Located in the heart of Witbank, just an hour and a half from Gauteng and serving as the ideal halfway point to Mbombela, the Emalahleni Recreation Resort offers an ideal outdoor escape with a pleasant year-round climate. Situated along the shores of the Witbank Dam—the largest municipal dam in South Africa—this destination blends scenic water views, wildlife exploration, and diverse outdoor recreation.
Seasonal Stay Options & Accommodation Rates (2026/2027 FY)
Whether you are planning a vibrant high-season family vacation or a quiet low-season retreat, the resort provides versatile accommodation suited to every traveler:
- Self-Catering Chalets: The resort features 20 fully equipped, 4-sleeper self-catering chalets serviced daily and equipped with private braai facilities.
- High Season: R900 per night
- Low Season: R700 per night
- (Refundable breakage deposit: R500)
- Caravan Park & Campsites: Nature lovers can choose from 48 camping sites, each accommodating up to 4 people with electricity hookups, surrounding braai areas, and clean ablution blocks with hot showers.
- High Season Camping: R387 (1–4 Adults) | R174 (1–4 Children)
- Low Season Camping: R332 (1–4 Adults) | R174 (1–4 Children)
- (Extra vehicle: R72 | Refundable breakage deposit: R500)
Water Sports, Family Pools & Picnic Areas
Beat the heat or spend quality time outdoors with a wide array of water-based activities:
- Swimming Pools & Supertube: Cool off in the large swimming pool, dedicated kiddies pool, or the supertube, with on-site lifesavers ensuring family safety.
- Boating & Fishing: Patrons can bring their own watercraft for fishing and water sports on the dam. Motorboat launching is R221, while non-motorised boats cost R65.
- The Boat Club: Equipped with shelter, braai facilities, and ablutions, the Boat Club area can be hired for private social or corporate functions at R1,400 per day (+ R500 deposit).
Explore the 900-Hectare Witbank Nature Reserve
Bordering the dam, the 900-hectare Witbank Nature Reserve features picturesque grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands:
- Wildlife & Bird Watching: Spot game including eland, wildebeest, kudu, waterbuck, impala, springbuck, zebra, otters, and snakes, or observe varied bird species from dedicated hides and picnic spots. Guided game drives are also available.
- Hiking & Mountain Biking: Explore 4 distinct hiking trails ranging from 3 km to 15 km. Day hiking fees are R55 for adults and R20 for children, while mountain bike access is R44 per person.
- Environmental Education Centre: Groups can partake in hands-on projects focusing on themes such as wetlands, alien plant life, trees, insects, and wildlife.
Day Visitor Entry & Event Facilities
- Day Visitor Rates: Adult entry is R60, children (ages 2–11) pay R20, and weekend vehicle entry (Cars/LDV/Combi) is R65. Senior citizens can purchase an annual day-visiting pass for R300.
- Sports & Gathering Venues: Enjoy big walk paths, a tennis court, netball court, and volleyball court. The Recreation Hall is available for daily rental at R1,400 (+ R500 deposit), while full event hosting facilities are available for R70,000 per day.
- Safety & Peace of Mind: The resort maintains 24-hour on-site security with regular patrols and secure parking near the reserve gates.
Reservations & Contact Information
Plan your upcoming seasonal trip or corporate event by contacting resort management:
- Telephone: 013 690 0147 / 6350 / 6538
- Email: buthanel@emalahleni.gov.za | tsoananyanaft@emalahleni.gov.za