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Oppidam Houseboats, Vygeboom Dam Mpumalanga |
HOUSE BOAT ACCOMMODATION, SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION & CAMPING |
Oppidam Houseboats is situated on the banks of the beautiful Vygeboom Dam in Mpumalanga. Known as the place where the sun rises, this unique getaway is situated conveniently close to Badplaas in the grassland and wetlands area. Definitely something you should be considering for your honeymoon, family holiday or team building event. Houseboat holidays have become increasingly popular in South Africa and around the world. Imagine waking up to a different view every morning and watching the scenery change around you all day while sitting back and simply soaking up the sun. And what better place to spend your leisurely days adrift than on the breath-taking Vygeboom Dam which is known for its many species of fish, abundant birdlife and varied surrounding landscapes. |



Our houseboats were built in the Western Cape by Knysna Leisure Craft and have been approved by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA). We have taken a great deal of care to transport these boats all the way to Vygeboom Dam and fitted them with high quality items to make sure they contain everything you might need. |
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What To Bring?
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Quick ContactPhysical Address Oppidam Houseboats, Vygeboomdam, Badplaas, Mpumalanga, South Africa Telephone (Bookings) 013 712 2365 Fax 013 712 6498 Email Address info@houseboats.co.za |



Oppidam House Boats, Mpumalanga | Camping | Self Catering Accommodation, Lowveld


OUR HOUSEBOATS | VYGEBOOM DAM MPUMALANGA |
Our fleet consists of 4 self-drive houseboats that each cater for up to five people. We’ve personally equipped them with some of the best modern conveniences to ensure that your stay is comfortable and enjoyable. |
IN THE CABIN |
ON THE DECK |
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Inside the front cabin is a double bed, bench seat and a single bed suitable for children. The dining area effortlessly converts into another double bed. The galley (kitchen) is equipped with a gas stove, fridge, sink and all essential cutlery and crockery. The compact heads (bathroom) consists of a hot shower, basin and chemical toilet. We provide all essential bed linen. In accordance with SAMSA regulations each houseboat is also equipped with the following: ✓ Life Jackets |
The exterior has an open lounge deck with a Bimini shade and gas braai. The ladder takes you up to the rooftop sundeck with plentiful space for sunbathing and enjoying the panoramic views of Vygeboom Dam. Please note that no smoking is permitted inside the houseboats, due to the use of the gas geyser. Smoking on the lounge deck is also prohibited because of the engine and fuel tanks. |
FLOATING COCKTAILS PARTY BOAT |
Why not hire Floating Cocktails Party Boat as your party venue? The boat is equipped with tables, chairs, plates, crockery &cutlery. Self-catering bar equipped with fridge, ice buckets, bar utensils and glassware. Gas braai available on the upper-deck. |
WE ALSO HAVE PEDAL BOATS AND KAYAKS FOR HIRE |
BARGE BOAT / LAWAAIWATER |
Our newest addition for picnics of fishing – The Barge Boat can accommodate up to 12 people (including the skipper). The boat has tables, chairs, gas burner, chemical toilet and a sound system. There is cutlery and crockery on board too; everything you might need on the boat. Two options to rent:
Skippers license required to steer the boat. |
BOAT TRIPS |
We also offer 1 hour boat trips Monday – Sunday @ R175 per person per hour. Contact the Oppidam Reception / Shop to book or for more info. |



Oppidam House Boats, Mpumalanga | Camping | Self Catering Accommodation, Lowveld


SELF CATERING |
Oppidam offers one self-catering houses that are situated on the banks of Vygeboom Dam and are fully equipped. The house can accommodate 10 people. Contact us now to book! |
CAMPING & CARAVAN |
Oppidam has 23 waterfront campsites available to hire. Each campsite has electricity and braai facilities. Oppidam also has 6 caravans available for hire. Each caravan is fully equipped for self-catering and one caravan sleeps 3 people while the other 5 caravans sleep 4 people. Contact us now to book! |
TENTED CAMPING |
Oppidam has 6 tents that can each sleep 3 persons (18 in total). The tented camp has its own ablution facilities, kitchen and boma. The tented camp can be rented in the following ways:
Contact us now to book! |

SELF CATERING |
Oppidam offers 1 self-catering house that is situated on the banks of Vygeboom Dam and is fully equipped. One house can accommodate 10 people. Contact us now to book! |

CAMPING & CARAVAN |
Oppidam has 23 waterfront campsites available to hire. Each campsite has electricity and braai facilities. Oppidam also has 6 caravans available for hire. Each caravan is fully equipped for self-catering and one caravan sleeps 3 people while the other 5 caravans sleep 4 people Contact us now to book! |

TENTED CAMPING |
Oppidam has 6 tents that can each sleep 3 persons (18 in total). The tented camp has its own ablution facilities, kitchen and boma. The tented camp can be rented in the following ways:
Contact us now to book! |
Oppidam House Boats, Mpumalanga | Camping | Self Catering Accommodation, Lowveld


OPPIDAM PRICE LISTS |
(Prices subject to change without prior notice) |
HOUSE BOAT RATES |
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R1750 per night (1 – 2 persons) min 2 nights stay R1950 per night (1 – 2 persons) 1 night stay R200 per person per night per extra person (Maximum of 5 persons) R2500 refundable security / breakage deposit paid in CASH R2650 refundable security / breakage deposit paid with CARD Rates are charged per night for the boat as per amount of persons sleeping per night. |
INCLUDES:
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SELF CATERING HOUSES RATES |
D-HOUSE R1500 per night (Sleeps up to 10 persons)
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Please Note:
House Boats and Houses are all NON SMOKING self-catering units and are NOT SERVICED daily!
Linen is provided, but guests to bring own bath and swim towels.
House Boats and Houses are equipped with cutlery & crockery.
Full payment required within 48 hours after confirmation to confirm the booking
Oppidam House Boats, Mpumalanga | Camping | Self Catering Accommodation, Lowveld


THINGS TO DO NEARBY OPPIDAM, MPUMALANGA |
Vygeboom Dam is close to the small town of Badplaas where there are plentiful things to do as well as some shops should you need some last minute items. |
Things to do out on landFor some simply lounging on the boat all day is enough, but for others the trip won’t be complete without exploring the surrounding area. Here are a couple of options you might want to consider when settling foot on land: Forever Resorts Badplaas – Game drives, horse trails, paint ball, Rinkhals (tube rapids), super tube and speed slide, outdoor swimming pools (3 kiddies, 2 warm, 1 cold), tennis, volleyball, go carts, fufi slide. Please inform us a day in advance if you would like to visit the resort and we can make arrangements for entrance. Eco Quad Adventures – Quad bike trails in the Emanzana Nature Reserve inside the Forever Resorts. |
When it’s hotOn sunny days you’d probably spend most of your time on the houseboat doing some bird watching, fishing, sunbathing or simply admiring the view.
Many visitors to the dam come for the sole purpose of landing that big one. The dam is very popular among fishermen who enjoy the fact that it is the ideal water to catch carp, yellow fish, bass and kurper. |
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On rainy daysOn rainy days you can curl up in your boat and watch DVD’s on the provided DVD player. It is also a fun time to enjoy some board games. Here are some things to do in the area when the weather is not favourable for outdoor activities: Forever Resorts Badplaas – Hydro Spa – Four Indoor swimming pools. One hot, two warm and one cold. (No children under three) Spa Treatments – Spa treatments can be enjoyed at Forever Resorts Badplaas Spa from 08:00 to 17:00 or at Dawsons Game Lodge Spa |
Something for the kidsThe kids will love the experience of being on the water. They can learn to fish, swim in the dam and learn more about life outdoors. At charter base they can rent a kayak or paddle boat. There’s lots of space to run around and play. |
Oppidam House Boats, Mpumalanga | Camping | Self Catering Accommodation, Lowveld


SERVICES & FACILITIES |
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Boats leave from charter base at Oppidam grounds. No boats are to leave the charter base after dark so if you arrive later than sunset the first night will be spent at charter base. There is also safe parking for your vehicles at charter base. All captains should do a short compulsory navigational course. Once you are informed, a temporary skipper’s licence will be issued. Captains who already have a skippers licence will be exempt from the navigational course if they provide a copy of their valid skippers licence. Don’t despair if you have never piloted a boat before as most of our clients are new to it when they arrive. We rent out kayaks and peddle boats to keep you entertained while your houseboat is serviced. |
Our friendly staff are available for you daily from 09:00 am to 11:00 am to service the boat. Servicing of the houseboat includes the following:
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Oppidam House Boats, Mpumalanga | Camping | Self Catering Accommodation, Lowveld


Physical Address: Vygeboom Dam, Badplaas
Postal Address: PO Box 749, Barberton
Postal Code: 1300
Telephone: +27(0)13 712 2365 / 4512
Mobile: +27(0)66 327 1068
Fax: +27(0)-
Email: info@houseboats.co.za
Directions: -
Latitude: -25.864012
Longitude: 30.623446
Reservations office
Monday – Friday | 08h00 17h00
Cell: 066 327 1068
Tel: 013 712 2365 / 013 712 4512
E-mail: info@houseboats.co.za
OppiDam Reception & Shop
Monday – Saturday 08h00 – 18h00
Sunday 08h00 – 13h00
Cell: 079 241 0110