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The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa

Bon Accord Dam

Afrikaans name: Bon Accorddam

Bon Accord Dam

Photo © Steven Herbert

Gauteng

Bon Accord is located on the northern outskirts of Pretoria. It is popular with fisherman and the boating community. It is also a popular place for braais and picnics. There is a pub near the entrance which also serves meals. It is quite pleasant to sit under the large trees and enjoy a light meal. There is accommodation nearby the dam.

The dam is fed by the Apies River. Construction was completed in 1923 and was built mainly for irrigation purposes. The dam wall is 17 metres high and the dam is a bit over 1.1 kilometres in length.

Due to its close proximity to Pretoria, it is a fairly popular fishing spot. The southern shore is better than the northern shore for fishing, but the reeds and other obstacles mean that you will be snagging various objects and having to break your line. The fish that you may catch here include Largemouth Bass, Carp and barbel. Generally, the fishing is frustrating and not too productive.

It is not a great birding spot, but birders will find a range of the more common waterbirds. A checklist of some of the species is shown below.

There is an entry fee applicable for access to the dam by vehicle, but you can park in the restaurant parking area and walk less than 50 metres to the water’s edge.