Albert Falls Dam sits on the uMgeni River in KwaZulu-Natal, approximately 30 minutes from both Pietermaritzburg and Durban, within the Albert Falls Game Reserve — a protected nature area of 30.12 km² established in 1975 and managed by Msinsi Holdings. The dam is fed by the uMgeni River, which descends through the uMgeni Valley after dropping over Howick Falls before being joined by the Karkloof tributary upstream of the reservoir.

Paddle sports including canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are permitted on the dam. The AllTrails listing identifies a dedicated paddle route near Mpolweni. Msinsi Holdings operates two resorts on either side of the dam wall — Albert Falls and Bon Accord — both of which offer camping and chalet accommodation as well as boat launch facilities. A day fishing and entry fee applies at the Kayalami area, and overnight fishing is available to clubs. Locker facilities are available on an annual, monthly, weekly, or daily basis, suggesting reasonable infrastructure for water users.

The surrounding landscape consists of mixed woodland, open grassland, and small marsh areas. The dam is notably associated with a submerged forest structure, which creates significant underwater habitat and is a defining feature of the water body's character. Wildlife visible from the water includes zebra, impala, blesbok, reedbuck, grey duiker, springbok, red hartebeest, oribi, rhino, and giraffe. Birdlife is particularly rich, with the African fish eagle a prominent presence; widows, weavers, waxbills, and cisticolas are also noted, especially during the wet season. Rock climbing opportunities exist in the surrounding area.

The dam is internationally recognized as one of the premier bass fishing venues in the world, which means motorized fishing boats are a regular presence on the water. Paddlers should be aware of boat traffic, particularly around the launch areas. The dam has experienced fluctuating water levels historically, though in recent years it has been reported at high capacity, which increases the extent of submerged structure throughout the reservoir.