Built in 1956, the Roodeplaat Dam lies 22km north-east of Pretoria, where it augments water supply to northern Tshwane via the Montana, Wonderboom and Magaliesberg reservoirs, and provides water direct to residents of Doornpoort.
In 1972 plans were passed to develop the area as a nature reserve and recreation facility, and five years later the reserve was proclaimed. Today Roodeplaat Dam attracts hundreds of city dwellers who spend weekends enjoying a variety of outdoor pursuits.
The southern part of the Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve has become a picnicking, hiking, birding and game-viewing hub. More than 250 bird species have been recorded in the reserve’s savanna veld and dense savanna habitat, where a 7km hike to two hides adds to this pleasurable activity. Osprey, Eurasian reed-warbler, purple heron, black heron and hamerkop are noteworthy species.
Wildlife species living here include kudu, waterbuck, warthog, impala, blue wildebeest, duiker, steenbok and black-backed jackal. A designated picnic and braai area along the shore of the dam is an added attraction.
The northern part of the reserve is dedicated to recreational pursuits such as boating, fishing and camping. Freshwater anglers can expect to find bass, carp, kurper and barbel in popular spots around the top half of the dam.
Accommodation varies from family destinations to lodges, cottages and a hotel. Dinokeng Camping & Fishing caters to visitors with children. It has a pool, children’s play area, shop and canoes for hire.
More than 20 sites and two cabins may be booked, all with electricity and braai facilities. Breakfast and lunch is available at the clubhouse and there’s a golf driving range, farm stall and nursery.
Windy Brow Game Reserve is a 250ha wildlife resort where hiking for amateurs and experts is the big attraction. Enjoy game species such as giraffe, zebra, impala and kudu at eye level, while hiking along one of many trails that traverse the reserve.
Three lodges – Tekwane Lodge, Tamboti Bush Lodge and Siyaya Lodge – offer more intimate lodgings. Tekwane is ideally positioned overlooking a waterhole where animals and birdlife congregate. It offers a choice of B&B or self-catering, and may be hired per section or as a whole, sleeping up to14 people.
Tamboti is a founder lodge at Dinokeng and features an à la carte restaurant that’s open seven days a week. The lodge offers game drives, fishing, wine tasting, a pool and conferencing facilities.
For game drives, mountain biking, birding and fishing, self-catering Siyaya Lodge is ideal. It offers four two-bedroomed chalets with boma and braai, and there’s a rock art pool.
Named after two local species, Barn Owl Cottage and Pearl Spotted Owl Cottage offer bush luxury in thatched dwellings that sleep four per cottage. Owl boxes attract endemic species that breed on the property. A large patio with outdoor furniture adds to the cottages’ appeal.
There’s also The Blades, a four-star hotel set on a 10ha expanse of bushveld. Waterfront access combined with game viewing, birdwatching and water sports are activities that may be enjoyed in the luxury of nautically themed accommodation. This premier conferencing venue also offers a banqueting hall and loft boardroom.
To find the Roodeplaat Dam, take the N1 towards Polokwane. Take the Zambezi off-ramp at the tollgate and turn right towards Cullinan. Travel for 5km and turn left towards Kameelfontein. After 3.7km, take a left at the Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve sign.
