"Gateway of the Vaal Dam" Deneysville by junecorlett

Deneysville Travel Guide: 4 reviews and 8 photos

Deneysville

Gateway to the Vaal Dam was created in 1939 as a result of the Vaal Dam Construction.
The construction of the dam commenced during the depression of the early 1930's. Situated on the Freestate side of the dam wall and approximately 100 km from Johannesburg.

Deneysville is a quiet tranquil village. The dam has a surface area of 32 000hectare and is the main water suplly for the PWV (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Sasolburg and Bethal.

Publicity for the village resurfaced from BOAC's flying boat service using it as their southern terminal for a number of years after the WW2, from the nenowned Castle Marina Restaurant, and for its reputaion as the yachting mecca of Gauteng and the Freestate.

Deneysville offers 4 yacht clubs, boat chandlers, boat building and repairs.
Racing and cruising events take place all year round.
The yachting season extends over the full 12 months of the year.

The Castle

Castle at Castle Marina

The Castle at Castle Marina, was used as a restaurant and terminal for the BOAC's flying boat service.
This castle has since been used for various shows or craft markets. Even as a restaurant again...but failed, as the amount of visitors to Deneysville is seasonal.
Today it is a landmark of Deneysville.
Little children love visiting this empty castle in search of "Dragons, or to save the Princess from the dragon"

Manten Marina

Manten Marina is a sheltering spot for many yachts.
The violent storms which suddenly come up can do a lot of damage to boats moored on the dam.
Yachts are either parked on the mainland at the marina for a fee, or moored next to the jetties provided by Manten Marina.

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:Fresh air and open spaces - away from the big city.

Last visit to Deneysville: Mar 2009
Intro Updated Jun 24, 2009
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (4)

Great view over the Manten Marina Restaurants (1)

The saucer is accesible by boat, which makes it a great morning cruise for a good breakfast at the Saucer. Your boat can... more travel advice

"Vleiskombuis" This is the Freestate afterall. - Deneysville

"Vleiskombuis" This is the Freestate... Shopping (3)

This a a butchery, one of two in Deneysville. The building is old Cape Dutch. Deneysville is a village which has a lot... more travel advice

Antique's in Deneysville Shopping (3)

This little antique shop, according to the owner, mainly has weekend trade. Deneysville is a sleepy village and they... more travel advice

Deneysville's own "Boutique" Shopping (3)

Danica's, owned by Vanessa who travels to Thailand every quarter to shop for her little boutique. There is no other... more travel advice

Comments (18)

Yaqui Nov 22, 2009 at 7:41 AM Report Abuse

The Marina looks delightful and that sunset photo with the sail boat is lovely. Nice page!
icunme Sep 20, 2009 at 10:48 AM Report Abuse

Will be checking in w/U for more lovely pages. Ciao, Carol
DAO Sep 19, 2009 at 2:25 PM Report Abuse

A proper butchers and a braai? Heaven!
volopolo Aug 17, 2009 at 4:28 AM Report Abuse

Great picture of Sunsets on the VAAL
Gillybob Aug 1, 2009 at 7:33 AM Report Abuse

Brings back some memories! I do miss tuisnywerheids - we don't have anything like them in the UK - too many regulations!! Gillybob greetings
hunterV Jul 22, 2009 at 4:08 AM Report Abuse

Hello, June! Thanks for your story about that place! Here it is still hot: +35+37 C.... We had a couple of rains though....
BruceDunning Jul 15, 2009 at 1:31 PM Report Abuse

I guess you all can enjoy all the variety out there in these wonderful looking shops. Good comments
JLBG Jul 2, 2009 at 1:39 PM Report Abuse

The sunset photo is outstanding! Castle Marina castle is an unexpected sight!
iandsmith Jun 25, 2009 at 12:30 PM Report Abuse

Mmm, must be a ladies' page, 3 out of 4 tips are on shopping..... Thanks for sharing, cheers.
tiabunna May 15, 2009 at 7:08 AM Report Abuse

Deneysville certainly sounds like a pleasant relaxing place to visit, June. Must admit though that I'm bemused at the sight of that castle/former restaurant!