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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