indwe magazine – May 2005

Going South
Fun on the Vaal
Text: Dana Lee
Images: © South African Tourism
About 10 years ago some local artists and crafters pooled ideas to bring the public out from the hustle and bustle of Central and Northern Gauteng city life into the tranquil surroundings of the greater Southern Gauteng. Thus the Vaal Meander was born. Over the past years the Vaal Meander has grown to include many fascinating attractions. It is the ideal site for a meander route – tailor made to suit your interests. It makes for a lovely day trip or for those who would prefer, a longer stay to seek out little country hideaways, quaint country inns, craft factories, outdoor adventure centres, entertainment, animals, sporting facilities, boating and upmarket country conference venues as well as a host of delightful bed and breakfast establishments and romantic wedding venues.
Just one hour south of Johannesburg, both international tourists and the South African public can see master artists and crafters at work plying their trade as well as visit historical and cultural sites. Some of the main attractions can be found along the Vaal River, which features 56km of navigable water as well as many water sports. Boating and yachting facilities are found on the Vaal Dam, which is fast becoming popular as a weekend getaway, with property sales increasing at its many marina developments.
Routes along the Vaal Meander are divided into Self Drive Routes and Tour Operated Routes. The former includes the River Route, the Arts And Crafts Route, a Bird And Animal Route, as well as an Adventure Route. Tour Operated Routes are run by independent operators and include the fascinating Sharpeville And Sebokeng Arts Route.
The Vaal Meander further promotes many events in the area. BirdLife South Africa is organising a National Bird Week between 1 and 8 May this year. Activities focus on birds, birding and the conservation of birds and their habitats amongst all South Africans. BirdLife Wesvaal is facilitating this event at local level and will be presenting a programme running from 2-7 May 2005 that promises to be both fun and informative.
Sandra Theron and Pedro Kruger, who are well known for their ‘stage couple’ portrayals as well as for their cabaret appearances, will be presenting a show, Op Die Vrou Af, on 4 May at the Zorgvliet Little Theatre. Op Die Vrou Af is not only a satirical sketch of the journey of a married couple, it is also an exciting musical spectacular that the audience will remember for many a day to come.
The Riviera On Vaal Hotel is another venue that always has an ace up its well-dressed sleeve. For the unbelievable price of R225 per person, you can indulge in a decadent five-course dinner as you take in the beauty of the Vaal River aboard the Petit Verdot. An unforgettable 2-hour cruise, guaranteed to be a special experience for special people.
More information on this and other events in the area is available from the Vaal Meander website on http://www.vaalmeander.co.za. As part of the marketing infrastructure that has been put in place, the Vaal Meander also produces a yearly publication that lists and provides information about all of the tourism-orientated products that are available within the region. These brochure/maps are distributed through Gauteng Tourism Agency outlets at airports and information centres, as well as at outdoor shows where stand space is shared with Gauteng Tourism Agency.
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