Old Willow No7 Houseboat Charters, Vaal River

Captain your own river cruise adventure!

It's something really special - a self-drive houseboat charter. Take the helm of a houseboat and navigate the Vaal River. Cruise the 55km of South Africa's most dynamic permanently navigable inland waterway.

Explore the vibrant shorefront attractions, docking at restaurants, bars, spas, golf courses, and a casino resort. Try your hand at watersports.

Enjoy house-spotting on Millionaires' Bend. Test your skill with a fishing rod. Haul out the twitching kit.

Experience the tranquillity of unspoilt wetlands, misty sunrises and balmy evenings. Moor in a secluded spot, light up the on-board braai and watch the sun set. Then retire to bed on the boat under the starry sky with the lapping waves and croaking frogs as company. It's totally exclusive and totally private. And very, very memorable.

A houseboat charter on the Vaal River is a unique experience. It's the perfect romantic getaway for a couple, tremendous for a family holiday, idyllic for honeymooners, outstanding for fishermen and birders, great for groups and fantastic for friends.

We are located on the exclusive Millionaire's Bend on the Vaal River, just an hour out of Johannesburg. We are centrally located on the river - which makes accessing the wide variety of activities so easy.

Our seven boats each comprise a fore-cabin with double bed, a fully appointed galley with oven, gas stove, fridge and sink, and an inside sitting area that converts into a double bed. There is a small bathroom with hot shower, chemical toilet and a radio/CD player.

The outside deck consists of a sitting area under a retractable awning, a foldout table and charcoal BBQ. Deck chairs and umbrellas have been supplied, making outside dining superb. All linen and kitchen utensils have been provided, enabling guests to only worry about their personal essentials, food and beverages. We have a wide range of delicious hampers to choose from if you dont feel like cooking.

Close by is the town of Parys which boasts an impressive collection of antique shops and art galleries. We can also arrange a gyroplane flight for you over the Vredefort Dome, a World Heritage Site.

No special boating licence or experience is needed. Our fully qualified staff (all have skippers' licences) will show you all the ropes before your set off. And we provide 24-hour back-up service in case you have any questions or need any help

It really is a special experience! In the September 2006 issue of Getaway magazine, their photojournalist wrote: "The Old Willow houseboats rank as one of the most fun and relaxing weekends I've ever spent within an hour of Joburg. It's great quality time for a couple and offers a welcome break from city life.

We are waiting to welcome you on board!