The Vaal meander was born as “ A Trip Through the Countryside”. Just one hour south of Johannesburg tourists are invited to see the maestros at work plying their trade as well as visit historical and cultural sites.
About 14 years ago, some local artists and crafters pooled ideas to bring the public out from the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg city life into the nearby peace and tranquil surroundings of greater southern Gauteng and the northern Free State - the Vaal-area.
The Vaal meander was born as “ A Trip Through the Countryside”. Just one hour south of Johannesburg tourists are invited to see the maestros at work plying their trade as well as visit historical and cultural sites.
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.
Some of the main attractions can be found along the Vaal River which features 56km of navigable water as well as many other water sports. Boating and yachting facilities are found on the Vaal Dam, which is fast becoming popular as a weekend getaway.
Join an adventure at one of the fabulous venues which offer many exciting activities such as – white water rafting, canoeing, abseiling, rock climbing, clay pigeon shooting, quad-bike, paintball, hiking, bird watching, horse riding, deepwater fishing, star gazing, walks and more.
Discover more unique art works in and around the heritage sites of this diverse and historical region or oin in the experience of visiting various Arts & Craft venues, travelling North to South or vice versa on your day outing off the R59 from Johannesburg to the Vaal Meander Region.
The region has no definitive boundaries but is loosely measured from its northern point - south of the City of Johannesburg down to the Vaal Dam. From the east it starts around Villiers and Heidelberg and stretches to the west to include the Parys and Potchefstroom districts.
Three good quality national roads – the N1, N3 and the R59 provide easy access to the area. You can also travel within the area using the R42, R54 and R57 arterial roads.
