Opening hours may vary according to the season, weather, fire risk and operational conditions.

Summer Opening hours: 6:00 - 20:00
(1 October–31 March)

Winter Opening Hours: 6:30 - 18:30
(1 April–30 September)

Day Pass
Adults: R60
Under 18: R30

Mid-Year Pass
Adults: R700
Under 18: R200

Annual Pass
Adults: R1400
Under 18: R400

Family passes are available. Children under eight and guests with disabilities enter free.

Prices include VAT but exclude booking fees.

Get Your Pass

Weather around the dam can change quickly. Please check the live forecast before beginning any outdoor or water activity.

When strong wind is present, paddlers are strongly advised to stay off the water. Wind can quickly push canoes, kayaks and SUPs away from safe areas.

If in doubt, do not launch.

We recommend bringing:

• Drinking water

• Sunscreen

• A hat

• Suitable footwear

• A warm or windproof layer

• A properly fitted life jacket for water activities

• Any personal medication you may require

ARC of Franschhoek is accessed from the R45 through Franschhoek.

Continue along Huguenot Road, turn right into Excelsior Road and then right into Robertsvlei Road. Continue for approximately 4.8km to La Roche Road, turn left through the gates and continue for approximately 450m.

All visitors must:

• Enter through authorised access points

• Register upon arrival

• Pay the applicable access fee

• Follow staff instructions

• Park in designated parking areas

• Use designated launch areas when accessing the water

The Berg River Dam Precinct is a sensitive and regulated natural environment. Open fires in open spaces are strictly prohibited.

ARC offers designated, regulated and controlled fire and braai experiences with the necessary safety measures and supervision in place.

Enjoy the fire. Respect the environment. Protect our natural heritage.

Please contact the ARC team for information about approved fire and braai options.

ARC Management

The following non-motorised activities are permitted, subject to weather and operational conditions:

• Canoeing

• Kayaking

• Stand-up paddleboarding

• Other approved non-motorised recreational water activities

All water users must comply with ARC’s water-use regulations and any temporary restrictions issued by staff.

Life jackets are compulsory
Every paddler must wear a properly fitted life jacket while on the water. No life jacket, no launch.

Children must be supervised
Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult on the water. Young children must be actively supervised at all times.

Zero alcohol
Do not enter the water under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Sign in before launching
All canoeists, kayakers and SUP users must register at the ARC Reception Guardhouse and provide an emergency contact number.

Tell someone your plan
Tell a family member, friend or ARC staff member your intended route and expected return time. Let them know when you are safely back on shore.

Use designated launch areas
Informal launch points are not permitted.

Monitor the wind
Do not launch during strong wind or unsafe weather conditions.

Follow staff instructions
ARC may restrict or stop water activities when conditions are considered unsafe.

To protect the environment and ensure everyone’s safety:

• No unauthorised fires or braais

• No littering

• No environmental disturbance

• Stay on marked trails

• Do not enter restricted areas

• Children must be supervised

• Dogs must remain under control

• Use designated parking and launch areas

• Do not drive vehicles into the dam basin

• Do not park along the shoreline

• Do not wash equipment in the dam

• Follow all staff instructions and zoning controls

The Berg River Dam forms part of a strategic water resource system.

Access controls and environmental rules exist to:

• Protect water quality

• Prevent contamination

• Reduce erosion and sediment disturbance

• Preserve biodiversity

• Protect the surrounding natural environment

• Ensure safe recreational use

Please leave the area as you found it and remove everything you bring with you.

All outdoor and water-based activities are undertaken entirely at your own risk.

Weather, wind, fire risk or operational conditions may result in temporary trail, water or activity closures.

In an emergency:

• Notify ARC staff or the Reception Guardhouse immediately

• Provide your location and the nature of the emergency

• Follow all staff and emergency-service instructions

ARC reserves the right to refuse or revoke access, or stop any activity considered unsafe.

Your safety is your responsibility.

Do I need to book in advance?
Advance booking is recommended. All visitors must register when they arrive.

Are dogs allowed?
Yes. Dogs must remain under control, and owners are responsible for their safety and behaviour.

Can children visit ARC?
Yes. Children must be supervised. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult during water activities.

Can I swim in the dam?
Swimming and water access are subject to ARC’s current regulations, designated areas and staff instructions.

Can ARC close activities?
Yes. Activities may be restricted or closed because of weather, wind, fire risk, environmental requirements or operational conditions.

Can I bring my own braai?
No unauthorised fires or braais are permitted. Please contact ARC about approved fire and braai options.