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Trusted by 15000+ customers
Old Willow Houseboats
Trusted by 15000+ customers
Select your dates to reserve
from R1,500
/ for 2 guests
Shower only
Two Plate Stove
Bar Fridge
Kitchenette
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Accommodation Description
Experience a unique self-catering stay on the expansive Vaal River in the Free State when you book a stay on one of the Old Willow Houseboats. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family escape, or a friends’ retreat, these fully equipped houseboats offer a one-of-a-kind holiday experience that combines adventure, relaxation and the comforts of home.
Old Willow Houseboats offers self-drive, self-catering houseboats that can accommodate up to five guests. Each boat features a main cabin with a double bed, a sitting area that converts into a second double bed, and a single sleeper couch. The galley is fully equipped with a stove, oven, and fridge, while the outdoor sitting area, with a retractable awning and braai facilities, and a top deck with deck chairs, enhance the onboard experience.
Setting Description
Situated on Millionaires Bend along the Vaal Barrage, Old Willow Houseboats is conveniently located just an hour's drive from Johannesburg. This prime location allows guests to explore 55 km of navigable river, docking at various shorefront attractions such as restaurants, pubs, spas, golf courses and more.
The surrounding area also offers nature reserves, historical sites and the Vredefort Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing a diverse range of activities for all interests. During the day, guests can cruise the Vaal River, swim, sunbathe, fish and bird watch. Evenings are perfect for anchoring in tranquil river tributaries to enjoy a braai under the stars.
Activities
Bird Watching
Hiking
Walking
Swimming
Fishing
Reviews
O. Mafumo
Stayed at: Old Willow Houseboats
experience of a lifetime
An experience of a lifetime. You are welcomed by amazing staff, a well informed induction before take off. The boats are well equipped, well maintained and very clean and comfortable. What an amazing time cruising and sleeping right in the middle of the river. Calm, safe, relaxed, quiet.
A. Victor
Stayed at: Old Willow Houseboats
highly recommend
Best holiday we had in a long time. Friendly staff and owner. All very helpful. All sorted from the beginning to the end. Everything was explained in detail. Will recommend it to anyone and we will do it again. Awesome scenery and experience to drive your own houseboat.
O. Mafumo
Stayed at: Old Willow Houseboats
experience of a lifetime
An experience of a lifetime. You are welcomed by amazing staff, a well informed induction before take off. The boats are well equipped, well maintained and very clean and comfortable. What an amazing time cruising and sleeping right in the middle of the river. Calm, safe, relaxed, quiet.
A. Victor
Stayed at: Old Willow Houseboats
highly recommend
Best holiday we had in a long time. Friendly staff and owner. All very helpful. All sorted from the beginning to the end. Everything was explained in detail. Will recommend it to anyone and we will do it again. Awesome scenery and experience to drive your own houseboat.
Location
7 Korhaan Drive, Wonderfontein, Korhaan River Estate, Sasolburg, 1947
How to get there
We will send you detailed information and directions a week prior to your charter date. We are based on the Vaal Barrage between Vanderbijlpark and Sasolburg, 1 hour's drive from Johannesburg.
From OR Tambo International Airport:
Head south on O.R. Tambo Airport Road and proceed for 900 m;
Keep right at the fork to continue on Exit 46, follow signs for R24/Johannesburg and proceed for 1 km;
Continue onto R24 for 8.1 km;
Merge onto N12/R24 and proceed for 1 km;
Use the left 3 lanes to take exit 113 for N3 S/N12 toward M2/Kimberley/Germiston/Durban and proceed for 1.3 km;
Merge onto N3 Eastern Bypass/N12/N3 and proceed for 3.7 km;
Keep right to stay on N3 Eastern Bypass/N12/N3 and proceed for 3.6 km;
Keep right at the fork to continue on N12 and proceed for 4.1 km;
At the interchange 402Reading, Use the left lane to follow signs for R59 toward Alberton/Vereeniging and proceed for 73 km;
Turn right and proceed for 1.2 km;
Turn left onto Minaar Stree and proceed for 3.2 km;
Turn left onto Korhaan River Road and proceed for 47 m;
Turn left to stay on Korhaan River Road and proceed for 140 m;
Turn right and proceed for 550 m to reach Old Willow Houseboats.
Frequently asked questions
No, please note: rates exclude the cost of fuel used during your charter. Fuel is provided on-board - you will need to purchase the fuel. Fuel costs approximately R700 for a 25-litre tank, depending on fuel price, which is sufficient for between three and four hours of cruising at reasonable speed. Refuelling must be done at the property. Failure to do so will make you liable to be removed from the houseboat with no refund and make you liable for the costs of any damages to the engine.
Incidental Costs: Costs of any equipment rented from the hosts such as fishing rods, fishing boats, life jackets, towels, tubes, charcoal, firelighters, drinks, fishing tackle, etc. and equipment purchased from us, to be paid prior to departure.
Hirers must be adults in possession of a valid driver's license. Your hosts are authorised by SAMSA to issue temporary skippers licenses for the duration of your charter, after basic skippers training. You ill be briefed on how to operate the boat, the "rules of the river" and what you can do on the river. You will be provided with a comprehensive information file. You will be required to sign an indemnity and terms & conditions upon arrival.
No. The houseboats are fully equipped with bedding as well as utensils, pots, pans, glasses,12v fridge/freezer, shower, chemical toilet, small charcoal braai and 140 litres of freshwater. All guests need to bring are food, beverages and towels.
Yes, there is an outside sitting area with a small charcoal braai facility.
