Waterval Onder, Highlands Meander
Waterval Onder is a small village situated at the base of the escarpment on the banks of the Elands River below a magnificent 228m waterfall. Hence the name which means ‘Below the Waterfall'. The village has not developed into a town like its sister town of Waterval Boven which is above the waterfall but is still a popular South African getaway spot.
There is a legend about a “ghost tree” in Waterval Onder that attracts many visitors to this location to learn more about this mysterious tree. The legend tells of two lovers who were split up after meeting under the tree for over 6 decades, and then one of them passes away… Without giving away the ending, that's the start of the legend of the ‘ghost tree'. A visit to Waterval Onder will explain more on this intriguing story.
Holiday accommodation in Waterval Onder includes Bed and Breakfasts, Guest Houses, Self Catering Cottages, Houses and Chalets. There is ample choice for accommodation in Waterval Onder - so much so, that you'd be able to stay in a new place each time you visit! One of the more popular accommodation types in Waterval Onder, are the holiday farms. The hosts are warm, welcoming and always fun to converse with and know all the best places to visit and see in the area. Many of these farms also offer horseback riding along mountain trails - arguably the best way to see the area.
Whatever you chose to do, wherever you chose to stay, Waterval Onder is a beautiful area and you will find the relaxation it has to offer hard to match.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
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 Mountain Lodge
Set a few kilometers outside Waterval Boven in Mpumalanga, Zongororo Guest Farm provides accommodation on a 283-hectare farm. The name Zongororo ...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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 ...
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...
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...
Things to do in the area
Bermanzi Trail
Start: Bermanzi Mountain RetreatFinish: Bermanzi Mountain RetreatDuration: anything from 4km – 20kmFitness: moderately difficultOur tip: a self g...
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...
Find accommodation in Waterval Onder
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Mpumalanga Accommodation / Highlands Meander Accommodation / Waterval Onder Accommodation