PROPERTIES — MPUMALANGA
Waterval Boven
"If you think you’ve peaked, find a new mountain."
Venue Information
Venue Overview | With over 700 bolted routes, Waterval Boven is South Africa’s prime sport climbing destination. There are numerous crags, all within an 8km radius of town, which cater for a range of levels – from beginner (grades 9-14) to expert (above 30). Ease of access to most crags makes Boven an ideal destination for both adults and children. Although there are some quality traditional climbs, the area is known for its high concentration of excellent single pitch (between 12 – 35m) sport routes. |
Permit / Permission info | None required, but please respect the area, including no littering or graffiti. |
Approx travel time from Jhb | Approximately 2.5 hours. Beware of speed traps along the N4 highway. |
Parking info | If you stay in town and wish to climb in the Wonderland area, parking is available either at Tranquilitas or the farm-house directly opposite the entrance to Tranquilitas. |
Walk-in | Most crags are within easy walking distance. |
Accommodation | Climbers’ "backpacker-style" lodge with a communal kitchen and great showers (www.rocrope.com). Tranquilitas Adventure Farm is about 8km outside of town (www.tranquilitas.com) offers 4 self-catering chalets (booking is essential), 6 safari canvass tents, and ample camping space. Communal ablutions consist of toilets, basins and showers with hot water. There’s a swimming pool, designated areas for bonfires/braais and a jungle gym for kids under parental supervision. |
Availability of drinking water | Water in town can be of varying quality so it is best to either use bottled water or fill up at Tranquilitas, whose water is from a spring. |
Climbing route guide | An extensive route guide by Andrew Pedley and Gustav Janse Van Rensburg is available online (www.climb.co.za), or buy a guide from Roc ‘n Rope’s office in Waterval Boven. |
Climbing info | Overall, Boven has over 700 climbs, all within 8kms of town. All levels of climbing are catered for with a few projects that will challenge even the best climbers in the world. Most of the crags go into shade at around 11h00 in summer, while in winter Tranquilitas offers day-long shade. |
Child-friendly | Yes. The swimming pool at Tranquilitas is fenced, and there is a jungle gym for kids under parental supervision. |
Swimming | Yes, both at Tranquilitas and natural pools. |
Camp fires | Both the lodge in town and Tranquilitas have designated areas for braais/bonfires |
Other attractions | Hiking, swimming in natural pools, bird watching, swimming pool (Tranquilitas), and world class single – track mountain biking (permits required, contact Roc ‘n Rope for details). |
Dangers | There have been periodic muggings at the crags closer to town. The Wonderland and Tranquilitas areas are safe. |
Contact details | Roc ‘n Rope - Tel: 082 944 5800 | Email: climb@rocrope.com Tranquilitas Adventure Farm - Tel: 082 388 0100 | Email: book@tranquilitas.com |
Disclaimer
Mountaineering (climbing and hiking) is de facto an activity which carries certain inherent risks. Neither the MCSA, nor any of its members or representatives accept responsibility for any deaths, injury or illness sustained or suffered by any person or for any theft, loss or damage to any property that result from participation in MCSA activities, no matter in what manner caused and whether allegedly due to negligence or not.