Old Willow No 7 Houseboat Charters

Houseboats on the Vaal River hire a self-drive houseboat and be captain of your own river adventure on the Vaal Barrage. Cruise the 55 km of South Africa’s most dynamic, permanently navigable inland waterway. We show you the ropes, help you chart your course and you become skipper of your river adventure. And then we provide 24-hour backup support in the unlikely event that you might need us.

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. In the October issue, Old Willow No 7 Houseboat Charters is the Editor’s Choice. And then the Getaway news editor identified us as her No1 weekend outing in SA in the Feb 2007 issue.

David Batzofin, writing for the Saturday Star Travel Section in Feb 2007 said: It had truly been a memorable experience, it was two very happy intrepid adventurers that returned to reluctantly hand back the keys at the jetty. We are the exclusive operators of new Leisure Liner houseboats on Vaal waters and our eight marine architect designed boats are manufactured to the highest safety specifications.

Our boats have everything you need. Just bring your clothes, food and towels. Please enquire about our food hampers. The houseboat can sleep up to five people. Inside it has a four-cabin with a double bed and storage space, a fully appointed galley with gas stove, oven, fridge and sink. A small heads with a hot shower, chemical toilet and basin, an inside dining area that converts into a double bed and a radio/CD player.

Outside is a sitting area under a retractable awning and a charcoal braai. Deck chairs are provided on the upper deck. Explore the vibrant shorefront attractions, docking at restaurants, bars, spas, golf courses and a casino resort. Try your hand at water sports. Enjoy house-spotting on Millionaires’ Bend. Take to the skies in a gyrocopter. Test your skill with a fishing rod.

Haul out the twitching kit. Light up the on-board braai. Or just chill out in a tube towed behind the boat. An easy hour’s drive south from Joburg and you can be on your own self-drive charter adventure. No special license required. Just bring yourselves and a sense of adventure. No single night bookings are accepted over weekends or peak season/Christmas and Easter. Please enquire about specials, pensioner and peak season rates. Please note that petrol is an additional cost that is calculated at the end of the charter. Our charters are extremely popular, especially over weekends, and it is often necessary to book a number of weeks in advance. So don't delay - request a quote now.