Waterval Boven, Highlands Meander
Established in 1898 as a railway depot, Waterval Boven is Dutch for Above Waterfall and is named after the waterfall in the Elands River.
The village of Waterval Boven is nestled in the Drakensberg Mountains on the fringe of the escarpment, at the foot of the South Hills. It is rich with historical sites and buildings which are now proclaimed national monuments.
Once you've booked your hotels or Waterval Boven accommodation, explore the destination pages for info on attractions, activities and things to do when you visit the Waterval Boven region.
There is also the old Tunnel and Five Arch Bridge, as well as President Paul Kruger's official residence where he resided in 1900 before going into exile in Europe. The Elands River Waterfall is visible from the mouth of the old Railway Tunnel. Horse riding and trout fishing are popular pastimes in the region. Among a number of hiking trails, the Elkandskrans Trail includes a 30-minute train ride between Waterval Boven and Waterval Onder.
There are numerous fly fishing dams and rivers of the Waterval Boven Trout Association for the fly fishing enthusiast. The Elands River Fly Shop caters for all fly fishing equipment and will be more than happy to give you some pointers as to which spot will give you a better experience and what you should do to snag that big one.
For the more adventurous, the world-renowned rock climbing cliffs offer challenges to the extreme outdoor enthusiast. If you want something a bit more relaxing, then you can try hiking or even swimming in the many mountain swimming holes that can be found.
Accommodation in Waterval Boven ranges from budget and backpacker to upmarket chalets and stylish guest houses and bed and breakfasts, each to suit your specific needs and budget. You are really spoiled for choice in this beautiful location with plenty to do and accommodation that will make you feel right at home. You will soon find that your first visit to Waterval Boven will not be your last.
Travellers' Reviews
1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
what an awesome experience can somebody please confirm with the whether the steam train is in working order!, i would love to take my grand children on an outing on a sunday!!!!!
erika johnson (middelburg mp)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options

Highland Gate Ferox Creek
Highland Gate Ferox Creek offers Dullstroom self catering on the Highland Gate Golf Retreat. The property offers accommodation which is the perfe...

Aloes Country Inn
Nestled in the foothills of the Elands Valley, on the banks of the Elands River near Waterval Onder, lies Aloes Country Inn. George and Pat offer...

Shamrock Arms Guest Lodge
The Shamrock Arms Guest Lodge offers good value, tranquil surroundings, comfortable and modern accommodation in en-suite rooms each with its own ...

Ilanga Game & Fishing Lodge
Ilanga Game & Fishing Lodge offers accommodation in a house located on top of a hill, in Dullstroom Country Estate. Ideal for a family or group l...

Saragossa Game Lodge
Saragossa is a private game reserve tucked away between mountains and rolling grassland in Mpumalanga’s Elands Valley. Up to 18 guests can be ac...

Zongororo Guest Farm
Set a few kilometers outside Waterval Boven in Mpumalanga, Zongororo Guest Farm provides accommodation on a 283-hectare farm. The name Zongororo ...

Bergwaters Eco Lodge & Spa
Bergwaters is a peaceful retreat in a secluded valley, flanked by sheer cliff-faces, where eagles nest and crystal clear streams trickle through ...

Fancy Free Fly Fishing Retreat
Fancy Free Fly Fishing Retreat accommodates guests in a selection of cottages and is nestled in a tranquil landscape of rolling hills, crystal st...

Troutways Private Retreat
Troutways Private Retreat accommodates a total of twenty seven guests in four units and is located in Waterval Boven in Mpumalanga. Waterval Bove...

Kingfisher Trout Lodge
Kingfisher Lodge offers comfortable self catering accommodation in Waterval Boven. The main lodge has a guest lounge with a TV and DStv and meals...

Boven Villa
The hidden jewel in Waterval Boven, Boven Villa is a unique thatched cottage, set in extensive well- manicured grounds and offers warm hospitalit...

Blaauwbosch Trout Inn
Blaauwbosch Trout Inn is situated just outside Waterval Boven on the edge of the Highveld. The hills and grassland give you a wonderful view of t...

Elangeni Holiday Camp
Located 20 kilometers outside of Waterval Boven, Elangeni Holiday Camp offers accommodation for up to 120 guests. Here guests are able to go fish...

Elangeni Holiday Resort
Elangeni Holiday Resort offers accommodation 20 kilometers outside of Waterval Boven.You are able to go hiking, fishing, swimming and go bird wat...

Zongororo Guest Farm
Set a few kilometers outside Waterval Boven in Mpumalanga, Zongororo Guest Farm provides accommodation on a 283-hectare farm. The name Zongororo ...

Hotel Malaga
Fortis Hotel Malaga is situated on the banks of the Elands River, in the foothills of the Drakensberg close to the historic towns of Waterval Ond...
Things to do in the area

Fishing in Waterval Boven
Men and woman alike have had the fantasy of getting up from their desk, turning off their computer, turning over their kids into good hands AND s...

Stone Circle Museum
Author, scientist, explorer, Michael Tellinger, has created a haven for travellers and tourists on the N4 to Nelspruit. The perfect stop-over by ...

Bermanzi Trail
Start: Bermanzi Mountain RetreatFinish: Bermanzi Mountain RetreatDuration: anything from 4km – 20kmFitness: moderately difficultOur tip: a self g...

Elangeni Hiking Trail
Start: Elangeni Holiday resort, 18 km east of Waterval BovenFinish: circular routeDuration: 21 km, 2 daysFitness: easy to moderateOur tip: a slac...

Adam's Calendar
On the plateau just above the town of Kaapsche Hoop, overlooking the Barberton Valley, is a peaceful space filled with open sky, incredible views...

BBK Horse Trails
The Blaauwboschkraal (or BBK) Trails are idyllically situated in the mountains and plateaus of South African’s Mpumalanga Province, just outside ...
Noteworthy attractions

Gustav Klingbiel Nature Reserve
This has to be one of the most beautiful locations in the world. The reserve is 2200 hectares and the Klipgatspruit cuts the mountainous area int...

Steenkampsberg Nature Reserve
The Steenkampsberg Nature Reserve, outside the town of Dullstroom, provides sanctuary for the rare wattled crane which is a major attraction, tou...

Long Tom Pass
The Long Tom Pass gets its name from the Long Tom cannons used during the Anglo-Boer war. The original Long Tom Pass was a treacherous one, steep...

Dullstroom Nature Reserve
The Dullstroom Nature Reserve receives little publicity, which is something of a bonus for those who happen to stumble across the reserve and its...

Sterkspruit Nature Reserve
The smallish, yet incredibly pretty Sterkspruit Nature Reserve lies right next to the scenic Long Tom Pass, the horizon dominated by Mount Anders...

Verloren Vallei Nature Reserve
One of the few places in the country to breed all three of the world’s endangered cranes, the Verloren Vallei (lost valley) Nature Reserve lies r...

Rocky Drift Nature Reserve
Rocky Drift is a private nature reserve 290 kilometres from Johannesburg in Waterval Boven – a beautiful enclosed valley that preserve 257 hectar...

Skurweberg Pass
The Skurweberg Pass lies on the rim of the Drakensberg escarpment - a steep, tarred and modern route over the Skurweberg mountains, on the R541 b...

Steenkampsberg Pass
One of the highest passes in the region, Steenkampsberg Pass joins Lydenburg to Roossenekal. Often mistakenly called De Berg, after the highest p...
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