Roodeplaat Dam is located forty minutes drive from Pretoria central and an hour and ten minutes from Johannesburg. Roodeplaat Dam Nature reserve is rich in birdlife and over 250 species have been recorded here including some interesting species such as Osprey, Eurasian Reed-Warbler, Purple Heron, Black heron and Hammerkop.

There are 2 bird hides on the reserve. One at the picnic site and the other at the far end on the eastern side of the reserve. Both are excellent birding spots but the hide on the eastern side tends to have less traffic and is a great spot to spend a few hours in quiet tranquillity.

For Roodeplaat Dam, Accommodation visit the Roodeplaat Dam Accommodation page HERE.

Hiking at Roodeplaat Nature Reserve

The recently upgraded trail is well marked and dotted with benches.
The Southern part of Roodeplaat Nature Reserve boasts a recently remarked interpretative walk which is 7km long and takes you through some beautiful areas of the reserve.

The trail starts near the picnic spot. Park at the picnic site and walk back along the road. You will soon see the start of the trail.

Fresh Water Fishing at Roodeplaat Dam

The Northern Reserve is dedicated to boating and fishing. There are plenty of camping spots, both with and without electricity. Long drop toilets are scattered throughout the fishing area. Fish for Bass, Carp, Kurper and barbel.

Game Viewing at Roodeplaat

Roodeplaat Game Reserve has a small network of roads and it’s well worth an afternoon game drive. The main circular route is well maintained, paved road that can easily be navigated by any vehicle. This route also has a new game hide overlooking a small waterhole.

All other game drives are gravel and in some cases, a vehicle with high clearance is preferable, especially during the rainy season.

Northern Roodeplaat Nature Reserve

The Northern reserve is primarily for water recreation. The Northern side of the Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve caters for boating, fishing and camping. Primitive campsites (scattered throughout the reserve) are also located on the Northern side.

Southern Roodeplaat Nature Reserve

The Southern side of the reserve caters for birding and wildlife enthusiasts. Over 250 species of birds have been recorded in the reserve. Two bird hides are situated on the banks of the Roodeplaat dam and the reserve vegetation is a mix of open savannah veld and dense savannah woodland.

The reserve has a variety of interesting game species including Zebra, Kudu, Waterbuck, Warthog, Impala, Blue Wildebeest, Common Duiker, Steenbok and Black Backed Jackal. Open Daily From 06:00 to 18:00. A small entrance fee is charged.

Facilities
Conference Center – Can accommodate groups of up to 120. A separate dining hall can accommodate up to 80 seated guests. Group Camp – Ten self-catering (budget) units which can accommodate up to 60 guests. Chalets – The Impala chalet is fully equipped and built on stilts over the edge of the dam can accommodate 4 adults and 2 children. The guest house can accommodate 8 people and is situated in a quiet area of the reserve.

Hiking
A 7km hiking trail with 2 bird hides is available and provides ample opportunity for bird watchers.

Picnic Area
A picnic and braai area is located on the edge of the dam and can accommodate up to 40 people.

Located about 22km north-east of Pretoria the Roodeplaat dam was originally called the ‘Pienaars Rivier Dam’ when it was constructed in 1956 to supply the surrounding landowners with water. It has developed into an important water source for the Pretoria area and after commissioning the Roodeplaat water treatment plant in 2006, the dam augments the supply of water to the northern areas of Tshwane through the Montana, Wonderboom and Magaliesberg reservoirs and is used as a direct water supply to the Doornpoort area.

The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) delegated the management of the Roodeplaat dam area to the division of Nature Conservation of the Transvaal Provincial Administration (TPA) in 1972. The Transvaal Provincial Administrations mandate was to develop the area as a nature reserve and outdoor recreation facility for the city population. The reserve was proclaimed in 1977.

The roodeplaat dam is a well-known destination for bird watching, game viewing and a range of water sports including freshwater angling.

Bird Watching at Roodeplaat

One of Two bird hides available to visitors of Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve
Roodeplaat Dam Nature reserve is rich in birdlife and over 250 species have been recorded here including some interesting species such as Osprey, Eurasian Reed-Warbler, Purple Heron, Black heron and Hammerkop.

There are 2 bird hides on the reserve. One at the picnic site and the other at the far end on the eastern side of the reserve. Both are excellent birding spots but the hide on the eastern side tends to have less traffic and is a great spot to spend a few hours in quiet tranquillity.

Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve

Contact details:

Phone Number +27 (0)12 808 5131, +27 (0)12 808 5174

For Roodeplaat Dam Accommodation visit the Roodeplaat Dam Accommodation page HERE.

Roodeplaat Dam

Dam Information supplied by http://www.dwa.gov.za 

Spillway Type – have uncontrolled ogee spillway type with arch wall type.

Dams are classified into different categories depending on their hazard potential rating which considers the potential loss of life and potential economic loss that may result from dam failure. Three dam safety classifications are defined with Category I dams for small dams with low hazard potential rating. At the other end of the scale, Category III dams have the highest potential rating and require the most attention from a dam safety perspective. Category II dams are of an intermediate nature and also require the involvement of dam professionals.

Ideal Camping sites and accommodation for fishing trips, birding, game viewing and relaxing family getaways to the Roodeplaat Dam

return to the Gauteng Nature & Wildlife page HERE.