beddingCleanliness:
ski inn is quiet clean and spaciousthe house was clean and superbly equippedthe house is very clean and has everything you needas for the property what a wonderful clean fun timeHost:
staff were very helpfulthe host was welcoming and a pleasure to communicate withstaff were friendly and came in dailyzoë our host was very responsive to any queries and very pleasant to deal withpauline and abel were helpful and it was easy to get hold of themRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect location for attending nampo with a few friendsbeautiful place were one can just relax and forget about the hustle of city lifeif you are looking for a really nice a quiet break then this is the place to bookwhat a great place to staylarge house and extremely nice place to stay
6. Windmill on Vaal (from USD 43)
Windmill on Vaal is one of the houses on a property in Kaalplaats. This fully furnished property is cozy for a small family. It will give you access to the community pool and pool deck where you can grill. Be aware that although kids can freely play on the grassy lawn and trampoline, the owner’s dogs also run freely on the property.
Vaal River’s shore is within walking distance of the house. Enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, or even birdwatching. The staff living on the property can help you launch a boat at the nearby jetty, but you must be certified and licensed before launching your boat on the water.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful property with lovely roomsCleanliness:
the flat was so clean and well setupvery nice place right against the river beautiful lawns and nice clean poolHost:
great service and friendliness from everyone including the support staffthe staff were all welcoming friendly and helpfulstaff were very hands and extremely helpfuljp was an excellent host super accommodating and communicativethe staff very friendly and helpful we will definitely go backRead more reviewsLocation:
we enjoyed being so close to the river and will bring fishing gear along next timegreat location great hospitality great communication and good value
7. Gentleman's Estate (from USD 271)
This vast riverfront property is built along one of the best areas of Vaal River. Guests can fully utilize the main house, pool, and gardens. The riverfront and outdoor pool areas do not have any fences, so guests must be responsible for their companions to avoid accidents.
Thanks to the easy water access, guests can use the boat launch and jetty if they want to do some water-borne activities, including fishing. However, they must have a boat and skipper’s license to be able to launch the boat on the river. Furthermore, the estate manager, houseman, and gardener all live on the property and will be ready to help guests with their needs.
Top guest reviews
Host:
great host and wonderful hospitalityfriendly and very helpful staffjohn was on hand to help with a big welcoming smile and hosts very accommodatingamazing staff and great locationgreat place plenty of space beautiful surroundings and the manager and house staff were extremely helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is magnificentabsolutely fabulous place great location recommend +++ will definitely stay there again
8. Footloose River Cottage (from USD 175)
Footloose River Cottage is a stylish contemporary cottage built behind the owner’s main house. The private riverfront property is in the Lochvaal area and is ideal for short vacations with your family and friends or for overnight stays for wedding guests.
It has self-catering facilities and interconnected bedrooms. You can dine out on the covered patio or beside the river while grilling. By the rental is a pathway to the shore, which features boat launching facilities. Do also check with the owners if a boat cruise that will take you around the scenic river is available. You can also ski and fish for bass, yellowfish smallmouth, or mudfish in these areas.
9. Stylish riverfront home with breathtaking views (from USD 266)
Relish breathtaking views from this stylish modern home a few meters from Vaal River. All bedrooms of this multi-level home offer breathtaking river views. The main floor has an open living area with folding glass panels that open to a furnished patio. Enjoy dining alfresco with gorgeous views of the sprawling backyard and river.
If you bring your boat or jet ski, you could launch it from the waterfront edge of the property. There are also three parking bays for boats right on the shore. The owners offer a river cruise with a skipper for 10 guests for an extra charge. In addition, enjoy bird watching or try your luck angling for big fish, such as the mudfish or bass largemouth, that are bountiful in these areas.
Top guest reviews
Host:
lovely hosts and amazing settingwarren was an excellent hosteverything was perfect and warren a great hostwarren is a great host and send us daily updates on the turbulence and loadsheddingwarren is a fantastic host - friendly and accommodating and always availableRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect location for a nice and relaxing get awaystunning location beautiful house exceptional host
10. Vaalriet Camp (from USD 24)
This rustic well-appointed cottage is on the fenced-in property of Vaalriet Camp, farmland with a 10-km (6.21-mi) stretch of Vaal River winding through it. The rental will be a haven for outdoor lovers who love to go birdwatching or explore the lush greenery and wildlife roaming freely on the farm.
The rental is just steps away from the bass dam, making it easy for anglers to make their catch. Guests can also frolic in the fields with their pet dogs if they are not in the backyard grilling.
Top guest reviews
Host:
ian is an amazing host and very accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
overally its a great place away from city life
Vaal River, a fisherman's paradise
The above fishing lodges offer the luxurious comforts needed on a fishing trip or a short vacation near a river. It will be a pleasure to have the river shores right outside your doorstep so that you can fish, swim, or cruise anytime you want. It will surely be the kind of paradise you will keep returning to whenever you visit the Vaal River, so be sure to book one of the fishing lodges above.
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