Deneysville

In early stone-age times, the San had settled along the shore of the Vaal River, where Deneysville is established today. They were followed by the Khoikhoi. Ruins of their dwellings can be seen in the area today.

Deneysville was established during the period of the building of the Vaaldam wall. At the time of its completion it became South Africa's first international airport when Imperial Airway's first 'C' Class flying boat 'Canopus' landed here in 1937.

The village was named after Deneys Reitz who was Minister of Agriculture at the time. The stone cottage on the waterfront built by the Reitz family is now St. Peter's Church, a popular wedding venue.

The largest inland regatta, perhaps in the world, the Round the Island Race is held here. It has been said that there are more keelboats at Vaaldam than all our coastal harbours. Power boating is popular too and there is excellent fishing.

Africa's largest water-bird count is held here every January. In 2006 over 97,000 birds were recorded.