Still affectionately referred to as “the Vaal”, the Sedibeng region covers the entire Southern Gauteng and is home to diverse lifestyle and tourism experiences, which all border our greatest assets – the Vaal River and Vaal Dam.
The region is comprised of the three local municipalities of Emfuleni, Lesedi and Midvaal under the Sedibeng District Municipality.
Sedibeng is a mere 30 minutes drive South of Johannesburg and is easily accessible from the R59, which links the region to Johannesburg, the R82 linking Johannesburg to the Northern Free State, the N1, linking Johannesburg and Bloemfontein and the N3, linking Johannesburg to Durban.
The total land surface of the region is 4,185 km² and over 80% of the population is located within the Emfuleni Local Municipality.
11 Signed tour routes across the region showcase diverse offerings and ensure that every taste and interest is catered for.
PS: Links to maps below will be functional shortly
T1 RIVER ROAD - Meandering from the inland water resort village of Vaaloewer, along the Vaal River to River Road in Vanderbijlpark, the River Road Route is a relaxed and picturesque route for day-trippers and weekend travellers.
With many of the superior accommodation and function establishments on the banks of the Vaal River, the River Road Route is a water based playground for high energy activities or laid back weekend breaks.
THINGS TO DO: Weddings | Fishing | River Cruisers | Spa's | Golf | Gaming | Game Drives
T2 RIVERFRONT ROUTE - The Riverfront Route extends from the River Road Route and takes you further along the birding, fishing and water sport haven of the Vaal River.
The Vaal River continues its languid, leisurely course along this Riverfront Route, which adds the thrill of gaming, golfing game drives and world class leisure resorts for both business and leisure tourists.
The Riverfront Route is a getaway for young and old and offers activities day and night.
THINGS TO DO:
Weddings | Fishing | River Cruisers | Spa's | Golf | Gaming | Game Drives
T3 THREE RIVERS ROUTE - The businessman's retreat, offering prime conferencing facilities, the Three Rivers Route winds through the charming suburb of Three Rivers.
Named after the three rivers that cross through the area, namely the Vaal-, Klip-, and Suikerbos Rivers, the Three Rivers Route boasts attractions along the tree lined streets and is where business, shopping, pleasure and watersport easily mix.
THINGS TO DO:
Conferencing | Shopping | Weddings | Fishing | Birding
T4 SHARPEVILLE STRUGGLE ROUTE - The Sharpeville Struggle Route will take you through one of the most historic townships in the region. Sharpeville was established just outside the town of Vereeniging. Residents of the former Top Location were forced to relocate to Sharpeville, which paved the road for the Sharpeville Massacre.
The Sharpeville Massacre in 1960 and Boipatong Massacre in 1992 shocked the local and international communities and both tragic events played a role in the beginning and end of the struggle for liberation and for peace in South Africa.
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa has a physical address. With the dawn of a democratic dispensation, the former President Nelson Mandela signed South Africa's Constitution at George Thabe Stadium in Sharpeville on 10 December 1996 as tribute to those who lost their lives during the course of the liberation struggle and quest for freedom in South Africa.Sharpeville commemorates its fallen heroes and celebrates the signing of the new Constitution with the Human Rights Precinct.
THINGS TO DO:
Traditional Township Taverns and Experiences | Horse-Cart Tours | Bicycle Tours
Heritage Route
T5 SEBOKENG STRUGGLE ROUTE - The Sebokeng Struggle Route encompasses the vibrant townships of Sebokeng and Evaton.
The former President Thabo Mbeki referred to Evaton, the oldest township in the Vaal, as “Ikhaya Lomzabalazo” – meaning “the Cradle of the Struggle”.
On this route, you will experience the mood felt during the struggle for freedom as narrated by local people. The areas of Sebokeng and Evaton once witnessed unprecedented unrest and upheavels, which are still represented by the many heritage sites it has.
The Sebokeng Struggle Route is now buzzing with lively township taverns, eateries and other entertainment.
THINGS TO DO:
Traditional Township Taverns and Experiences | Heritage Route
T6 SUIKERBOS ROUTE - The Suikerbos Route will lead you to the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve and to other smaller reserves in the area.
A stone's throw from Johannesburg and on the doorstep of the town of Heidelberg, the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve is an environmentally protected area with Brown Hyena, Black Wildebeest, Secretarybird and Protea veld, to name a few. It offers a wonderful refuge from the bustle of the city.
Hiking trails (including a paraplegic trail), outdoor activities, a variety of natural habitats, wildlife and a range of accommodation to fit your pocket await you as you journey on this route.
Heritage buffs will also be catered for with the Diepkloof Farm Museum and many Iron Age sites within the reserve.
THINGS TO DO:
Hiking | Heritage Sites | Game Drives | Camping | Birding | Nature Photography
HEIDELBERG RAMBLE - The Heidelberg Ramble takes you through the quaint town of Heidelberg. It has an old world charm that is captured by its well-preserved historical architecture and buildings .
Antique shops, accommodation facilities and other venues in the town echo Heidelberg's unique ambience and offerings.
THINGS TO DO:
Heritage Sites | Birding | Weddings | Conferencing | Shopping | Architectural Heritage
R550 KLIP ROUTE - The Klip Route is a scenic route that wanders along landscapes and farmlands and joins with either the Walkerville or Suikerbos Routes. This route is in close proximity to Johannesburg.
It boasts major industrial developments, such as the Sedibeng Brewery, which is home to Heineken, as well as other major developments, such as the lifestyle development of the Eye of Africa.
THINGS TO DO:
Cycling | Landscape Photography | Birding
R54 VAAL MARINA ROUTE - The Vaal Marina Route is a spectacular, route from Vereeniging to the holiday village of Vaal Marina.
The town itself lines the shores of the Vaal Dam where the scene is set for picnicking, fishing, sailing or relaxing against the magnificent backdrop of the dam.
The dam is unique in that three provinces make up the coastline: the Free State, Mpumalanga and the Gauteng coastline, which is by far the most beautiful. This is where you should be!
The Vaal Marina is the perfect corporate getaway and teambuilding venue for the outdoor enthusiasts.
THINGS TO DO:
Fishing | Birding | Weddings | Conferencing | Sailing | Team Building | Quad Biking
R42 SCENIC ROUTE - The Scenic Route joins Vereeniging to the historic town of Heidelberg.
Seasonal cosmos fields and wild game fill the breathtaking landscape and hills on this route and visitors are welcomed by venues that cater for the nature lover, hiker and birding enthusiast.
THINGS TO DO:
Game Drives | Hiking | Birding | Landscape Photography
R557 WALKERVILLE ROUTE - The Walkerville Route connects the Vaal to Johannesburg and Soweto. Large, open tracts of unspoilt countryside, conservation areas and prolific birdlife act as your guide through this peaceful community.
A favourite amongst cyclists and a blissful weekend escape, the Walkerville Route also offers markets for farmers, artists and collectors, countrystyle venues and a variety of outdoor activities for the family.
Specialised adventure seekers, and especially dive enthusiasts, will be thrilled by one of the best scuba diving training venues in South Africa on this route too.
