Tourism Routes

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 Riverfront Route is a getaway for young and old and offers activities day and night.
Unique Experiences:

• The Emerald Resort & Casino is all about Fun with a capital F! It is the resort for playing, relaxing, celebrating and making memories. The Emerald Zoo and Game Park, Aquadome, Casino, restaurants, wine tasting, Hotel, Bush Lodges, River Resort Chalets, event venues, adventure golf, ten pin bowling, live music (the list goes on!)  - cater for every taste and fancy. www.emeraldcasino.co.za 
• The Vaal River wasn’t just meant to be enjoyed from its banks. Exclusive and luxurious overnight accommodation on the water is offered on the Liquid Living Houseboats, and for an afternoon of cruising or an evening of partying, Liquid Lounge offers opulent boat cruises. www.liquidlounge.co.za 

KasiVisit-Soiree at the @IVA-Home Theatre invites you to join them at their special “backyard theatre”, where music, poetry, comedy, storytelling and theatre is shared with visitors. KasiVisit-Soiree focuses on communicating history and heritage through performance and fine art. www.facebook.com/gamadiniso

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, on the river banks and is close to all amenities.
Unique Experiences:

• Magnificent views of the Vaal River, a Sir Herbert Baker original clubhouse, pristine 18-hole golf course, and one of the oldest, most recognisable hotels in the Vaal can be found at the Riviera on Vaal Resort and Country Club.  With the water lapping on their doorstep, the Riviera on Vaal Resort and the Riviera on Vaal Country Club is an all encompassing recreational resort for all your leisure needs. www.rovresortco.za / www.rovcountryclub.co.za 
• Maccauvlei Golf Club is the original “gentleman” of the Vaal. Established in 1926, and steeped in tradition and grandeur, Maccauvlei ranks in the top 50 golf courses in the country. It is an 18-hole, parkland course and is the custodian of the original club house and “dormy house”. www.maccauvleigolfclub.co.za  
• Business, pleasure or special occasions; Three Rivers Lodge & Villa Anna Sophia is THE venue for discerning travellers,  gourmet foodies and graceful brides. As you enter the gates, Three Rivers Lodge & Villa Anna Sophia transports you to their world of elegance and sophistication, fine dining and 1st class service. www.threeriverslodge.co.za 

The Sharpeville Struggle Route will take you on a journey through Sharpeville to Boipatong. The Sharpeville Massacre in 1960 and Boipatong Massacre in 1992 shocked the world and both tragic events played a role in the beginning and end of the struggle for liberation and for peace in South Africa.
Unique Experiences:

• As a tribute to those who lost their lives during the Sharpeville Massacre and all who lost their lives for the freedom of South Africa, former President Nelson Mandela signed South Africa’s Constitution in Sharpeville in 1996. Sharpeville commemorates its fallen heroes and celebrates the signing of the new Constitution with the Human Rights Precinct.
•  “Sharpeville Superior Lager” could only have been crafted within the inimitable township of Sharpeville. Sharpeville Breweries is a craft beer distiller, whose inspiration is their own “Kasi”. It is a unique toast to Sharpeville and its community. www.facebook.com/sharpevillebreweries 
• KwaDlomo Dam has long been a revered icon for the Sharpeville community and a significant site recognised during the Sharpeville Massacre. Today, KwaDlomo Dam is also recognised for its extraordinary ecosystem and is a rewarding bird-watching site. When the conditions are right, Flamingos, Grebes, Ibis and Herons make this home, and the dam may hold over 3000 water birds at times.

The Sebokeng Struggle Route encompasses the vibrant townships of Sebokeng and Evaton.
Once witness to unrest and upheaval due to political uprisings against the Apartheid regime, the Sebokeng Struggle Route is now buzzing with lively township taverns, eateries and other entertainment.
Unique Experiences:

• Former President Thabo Mbeki called Evaton, the oldest township in the region, as     “Ikhaya Lomzabalazo”, meaning the “Cradle of the Struggle”.  A number of heritage sites along the Sebokeng Struggle Route were scenes of iconic events during the Vaal’s struggle for liberation and peace in South Africa.
• The townships in the Vaal have a reputation for cool vibes and cool venues that showcase some of the best DJ’s in the industry, and local DJ’s that showcase their own unique style of mixing house and hip hop music. The Vaal townships’ music and entertainment scene is not to be missed!
• Within close proximity to the Sebokeng Struggle Route, a special place for kids and grown-up kids exists. Midvaal Treetop Adventure invites you to “hang” with them as you manoeuvre your way along platforms (40 in total) and obstacles that zigzag along a tall gum tree park. Safety is their priority.

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.
Unique Experiences:

• Bass Lake Adventures is an adventure resort that is considered as one of the best scuba diving training venues in South Africa. It is an all inclusive venue that also offers a variety of other adrenaline pumping activities. www.basslake.co.za 
• One of the only fifty remaining Blockhouses in the country, which were built by British forces during the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), is situated on the R59, close to the Engen 1 Stop.

• The raspberry season (January to April) is celebrated at the Field Berry Farm. The farm opens its fields to the public and raspberries can be picked and enjoyed. Raspberry products of all kinds are sold throughout the year. www.thefieldberryfarm.com 

The Klip Route is a scenic route that wanders along beautiful landscapes and farmlands and joins with either the Walkerville or Suikerbos Routes. This route is in close proximity to Johannesburg.
Unique Experiences:

• Are you brave enough to tackle the Greg Norman designed 18 hole PGA Championship Course at the Eye of Africa Signature Golf Estate? www.eyeofafrica.co.za 
• A winery, artisanal bakery, art gallery, craft market, restaurant, kiddies play area and spaces for exceptional events have been exclusively created at the Art Farm. www.the-artfarm.co.za 
• In the Forest Venue is home to both the Fairy Festival (no age restrictions apply) and a romantic, forest venue for that special day. Other magical surprises await. www.intheforest.co.za 

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.
Unique Experiences:

• A declared national monument, De Rust Guesthouse is a Victorian-style house that dates back to 1906. Before entering Heidelberg on the Scenic Route, this imposing building will catch your eye and your imagination. With a hallway that is 17.6 m long and some aspects of the original house still in place; De Rust is a very special place to stay. Tours of the house can also be arranged with the establishment. derustgastehuis@gmail.com 
• For stargazing and sunsets, sunrise coffees and braais - camping and caravanning is good for the soul. Malonjeni Guest Farm offers all the necessary facilities (and leisure activities) for your camping or caravanning break. For non-campers, other accommodation is available. www.malonjeni.co.za 
• Malonjeni Guest Farm is also home to the annual Outdoor X Show (May/June), which showcases outdoor and adventure activities. www.outdoorx.co.za 
• Karma Game Ranch is a large game farm that proudly boasts its own little piece of Africa. It is home to an enormous number of bird species and other wildlife. Organised game drives, and other outdoor activities, are offered at Karma Game Ranch (accommodation and function venues are also available). www.karmagameranch.co.za 

The Vaal Marina Route is a spectacular, scenic 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.
Unique Experiences:

• With clean water and challenging rapids, the upper Vaal River is the playground for river rafting experiences. Tapimanzi Adventures is the go-to river rafting and adventure company to navigate this part of the Vaal River with, and to package your next group adventure. www.teambuildadventures.co.za 
• The Klipkraal Hiking Trail is a popular hiking destination, and may just be what your pedometer needs to recharge and rejuvenate itself. Marked hiking routes, accommodation and all the benefits of the great outdoors is offered. www.facebook.com/klipkraalguestfarm 
• The village of Vaal Marina offers a complete holiday experience. Gorgeous places to stay, the 9-hole executive golf course of Harbour Town, prime fishing spots and water activities make for blissful days and longer stays.

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.
Unique Experiences:

• Heidelberg developed as a typical rural Victorian town. Many buildings dating back to the period between 1890-1910 have been well preserved as heritage sites and architectural gems.
• The rolling hills of the Suikerbosrand, mielie lands and protea bushes create an amazing landscape for dreamy weddings and picture perfect brides. Heidelberg and its surrounds offer a number of romantic wedding venues.
• The annual JoBerg2C mountain bike challenge (April/May), starts in Heidelberg and meanders through private farmlands in the area, before riders continue for 8 more days to reach Scottburgh in KwaZulu Natal www.joberg2c.co.za 

The Suikerbos Route will lead you to the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve and to other smaller reserves in the area.  It is a stone’s throw from Johannesburg and on the doorstep of the town of Heidelberg.
Unique Attractions:

• The Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve is a popular birding, hiking, cycling and picnic spot and is home to a large variety of fauna and flora. Various archaeological and, particularly, Iron Age sites are also situated on the reserve.
• A journey back in time to a restored working farm from the 1850’s can be experienced at the Diepkloof Farm Museum, which is safeguarded within the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve. Original farm buildings with typical household items and utensils from that era, as well as a farmyard, herb garden and irrigation dam are beautifully preserved.
• The Heidelberg Copper Butterfly (Chrysoritis aureus) is a rare and highly threatened speciesand is predominantly  located within the Alice Glöckner Nature Reserve, south west of the  Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve. Tel: 011 439 6300  .

The Vaal Birding Route extends from Devon in the east to the Vredefort Dome in the west. Within this region occurs a wide variety of habitats, and has over 360 species of birds, including a number which are more easily seen here than anywhere else.
Unique Experiences:

• The Flamingos at KwaDlomo Dam in Sharpeville.
• The world’s furthest migrating raptor, the Amur Falcon from northeast Asia, have roost sites in both the Heidelberg and Vereeniging areas.
• The Blue Crane at the grasslands in Devon

Back Cover
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.
A mere 30 minutes from Johannesburg, the Vaal is easily accessible from the R59, which links the region to Johannesburg, the N1, linking Johannesburg and Bloemfontein and the N3, linking Johannesburg to Durban.