About us

Sunnyside River Lodge is located in the heart of the Vredefort Dome – a 300 km wide crater, left by the impact of the oldest and largest meteorite to hit earth 2 billion years ago.

Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the mountains, bushveld, and a wide variety of African wildlife native to the beautiful South African highveld.

Sunnyside River Lodge’s history stretches back many decades, spanning three generations. Originally a cattle and crop family farm, we are nestled between mountains and the Vaal River. This ideal setting attracts families and adventurers alike, all searching for a spot just outside the city for a weekend getaway. Naturally, we wanted to share our piece of paradise with our guests, and with their comfort in mind, Sunnyside River Lodge was transformed into the guest farm it is today.

This is a place where fishermen find their home on lush riverbanks and where hunters venture into the wild. This is a place where kids find adventure and where city-dwellers retreat into nature. At the end of the day, this is a place where everyone gathers around a fire, under a starry sky, surrounded by the sounds of the night. Whoever you are, you’ll find a part of yourself at Sunnyside River Lodge.

We look forward to welcoming you to our little piece of paradise!

Reviews

What our visitors say

Top-notch accommodation in a beautiful historical and significant setting. The levels of hospitality are kept at a high, rooms are neat and accommodation is well finished; property is safe and fenced and great for the kids.

Fishing out of the Vaal River is arguably the best freshwater fishing the country has to offer. Ask the lodge manager or host about more to do in the area

Timothy Yorke-Hart

Excellent guest accommodation. Chalet rooms are very comfortable and equipped with everything you need for winter or summer. The communal kitchen/entertainment area is perfect for cooking big breakfasts and enjoying an evening fire. Adri is an exceptional host and ensured everything we needed was in place. Highly recommend this place.

Demi Naidoo

It’s simply beautiful, so peaceful and quiet, and you don’t need to take a thing except for clothing and food oh and something to drink, otherwise, it’s lovely there. Can even fish and swim, the cottages and tents are amazing, will definitely recommend and go again.

Lynda Koen

Great place for fishing and relaxing, hired the fishing cottage on the river, cottages have everything needed. The place is covered by trees so no need for an umbrella. Fishing is fantastic, no need to cast far, most fish caught around 50m. Biggest carp 6kg. Chairs and canoe provide. All you need to take is fishing equipment and food.

Hoosein Mahomed

This farm is the ideal spot for a luxury getaway with a homely feel, attention to detail and amaccualete service to guests!

Adele Van den Ende

Accommodations

CHOOSE THE BEST

Chalets

2 Rooms (Sleeps 4 Guests per Chalet)

Each Chalet comprises two comfortable, spacious and air-conditioned rooms.

Luxury Tent

One Room (Sleeps 4 - 6 people)

Luxury tent very close to the riverbank, with two double beds and two single beds, each with mosquito nets.

Fisherman’s Cabin

Basic Cabin One Room Sleeps 4

Situated on the riverbank, this cabin is basic but ideal for fishermen and families alike.

River House

One Room (Sleeps 4 - 6 people)

This luxury house has two spacious bedrooms, one with a king-size bed and one with two single beds.

Main House

Sleeps 5 people

House has two bedrooms, one with a king-size bed and one with a double bed.

Sunnyside River Lodge situated near Vredefort in the Free State, is a self-catering farm on the banks of the Vaal River, a hidden pearl and fishermen’s paradise.

accommodation

9

Fisherman's Cabin

9

Luxury Tent

9

Chalets

Cancellations is free of charge 10 days prior to the date of arrival, after this time we charge 90% of the full rate as cancellation fee.

© Sunnyside River Lodge 2022