What To Do

BERMANZI TRAIL

Bermanzi – the mountain where the water is – is a hike that takes place on the edge of the escarpment between Machadodorp,  Waterval-Boven and Badplaas in the northern part of the Drakensberg. 

Duration: anything from 4km – 20km
Fitness: moderately difficult
Our tip: a self guided, self-catering trail

BBK HORSE TRAILS

The BBK Trails are tailored to accommodate riders of different abilities, and are suitable for young (with a minimum age of eight years for the shorter trails) and not-so-young alike. The two-hour trail remains the most commonly chosen, since it allows the right amount of time for riders to see the best spots. 

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. Strategy and skill are beautifully cultivated in the fresh air and fresh water environment of Waterval Boven ith the Waterfal Boven Fly Fishing Association catching the most fishing members in the Mpumalanga area.

Attractions

Elands River Falls

ELANDS RIVER FALLS

The Panorama Route is littered with massive waterfalls, which create just one of the natural gems that attract outdoors enthusiasts to this part of the country year after year. The Elands River Falls are included in this selection of beautiful sights and certainly promise to be spectacular. These falls split into three dramatic drops as they flow majestically over the cliff, creating a fantastical vision indicative of nature’s unadulterated scale and power.

Rocky Drift Nature Reserve

ROCKY DRIFT NATURE RESERVIE 

Rocky Drift is a private nature reserve 290 kilometres from Johannesburg in Waterval Boven – a beautiful enclosed valley that preserve 257 hectares of mountain country.  Animals you can expect to see in the Rocky Drift reserve include bushbuck, baboon, klipspringer, duiker, steenbok, reedbuck, monkeys, leopard, genet and rock pythons.

 

Fly Fishing

FLY FISHING

Fly fishing is the sport of choice for those that love combining the beauty of the outdoors with the excitement of reeling in an impressive catch. South Africa is a land of natural abundance, and it is not surprising that it has so much to offer in the way of fabulous fly fishing.

Journey Through Our Rich History

Wayside Lodge in Waterval Boven, Mpumalanga, holds a rich historical significance as it was once the residence of Paul Kruger, one of South Africa’s most prominent figures. This lodge stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Kruger, who was the President of the South African Republic, also known as the Transvaal, from 1883 to 1902. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Mpumalanga, Wayside Lodge bears witness to the era of the Boer pioneers and the struggles they faced during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This historic dwelling offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and gain insight into the life and times of Paul Kruger.

In 1900, Paul Kruger, the esteemed President of the South African Republic, sought refuge in Waterval Onder, Mpumalanga, during the tumultuous times of the Second Boer War. As the war between the Boer republics and the British Empire intensified, Kruger and his government were forced to flee from Pretoria, the capital of the South African Republic. Waterval Onder, with its strategic location and rugged terrain, provided a temporary sanctuary for Kruger and his entourage. It was here that Kruger made crucial decisions regarding the Boer resistance, strategizing against British forces and rallying support for the Boer cause. While staying in Waterval Onder, Kruger’s presence inspired and galvanized the local population, as they witnessed the determination and resilience of their leader in the face of adversity. Though his time in Waterval Onder was temporary, Paul Kruger’s historic visit to the town left an indelible mark on its legacy and further solidified his status as a revered figure in South African history.

What our visitors are saying!

We stayed here as a big group for the Elands Marathon. Rooms, food, service – everything exceeded our expectations. Last minute changes were accommodated for and nothing was too much trouble for our hosts. Cannot wait to stay there again!

- Suellen P”

Host are awesome, face to face with the owners, what a pleasure chatting with them, friendly and at your service 😊. Stayed over for 4 nights, definitely going back soon. Pierre, pleasure meeting your’ll. Food prepared by Pierre himself, great, was invited to have drinks with him at his bar, making you feel 😌

- Jinny Premraj

“We had an awesome overnight stay at Wayside. Pierre and Sally are phenomenal hosts and went the extra mile to provide an incredible dinner and great conversation. The Wayside is perfectly located midway to Kruger or an overnight stop en route to Mozambique. Highly recommended 👌”

-Irene

Get In Touch

Send Us A Message

Call Us:

Sally – +27 76 282 5252

Pierre – +27 83 378 3111

 

Wayside Lodge Rooms