Waterval Boven, Mpumalanga

The information below is limited. For all details please contact the MCSA Johannesburg Section.

The MCSA as a land owner seeks to preserve the land in its natural state, therefore none of our properties have clearly indicated paths, nor are there any facilities on our properties.

With over 700 bolted routes, Waterval Boven/ The Restaurant is South Africa’s prime sport climbing destination. There are numerous crags, all within an 8 kilometre 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 – 35 metre) sport routes.

Permits are required, prices are available on request from Tranquilitas & the MCSA Johannesburg

Please respect the area, including no littering or graffiti.

Permits can be purchased from Tranquilitas reception.

People found without a permit will be treated as trespassers and will be liable to prosecution.

Join the club here.

Approximately 3 hours. Beware of speed traps along the N4 highway. Also, the Machado Toll, just before Waterval Boven if travelling from Johannesburg / Pretoria is very expensive. As an alternative you can travel the R541 through eNtokozweni (Machadodorp).

If you stay in town and wish to climb in the Wonderland area, parking is available at Tranquilitas. Free parking to permit holders at Tranquilitas reception or campsite only, in demarcated spaces.

Most crags are within easy walking distance from the parking.

The Climbers Lodge in town is a very good value for money option. It is a backpacker style accommodation with 20 dorm beds divided into 5 rooms and 4 private small rooms with a double bed. Good quality linen is provided but you must bring your own towel. Fully equipped kitchen with walk-on deck and braai. Very nice hot showers. Lounge and pool table for hanging out after a day of climbing. Nice fireplaces for Winter. Free wifi.

For bookings: climb@rocrope.com

Climber’s House – Come and make yourself comfortable in this very nice self catering house in town with 3 bedrooms. A fully equipped kitchen with gas stove and electrical oven. The greatest shower in town :-). Nice fire place for winter. WIFI

For bookings: climb@rocrope.com or on Airbnb

Tranquilitas Adventure Farm, about 8 kilometres outside of town, offers self catering chalets, perms canvass tents, max tents, a farmhouse (upto 12 persons) 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. MCSA members will receive a 10% discount on accommodation for camping, perma-tents and chalets at Tranquilitas.

Booking is essential – book@tranquilitas.com

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.

Overall, Boven has over 700 climbs, all within 8 kilometres 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 11:00 in summer, while in winter Tranquilitas offers day-long shade.

An extensive route guide by Andrew Pedley and Gustav Janse Van Rensburg is available online in PDF format here.

You can also purchase a guide from Roc ‘n Rope’s office in the town.

You can also find routes on The Crag.

Yes. The swimming pool at Tranquilitas is fenced, and there is a jungle gym for kids under parental supervision.

Yes, there are a few natural pools and a swimming pool at Tranquilitas.

Both the lodges in town and Tranquilitas have designated areas for braais / bonfires.

There are world class mountain biking tracks at Tranquilitas. For more please visit their website. Permits are required.

Hiking, swimming in natural pools and bird watching. Fantastic for photographers.

There have been periodic muggings at the crags. Tranquilitas has implemented significant security upgrades.

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. Full indemnity is available here.