OppiDam, hidden gem in Mpumalanga

OppiDam is a fairly small camping resort at Vygeboom Dam on the Komati River just north of Badplaas, situated in the grasslands region of Mpumalanga. Vygeboom Dam has a capacity of 78 million cubic metres. Although many of the places around the dam is privately owned, OppiDam is open to the public for a weekend break-away. The dam is a popular venue for all types of water sports. The closest town to OppiDam is Badplaas, which is about 6 kilometres away and best known for its hot springs. It lies at the foot of the Ndlumudlumu mountain range, which means “Place of Much Thunder” in Swazi. The hot springs and its surroundings were, according to history, entrusted to Jacob de Clercq by a Swazi chief in 1876, who then went on to establish a trade post. Following the gold rush, people seeking their fortune flocked to the region known to the Swazis as eManzana (healing waters). Popular activities in the area other than the hot springs, include bird-watching, game viewing at various game farms, and fishing. This is where OppiDam is a must visit.

Accommodation

1. Houseboats

If you are looking for something different for that special occasion, OppiDam offers accommodation in one of 4 self-drive houseboats that each cater for up to five people. All the houseboats are equipped with some of the best modern conveniences to ensure that your stay is comfortable and enjoyable. The cabin on the houseboat has a double bed, bench seat and a single bed suitable for children. The dining area also converts into another double bed if needed. The kitchen is equipped with a gas stove, fridge, sink and all essential cutlery and crockery. The bathroom consists of a hot shower, basin and chemical toilet. The exterior has an open lounge deck with a Bimini shade and gas braai. You can also go up to the rooftop sundeck for sunbathing or simply enjoying the views.

2. Self-catering house

OppiDam has one self-catering house that are situated on the banks of Vygeboom Dam. The house can accommodate 10 people and are fully equipped with double and single beds, a kitchen and bathroom. The kitchen has a gas stove, fridge/freezer, microwave and dishwasher.

3. Camping

OppiDam has 23 campsites right on the waterfront, each with electricity and braai facilities. In addition, the resort also offers six caravans for hire. One of the caravans sleeps three people while the other five can sleep four people each. All the caravans are fully equipped for self-catering. Besides the caravans, OppiDam offers six tents that can each sleep 3 persons each. The tented camp is separate from the caravan sites and has its own ablution facilities, kitchen and boma.

Additional activities

OppiDam offers the Floating Cocktails Party Boat that can be hired as your party venue. The boat has a self-catering bar equipped with fridge, bar utensils, glassware and ice buckets. The deck has tables, chairs, plates, crockery and cutlery. Gas braai facilities is available on the upper-deck. The Barge Boat, named “Lawaaimaker” is also for hire if you and a couple of friends would like to spend the day on the dam. It can accommodate up to 12 people and comes equipped with tables, chairs, gas burner, cutlery and crockery, a chemical toilet and a sound system.

Fish from the barge or simple enjoy a relaxed day on the water. If it is only you and your partner, consider hiring a pedal boat or kayak for a fun day on the dam. In addition, the fishing is good and the dam offers all kinds of additional water activities. If you get tired of relaxing and lying in the sun with your favourite book, you can opt to explore the surrounding area.

Badplaas Forever Resorts offers outdoor swimming pools, indoor spa, super tube and speed slide, game drives, horse trails, paint ball, tennis, volleyball, and a golf course. OppiDam can make prior arrangement for entrance to the resort. You can also book a quad bike ride in the Emanzana Nature Reserve inside the Forever Resorts, or around Vygeboom Dam.

Don’t feel like cooking? No stress. OppiDam also offers affordable meals at Ararat Restaurant. The restaurant offers an ala carte menu and is open for breakfast right through to dinner. In addition, it offers a special meal on Wednesdays and you need to book beforehand as the local usually pitch for this. You can also order a take-away at the restaurant and it has a fully equipped bar and TV’s so that you don’t miss any important sport event.

So why wait! For an affordable break-away, be sure to contact OppiDam today to book your preferred accommodation and spend some time in nature. It is the ideal venue for a couple or family break-away as well as for companies who would like to do some team building.

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