Emmarentia Dam

AAs mentioned, the dam is ideal for water sport lovers too. Members of the Dabulamanzi Canoe Club train on this stretch of water throughout the year, and most of them are extremely friendly and will happily give you advice on canoeing as well as other outdoor spots to visit in the city.

Fish that can be caught in Emmarentia Dam include bass, barbel and carp. A freshwater fishing license is required, which you can obtain from the South African Post Office (SAPO).

Birdlife at Emmarentia Dam includes bishops, weavers, moorhens and geese, as well as many other species of water birds. This is a popular dog-walking spot and a great place to meet other canine lovers.

PPhotographers, in particular, will enjoy Emmarentia during the autumn months (April and May) when the leaves on the trees start to change into magical colours of gold, red and orange. There are often very vivid thunderstorms in the summer months (November to March), during which spectacular photographs of lightning above the water can be taken.

The small cafe near the main entrance on Olifants Road serves light meals and refreshments. Home-packed picnic baskets are also more than welcome within the park. There is an abundance of entertainment options down the road from Emmarentia Dam, in the form of the restaurants and bars on Gleneagles Road, which remain festive until the early hours of the morning. So why not take a late afternoon stroll around the dam before heading off for something delicious to eat with a friend.