Waterval Boven lies amidst one of the prime fly fishing area

Waterval Boven lies amidst one of the prime fly fishing areas in Mpumalanga Province of South Africa, with Machadodorp, Belfast and Lydenburg within easy reach. The Association boasts three well stocked dams for the dam fisher and approximately six kilometres of excellent river fishing is available in the Elands River. The Waterval Boven Fly Fishing Association has a membership of approximately 500, making it one of the largest professionally-run, fly fishing clubs in South Africa.

Waterval Boven has always been a railway town. The Nederlandsche Zuid Afrikaansche Spoorweg Maatschappij railway line reached Waterval Boven in 1894, opening up a direct line from Pretoria to the port of Lourenco Marques, known as the "Easternline" or "Oosterlijn".

Today the Oosterlijn Steam Company has preserved this dramatic piece of history in the operation of class 15F and 25NC steam locomotives, as well as the "JAN WINTERVOGEL" the last remaining NZASM steam locomotive. Vintage rail safaris run through the lush semi tropical lowveld following the course of the Elands River or up through the Mpumalanga highlands into trout country covering some of the most scenic and adventurous steam locomotive routes in Africa.

Accommodation in Waterval Boven

• Bergwaters Lodge accommodation in Waterval Boven. Situated on the N4 to Nelspruit and the Kruger National Park, about 3 kms after the Waterval Boven Tunnel, Bergwaters Lodge offers private accommodation in romantic en-suite garden chalets in a pristine forest and mountain splendour.
• The Aloes Backpackers Lodge. Backpacker accommodation in Waterval Boven. Nestled in the majestic mountains of the Elands River system at Waterval Onder. Tranquil surroundings with plenty to do, here you will feel relaxed and rejuvenated. The air is crisp and clean and the climate is temperate with warmth all year round.
• Black Eagle Retreat accommodation in Waterval Boven. Situated in the picturesque Elands River Valley in the shadow of the Drakensberg mountains and surrounded by the stunning scenery and attractions of Mpumalanga. Black Eagle Retreat offers four lakeside wooden chalets.

(Including Waterval Onder)

Waterval Bovan, situated on the farm Doornhoek, had it’s origins in 1895 due to the building of the Eastern Line Railway from Delagoa Bay to Pretoria and derived it’s name from the well known Elands River Waterfall, being situated above the waterfall in contrast to Waterval Onder, which is situated below the waterfall. The town’s origin was due to two factors, firstly the fever in the Lowveld was rife during those years, accommodating the personnel thus presented a health risk. Waterval Boven situated on the fringe of the plateau, with a moderate climate was a fever free free area and thus the logical choice for accommodation. Secondly, the cogwheel rail used for the ascension of the steep mountain slopes between Waterval Onder and Waterval Boven was the only of it’s kind in Africa, therefore the necessity of establishing a locomotive depot in Waterval Boven for the special cogwheel locomotives was apparent. The railway line reached Waterval Boven on 20 June 1894. according to the original town planning all the buildings belonged to the NZASM, the railway line was the hub around which village life revolved.

Waterval Boven was administrated by the Railway until 1946 when the administration was transferred to a health committee. It received municipal status on the 1^st April 1980, with RB Brown as the first mayor. The drive down the Elands River valley to Waterval Onder 8 km east of Waterval Boven is extremely attractive and affords a view of the ZASM (Elands River) falls (90 m high), the old ZASM railway tunnel (212 m long) amd was, in it’s day, the only funicular railway in the Republic of South Africa. Both the tunnel and the five arch bridge approximately 1 km east to the tunnel have been proclaimed National Monuments.

Waterval Boven boasts a glorious climate and a relatively high rainfall, it is situated next to the main route to the Lowveld, Kruger National Park and Maputo. It is 240 km from Johannesburg and 94 km from Nelspruit. East of the village is the Elandskrans holiday resort, an ideal sanctuary for the wary tourist and caravan enthusiast. For the more adventurous, there are the world renowned rock climbing cliffs. The village hosts excellent schools, a well equipped clinic, library, Silver days old age care centre and several church societies. There are also modern sports facilities under the auspices of the Boven Recreation Club for the following sport: rugby, cricket, tennis, bowls, badminton and swimming.

The Elands River flows through the village and offers a fly fishing paradise with it’s trout. The village council of Waterval Boven has laid out two hiking trails. A short route which is mainly used by the holiday makers and a longer route where hikers overnight a Waterval Onder, in a overnight chalet, returning to Waterval Boven by train

Waterval Onder

Waterval Onder (‘below the waterfall’) takes it’s name from the Elands River Waterfall. This village was an important railhead for supplies and rolling stock. It was also the last place of residence of President Paul Kruger before his departure for Europe. It was here that he and his government enjoyed a brief sojourn from 30 June to 28 August 1900 during the last stages of the Anglo Boer War. His house has been named Krugerhof and is a proclaimed National Monument.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Take the N4 route, Johannesburg 320 km, Nelspruit 95 km, Pretoria 240 km

Altitude: 1417 m above sea level

Average Rainfall: 730 mm per annum

Average Temperatures

Summer 10°c – 28°c; Winter 7°c – 20°c

Banks

FNB

Dams

Waterval Boven Trout Dam

Mountains

Drakensberg

Rivers

Elands River

HISTORICAL VIEW

Original ZASM Tunnel

Parts of the old railway track and the five-arch railway bridge over Dwaalheuwelspruit have been proclaimed National Monuments.

NATURE

Rockey’s Drift

A private nature reserve stretching from Waterval Boven to Waterval Onder. Many species of wild birds are also to be found in the area. Walking. Weekends only

ATTRACTIONS

Annual Events

Trout Festival

ACTIVITIES

Outdoors

Abseiling, bungee Jumping, Fly Fishing, Hiking Trails, Horse Riding, Rock Climbing, Swimming

WHERE TO STAY

Boven Trout Lodge

Ideal venue for trout fishermen visiting the area. Nine rooms, 35 beds. Braai facilities, lapa and swimming pool. Steam train rides. Complete fly tackle shop on the premises. Tackle for hire. Only five minutes’ walk to trout dams and Elands River

Marlothi Chalets (Waterval Boven)

Set in the scenic surroundings of historic Waterval Onder, these seven luxury self contained, self catering chalets ensure an affordable getaway for the whole family. A sparkling pool, tennis court, lapa, mountain walks and fishing – Elands River are available on our beautiful farm. Fly fishing venues, historical sites, eating places, Sunday steam train excursions, Sudwala Caves (60 km) and much more within easy range.

Accommodation in and around Musina (Messina)