Inanda Dam
Description
The Inanda Resources Reserve, to be found in the Valley of a Thousand Hills near Hillcrest, is the ideal place for water sport and is famous for its bass fishing. The most popular water sports practiced here include jet skiing, power boating and canoeing. Other fish to be found in this dam – if you enjoy fly fishing – is Tilapia (both Blue and Red-Chest), Barbel (catfish), Scalies (yellow-fish) and Carp. The campsite is well maintained and at the water’s edge; there are braai facilities and a children’s jungle gym. There is a short self-guided trail that will give you the chance to admire many bird species.
Directions
Travelling along the M13 towards Assagay, take exit 28 – Gillets / R103 / Old Main Road / Hillcrest. At the end of the off-ramp, turn right over the bridge into Old Main Road. Turn right into Inanda Road, there’s a signboard indicating M33 / Waterfall. Turn left into Blessing Ninela Road (previously known as Fischer Road). Some pranksters on occasion spray paint these new road names so that you can’t read them, another way to know where to turn left is that there is a sign directing you to Inanda Dam. This road is also adjacent to a housing estate called Balmoral – the perimeter walls look a bit like a castle wall. Just keep driving, eventually you’ll notice the dam in the distance – it’s huge and impressive to look at as you drive closer.
Fees and Permits
During summer the dam is open from 5am to 7pm and during winter it is open from 6:30am to 6pm. There is a small fee payable at the entrance and if you plan on doing some fishing, you need to get a fishing permit at the office.
Don’t forget
These critical items you should not forget at home:-
• Sunblock;
• Braai meat;
• Charcoal and firelighters;
• Sunblock!