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CEDERBERG WATER SPORTS

watersports Clanwilliam and Bulshoek Dams offer some of the cleanest, calmest water in the Western Cape, ideal for world class water skiing, fishing, canoeing and other water sports. The dams fill after the winter rains and offer a relaxing summer playground from October through to March/April.

The Clanwilliam Dam

The Clanwilliam Dam - with its calm, clean water - offers some of the finest water-skiing and water sports in South Africa and certainly one of the most magnificent mountain backdrops with panoramic views of Sneeukop, Tafelberg and Sneeuberg in the central Cederberg.

The Clanwilliam Dam Resort is open to both overnight and day visitors. The water levels drop as the summer progresses but skiing is usually possible to the end of March and sometimes beyond. There is a choice of self-catering and camping on offer.

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The Bulshoek Dam

The smaller and quieter Bulshoek Dam lies to the north of Clanwilliam. Though surrounded by mountains, it doesn’t have the glorious panoramic mountain backdrop that the Clanwilliam Dam has, but it has one distinct advantage later in the summer. The water levels do not drop as fast so it stays full for most of the summer allowing water-skiing until Easter.

However in order to enjoy water-sports here, you will need to stay at one of the Bulshoek Dam accommodation options (self-catering cottages and camping available). Contact Clanwilliam Tourism on 027 482 2024 for information on where to stay…

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Maalgat & other Rock Pools

One of the most enchanting aspects of the Cederberg is the number of mountain rock pools for swimming. One of our favourites is Maalgat, found high in the Cederberg mountains near Sandrif cottages and the Wolfberg Cracks. This deep pool is approx 20 minutes walk from a parking area along a narrow and uneven path. However your reward is a glorious mountain pool for swimming with cascading waterfalls.

Here the brave can jump from the surrounding rocks at ever increasing heights into the bottomless waters below. A visit to Maalgat is perfect after a hike up to the Wolfberg Cracks or an exploration of Stadsaal caves.You will need to scramble at one place so comfortable shoes are a must!

You can opt to stay at Sandrif Cottages (self-catering or camping) or day visitors can buy a permit from Dwarsrivier farm reception.

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Fishing in the Cederberg

Clanwilliam Dam is a popular angling spot is home of the indigenous Clanwilliam Yellow Fish, the ‘rooivlerkie’, the Clanwilliam Sand fish and Barnard’s ‘klipbaber’. The Oliphants River which flows into the Clanwilliam Dam has a number of good angling spots. The local Angling Club regularly arranges competitions on the Clanwilliam Dam, of which the Bass Classic in October is the most famous.

During October the Clanwilliam Dam turns into a fisherman’s paradise and attracts people from far as the weather and water levels makes October the ideal month to fish for small mouth bass. Both the Men’s SA record (3.6kg) and Junior SA record were broken in 2007 at the Clanwilliam Dam.Indigenous fish should be caught on a catch and release basis but fishing for alien fish species such as rainbow trout, carp and bass are encouraged.

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