The Main Event

Welcome to “Celebrating the Vaal River,” a community-driven event dedicated to showcasing the vibrant Vaal River community. This includes venues, hotels, water clubs, fishing clubs, and boat operators who are all part of our celebration.

Despite the challenges faced due to the water lettuce infestation, our community has worked tirelessly to restore the river. We’re excited to announce that the Vaal River will be open for the summer season!

Join us on September 6th for the official opening of the boating season. Everyone is welcome! Venues will host special events, hotels will offer accommodation packages, and boat operators will sell tickets. The day will feature a grand flotilla with an opening ceremony at 15H00 at the Buddrift Bridge, open to all boat owners. Come and be part of the celebration!

On the Water

Liquid Lounge Flotilla Cruise

Be part of the highlight of the event with our exclusive ticketed cruise!
Enjoy a magical 3-hour journey down the beautiful Vaal River.

Date: 6th September 2025
Time: 12H30 – 16H00 (Arrival 12H00)
Location: Boarding at Emerald resort & Casino
Theme: Proudly South African
Price: R680 per person

What’s Included:
A delightful finger fork menu and Live entertainment from a talented 2-piece band, setting the perfect mood for a day on the water.

Join hundreds of boats in a magnificent flotilla, celebrating the majestic Vaal River. As we cruise, land-based venues along the riverbank will get to witness the spectacular procession of boats gliding by.

This is more than just a boat ride; it’s a celebration of community, nature, and the enchanting beauty of the Vaal River. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event!

Get your tickets

On Land

SA vs NZ live @ River Venue & Café

“We are South Africans and Proudly So!”
This year’s flotilla coincides with the Boks vs All Blacks rugby showdown (09H00 – 11H00) – setting the tone for a festive, proudly South African day of gees, green & gold, and river pride!

Come watch the game live at our River Venue & Café.
Tasty gourmet sandwiches available to line those tummies for a great day at the Vaal
View our Café menu here

Book a Table

Vaal River Community

The flotilla event on the Vaal River Barrage is three fold. Firstly, to resurrect an annual event that occurred on the Vaal River Barrage to celebrate the opening of the spring and summer boating season; and secondly, to celebrate the river clean of water lettuce and water hyacinth; and finally, to claw back the losses that were incurred to the many businesses along the Vaal River Barrage that rely on and make a living through their direct contact and involvement on the barrage.

This celebration is a tribute to the successful close working relationship between the Vaal River Community, Rand Water, DWS, Rhodes University, the Centre for Biological Control, Afriforum, Omnia and SAVE (Save the Vaal Environment) and FEDHASA. View www.vaalrivercommunity.co.za for news and updates on projects and celebrations of the Vaal River