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 (now Emgwenya) 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.
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
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...
Invicta at Fancy Free
Invicta at Fancy Free is a self catering cottage, which is situated close to the water’s edge. The cottage sleeps four guests in two cosy bedroom...
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...
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...
Loves Lure Chalet
Loves Lure Chalet is located in the forest and has views over the valley. The bedroom is furnished with a queen-size bed. The en-suite bathroom i...
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...
Rocky Drift Reed Cottage
Rocky Drift Reed Cottage is located in the Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve. Rocky Drift is perfectly located as a stop over for travellers to ...
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...
Tegwaan Pine Cottage
Tegwaan Pine Cottage offers accommodation in Waterval Boven on Tegwaan farm. The cottage is nested in a cosy little pine grove overlooking the Ro...
Malaga Hotel
Situated at the banks of the Elands River in the foothills of the Drakensberg, Malaga Hotel is located near Waterval Boven and features an outdoo...
Matuka at Fancy Free
Mataku at Fancy Free is a spacious self catering cottage sleeping six guests in three bedrooms. There is a fully equipped kitchen containing ever...
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...
Tegwaan Glamping
Tegwawn Glamping allows you to enjoy the thrill of camping but the luxury of a comfortable bed and beautiful bespoke kitchen with everything you ...
Tegwaan Stone Cottage
Tegwaan Stone Cottage in Waterval Boven sleeps eight guests in three bedrooms. Whether you're into game nights, hanging out, reading books or wat...
Tegwaan Acorn Tiny House
Tegwaan Acorn Tiny House is only 12 sqm big, but is surprisingly cosy and has all the essentials to make your stay comfortable. The house is an o...
Rocky Drift Owl House
Rocky Drift Owl House is an open plan cottage offering Highlands self catering in the serene Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve. As you enter the...
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...
Zongororo Mountain Lodge
Set a few kilometers outside Waterval Boven in Mpumalanga, Zongororo Guest Farm provides accommodation on a 283-hectare farm. The name Zongororo ...
Hackle on Pond
Hackle on Pond Chalet is located near the bank of one of the fishing dams. The unit offer views over the dams, and pine plantations as well as th...
Incwala Lodge
Incwala Lodge is situated just outside Waterval Boven on the edge of the Highveld. The hills and grassland give you a wonderful view of the Eland...
Partridge Chalet
Partridge offers accommodation in Waterval Boven at Kingfisher Lodge. From this serene setting you can enjoy a peaceful break away. Partridge Cha...
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...
The Royal Coachman
Royal Coachman is comfortable for a bunch of friends or a large family. This house sleeps a total of ten guests, six adults and four children. Th...
Rocky Drift Mills Cottage
Rocky Drift Mills Cottage is located in the Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve. As you enter the beautiful natural valley, you will immediately s...
Marabou at Fancy Free
Marabou at Fancy Free is a self catering cottage sleeping four guests in two bedrooms. There is a well-equipped kitchen containing everything nee...
Poachers Chalet
Poachers is a self catering cottage ideal for a peaceful break away. The bedroom is furnished with a Queen-size bed and has a cupboard and vanity...
Fledermaus Chalet
Fledermaus Chalet is located at the waterfall, with views over the valley. The bedroom is furnished with a double bed. The unit has a kitchenette...
Tegwaan Studio
Tegwaan Studio apartment in Waterval Boven is perfect for couples or families with two children who are happy to all sleep in the same room. The ...
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 ...
Walkers Killer
Walkers Killer is a self catering holiday cottage sleeping five guests. The chalet is serviced daily, and the bedding, towels are provided. The u...
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 ...
Uthingo House
Uthingo House offers accommodation in Wateral Boven at Incwala Lodge. This 103 ha. farm is situated just outside Waterval Boven on the edge of th...
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...
Twilight Chalet
Twilight at Kingfisher Trout Lodge offers stunning views over the valley below. Bird watching is a must. The Fly-fishing dams will surprise with ...
Mayfly Chalet
Mayfly Chalet has views over the valley and Sappi plantations. The bedroom is furnished with a queen-size bed and a bunk bed. The unit has a kitc...
Rocky Drift Spence Cottage
Rocky Drift Spence Cottage is an open plan unit found in the peaceful Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve. Rocky Drift is perfectly located as a s...
The Wayside Lodge
The Wayside Lodge offers accommodation in Waterval Onder on Farm Doornhoek, a private farm located approximately 47km from Belfast. The lodge is ...
DDD Chalet
The DDD Chalet offers views over the trout dams and pine plantations. The bedroom is furnished with a queen-size bed and a single bed. The chalet...
Things to do in the area
Hiking at Tegwaan Country Getaway
There are 3 beautiful hikes that start from Tegwaan Country Getaway. - Stone Circle Loop – Boven Vista – Valley View (varied options from a 3.5 k...
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...
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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