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Northern Free State at a glance
Vaal Dam is a popular tourist destination located in the Northern region of the Free State, the area enjoys prime positioning due to its idyllic location on the banks of the Vaal River. It is South Africa’s second biggest dam by area and fourth largest by volume, situated 77km south of Johannesburg, it has more than 800km of shoreline, spanning three provinces; Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Free State.
On its banks surround the little towns of Deneysville, Oranjeville, Vaal Marina, Villiers and Frankfort. The much-favoured tourist destination lies on the Vaal River close to Vereeniging, midway between the N1 and the N3, and just an hour 30-minute drive from OR Tambo International Airport.
Constructed in the early 1930s and completed in 1938, the Vaal Dam now has a full supply capacity of about 2 500 million ㎥ of the country’s cleanest water and is one of South Africa's strongest-flowing rivers.
The dam also has its own island, which was initially used as a secret meeting place by the apartheid government. The Island now hosts the annual Round the Island Yacht Race, a Guinness Book of World Records holder of the largest inland yacht race.
World-Class Attractions
A Water Sport Playground
The Vaal and areas surrounding are perfect for water babies. Featuring more than 50km of navigable water and offering the choicest water activities and leisure attractions. There are a number of world class boating events on the dam, namely; Keelboat Week and the Bayshore Jet Ski race. Other water sports include:
• Water Skiing
• Tube Rides
• Speedboats
• Wake-boarding
• Jet skiing
• Rowing
• Yachting
• Kayaking
• Snorkeling
• Rubber-ducking
• Fly fishing
• Bait fishing
• Lure fishing
Vegas on Vaal - Emerald Resort and Casino
The region boasts the Emerald Resort and Casino humorously called “Vegas on Vaal, as it is situated on the lush banks of the river. Emerald Resort and Casino offers an array of accommodation options, restaurants and entertainment.
If you’re the outdoorsy type, then Aquadome - the popular all-year-round heated Water Park is for you. You can also opt for a visit to the Animal World Zoo or game drives.
Feeling lucky? The casino boasts 27 tables, with a large variety of games, including roulette, blackjack, progressive poker, and texas hold 'em. If slot machines interest you, then you will be happy to know that Emerald Casino has some of the best slots around.
Voyage the Vaal on the Liquid Lounge
Enjoy a one of a kind cruise experience on the Liquid Lounge. Making its presence known along the shores of the Vaal River, offering breath-taking views of Millionaires Bend where you will see some of the country’s most luxurious properties. Sit back, indulge in some sundowners, while you find tranquility watching the sun set magnificently over the river.
Elite Amenities
Schools in the Vaal
The Vaal is home to a number of exceptional schools that provide your children with quality education. The area also offers private and Christian schooling options including:
• Vaal Triangle Primary School
• Emmanuel Private School
• Vaal Triangle Academy
• El-Shaddai Christian School
• Vaal Rivier High School
• Vaal Ed U College Private
• Vaal Reefs Primary School
• Laerskool Vaalrivier
• Vaal Oranje Primary School
• Vaalpark Primary School
• Rust-Ter-Vaal Combined School
• Riverside High School
• 3 Rivers Christian Academy
• Word of Life Christian School
Tertiary Institutions
Due to its close proximity to the city, the Vaal has prime access to two large tertiary learning centres - North West University Vaal Campus and the Vaal University of Technology.
• North West University Vaal Campus
Located on the banks of the Vaal River in a proclaimed nature reserve, NWU Campus is an inspiring setting for work and play. Campus academics are motivated and well qualified, student success rates are above average, and the research, sport, student support and cultural facilities are outstanding.
• Vaal University of Technology
VUT is one of the largest universities of technology in South Africa, with an annual enrollment of about 21 000 students. With their core vision being to lead in innovative knowledge and quality technology education. The university has four faculties: Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Human Sciences and Faculty of Management Sciences.
Medical Facilities
The Vaal and surrounds provides you with specialised hospitals, both private and public facilities offering world-class medical treatment and care. These include:
• Vaalpark Hospital
• Medi-Clinic Vereeniging
• Midvaal Private Hospital
• West Vaal Hospital – Theatre
• Kopanong Hospital
• Ermelo Medi-Clinic
• Standerton Hospital
Shopping Centres
Vaal Mall
Nestled in the heart of Vanderbijlpark and the Vaal Triangle, Vaal Mall offers you convenient shopping. The centre provides 135 fashion and retail stores, a food court with a variety of take-away and sit-down restaurants, a wide variety of bank services, seven different promotional courts and parking for over 3000 cars. Major anchor tenants include Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Edgars and Game.
Living in the Vaal
The banks of the Vaal Dam offer prime real estate, as the area is sought-after and boasts the much-needed tranquility to escape the busy city life. The area offers a selection of property listings tailored to your lifestyle and requirements. From upmarket apartments, free- standing houses, spacious complexes, and farms and vacant land.
If you are looking to generate an additional income, and an investment opportunity is what you require – then you will be pleased to know that the area also offers well-developed holiday resorts, big open spaces and agricultural properties. The properties in the Vaal Dam range from R460, 000 – R16 million and with the many options available on the market, you are guaranteed to find what you require.
Living along the Vaal River can certainly be to your advantage, your very own tranquil haven! The Vaal Dam serves to provide you with all the necessary facilities, a multitude of fascinating opportunities, entertainment to enthrall you and a serene lifestyle. It is everything the modern family could ask for without the stress and rush of city life.
Vaal Dam Property Specialists
Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty’s area specialists are ever ready to assist with your Vaal Dam property requirements. If you want to partner with professional property experts, that can aid you in making an informed lifestyle decision in the Vaal Dam. Feel free to contact us today for more information.
Disclaimer: While every effort will be made to ensure that the information contained within the Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty website is accurate and up to date, Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty makes no warranty, representation or undertaking whether expressed or implied, nor do we assume any legal liability, whether direct or indirect, or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information. Prospective purchasers and tenants should make their own enquiries to verify the information contained herein.