General
An 800ha section of the reserve has been set aside as a bird
sanctuary - which is not open to the general public. Those
wishing to observe the birds must book in advance.
Boating
is permitted over certain parts of the 1,504ha dam giving
access to a central island and to some special fishing sites.
Some 800ha of water surface has been set aside for watersports.
The reserve is stocked with a variety of bushveld game species
and is host to over 340 species of birds. The dam is divided
into two conservation areas. On the south eastern sector boating,
camping, picnicking and angling is permitted, while on the
sector furthest from the the dam wall strict conservation
restrictions apply and is only opened by prior arrangement
to bird clubs and researchers.
Fishing
Fish species include carp and yellowfish which are plentiful,
making Vaalkop a particularly attractive angling destination.
Vaalkop is easy to reach from both Pretoria and Johannesburg,
making this an ideal weekend camping or day excursion.
Location
To reach Vaalkop take the R511 road north from Brits for
35km to a sign indicating Beestekraal. Turn left and continue
4km to a sign indicating Vaalkop Dam to the right. Travel
a further 11km to the entrance to the Vaalkop Dam and Magalies
Water Project complex on the left and continue through to
the reserve entrance gates and dam wall.
Climate
Generally mild to hot but winter can be extremely cold. The
Mooi River valley is malaria free.
Accommodation
A campsite with basic amenities for campers and day visitors
is provided. |
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