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The accommodations are all quite different in character:
ask about options to suit you. All have linen supplied,
with kitchenettes and
cutlery. The units are all
self-catering except for the Ilkewe farmstay where bed &
breakfast is an option. Group catering is arranged on
request. There is no cash bar and we do not have a shop. The
water from our borehole is excellent drinkable quality.
Firewood is supplied for your first fire; thereafter please
buy it.
 You could hardly
find a more private venue on the Vaal, sheltered as we are
by a profusion of wild islands and channels filled with fish
and birdlife. Otters's Haunt is so called because several
families of otters live in the nearby pools. The river is
home to smallmouth and largemouth yellowfish, carp, mudfish
and many kinds of frogs. There are also caracal (lynx),
porcupines, vervet monkeys, and a great variety of veld
birds, bushland birds and waterfowl. On arrival, guests are
shown the trails, including the wonderful
Sundeck, and receive
information pamphlets about activities and places to visit.
RIVER HOUSE
“Otters’ Den”
– Min 4 Max 8-10
3 bedrooms, 2
bathrooms, living room, fitted kitchen, pool, jaccuzi,
with network
connection in main bedroom
Otters’ Den is set
high over the Vaal River, overlooks a quiet channel,
playground of otters, leguaans and waterfowl. There is a sun
porch, swimming pool
and Jacuzzi.
The large main bedroom has a river view.
The lounge with log
fireplace, TV and
billiards table can double as a seminar or
training room.
 With its pool patio,
the house suits families, friends or business associates. A
large kitchen and braai area complete the ambience of peace
and comfort. The attached Porcupine Room can be incorporated
for larger groups. More on
River House...
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Porcupine Room
(attached to River House) – Couples
1 bedroom en-suite,
veranda, kitchenette, braai,
network connection
Very popular with
couples, single parents, fishermen and mountain
bikers, the Porcupine room is a neat, comfy, self-contained
annexe to the River House. Overlooking the tree shaded lawns and with a river view, the Porcupine
Room is named after our frequent noctural visitors.
Porcupines leave their quills scattered around, and are
sometimes seen under the night lights. With its attached
bathroom, porch kitchenette and wide entrance, the unit is
ideal for weekends or longer stayovers.
More on Porcupine Room.
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FULL MOON BUSH CABINS
Bush Camp
– Min 4 Max 14 persons
In all the bush camp
comprises four cosy thatched dwelling units: two A-frame
2-bed cabins (called Malachite and Pangolin), one A-frame 4
bed cabin (Caracal), and one penthouse-style
bedroom-en-suite with annex atop a koppie suitable for
couples or four persons (Cormorant).
The camp centres on a
beautiful
 rock-pool style swimming pool
and it is built around a koppie with a wonderful view of the
Vaal River valley. It is Full Moon after the spectacular
night skies, seen especially well in winter, visible from
the lawns and koppie top.
A thatched ablution
block serves the main camp and has external sink and laundry
line. There is an outdoor social lapa with fridge & freezer,
hotplate, braai area, cooking and eating utensils.
Overlooking the pool is a campfire circle. Our camp manager
will tell you all about the area and show you around on the
riverbank walking trails. More...
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Cormorant
Part of
Bush Cabins or separate accommodation
“Honeymoon” Bedroom
and Annex – Max 4 persons
This delightful
structure is perched among huge boulders with a spectacular
view of the Vaal Valley. It may be hired separately or
incorporated with the lower bush camp for larger groups. It
has a fully equipped kitchenette, braai and fireplace area
set on the hilltop. Cormorant guests share the swimming pool
with others. More...
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Guineafowl Cottage
Two adults or a small
family (max 4)
 This
charming self-contained chalet has a bedroom en suite and a
lounge-kitchenette with an additional sleeper couch. It is
situated above the Otters' Haunt lawns with a wonderful view
of the gardens and riverbank. Parking is in a shady grove
and there is a traditional front porch with a lawn and braai
area. It's 150 metres to the river.
More...
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HERON'S NEST
Small conferencing and
strategy centre: up to 15
An ideal setting for relaxed
meetings and executive brainstorms This small rustic centre
looks sits opposite the Otters' reception overlooking the
lawns and river environs. It is equipped for multipurpose
use with a lounge suite, couches, a large table for meeting
or dining, a presentation area, and a porch for social
gatherings. Beds may be moved in on request and the Heron's
Nest becomes a comfortable cottage suitable for 2-4 persons,
with its large open-plan living room. A kitchenette and
bathroom complete the facilities.
More...
INTERNET
Visitors may make use of the 24-hour
Internet connectivity and computer network during their
stay, at reasonable rates. We have pc's at the
Vaal Cybercentre (Reception)
and there is wireless connectivity both there and in the
Heron's Nest.
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BOAT HIRE - Canoes & inflatable
Boats are available for
hire (not for rapids).
We have 2-seater Synergy sit-on-tops (which can also
take a small child with 2 paddlers) and smaller Vaya
kiddies' craft for 7-11 yearolds. The Synergies and Vaya
are ideal for paddling up river and among the islands.
There is a
2-seater Crocodile inflatable. The Croc is a good
fishing platform. No-one is allowed to run the rapids below
Otters' Haunt: please go upriver to calm water.
Own risk:
Boats are hired and used at own risk, and damage must be
paid for. Watch where you are, it is easy to get lost. You
must wear a lifejacket. In the event of loss, replacement
costs are Synergy: R4750, Croc: R6000. Go here for rates.
Paddles R450 each, Lifejackets R550 each. All plus VAT.
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VREDEFORT DOME 
BLAST!
Walk n Talks
From 3 hours to 2 days
Introductory and specialist
geology tours
Visit
Parys and see the Vredefort Dome, centre of the largest
visible asteroid crater on earth (although there is still
debate about whether this was a blast from within the
earth). This strike, 2.023 billion years ago, gave South
Africa its ring of goldfields, and also created the
enchanting Bergland (concentric rings of mountains) flanking
the Vaal River. Mountains and river create the adventure
playground that is modern Parys.
 Let our knowledgeable
BLAST! guides tell you about the Vredefort Dome in a
campfire talk, and conduct you around the area.
Otters' Haunt is a
resource centre that collects and publishes information
about the area, its history, archaeology, geology, ecology,
art and antiques, and modern developments. Call us for tips
on what to do and where to go. More and pix...
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ADVENTURE
Self-guided and
guided activities
Parys is fast becoming
Gauteng's adventure playground. It combines wild river
surroundings, mountains, open areas for hiking and cycling,
and lots accommodation. We can point you in the direction
you want to go - whether for flyfishing, mountain biking,
adventure racing, or hiking. We also arrange canoeingk
whitewater rafting and horse riding. There is much more, and guided
activities are offered for all levels of experience.
More...
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