Situated 270 km from Johannesburg on the Waterval Boven - Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve embraces an enclosed valley of approximately 257 hectares of some of the most beautiful mountain country to be found in the Waterval Boven district.
The climate is typical of summer rainfall areas. Winter and summer mean temperatures of between 6 degrade C in winter and 34 degrade C in summer, can be expected. Nourished by the Joubert Spruit tributary of the Elands River, the natural water supply is fountain fed from the mountain tops and of the highest quality.
At no stage during the past 60 years has the stream ever dried up. The Nature Reserve is ecologically contained and home to many species of fauna e.g. Bushbuck, Baboon, Klipspringer, Duiker, Steenbok, Vaal Reedbuck, Vervet Monkeys, Leopard, Genet, Rooikat, Rock Pythons etc. Bird life includes, Black Eagle, Steppe Buzzard, various Kites and Falcon.
Rich in natural and South African history, the kloof (gorge) and slopes of the valley once housed President Paul Kruger`s Commandos during the period of his escape to exile via Lourenco Marques (Maputo). Circular rock encampments with old Martini Henry rifle shells and enamel mugs used by the Boer soldiers and Scouts are sometimes unearthed on the property.
Hiking, Birding, Mountain Biking
- 270 km from Johannesburg (210 Km from Pretoria) on the N4 Nelspruit road to Waterval Boven.
- Once through the tunnel proceed for 3.6km and turn right at the Bergwater Hotel sign. Cross over railway line and follow signs to Bergwater Hotel.
- Once the Hotel has been reached, proceed past Bergwater entrance for another 100m and enter Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve.
