The town of Waterval-Onder (“Below the Falls”) is situated east of Waterva-Boven, a dizzying 228m lower.
Adventure And Sport
Fishing: The crystal clear streams and the nearby Elands River offer superb trout, bass and other fishing opportunities.
Hiking: The Elandskrans Hiking Trail starts at Waterval-Boven and includes a 30-minute train ride aboard the Oosterlijn Express steam train to Waterval-Onder where a cosy pub lunch is offered in the hotel that served as President Kruger’s command centre. The house where he lived, now a museum, is nearby.
Abseiling and rock-climbing: The cliffs separating the towns of Waterval-Boven and Waterval-Onder are popular abseiling and rock-climbing sites.
Entertainment And Shopping
Smoked trout: One of the main attractions of the area is one that you can take away. Do not leave Waterval-Onder before sampling and buying smoked trout, (the town’s speciality) at one of the stores.
History And Architecture
Krugershof: President Paul Kruger stayed in this modest, little house with its red, tin roof and spacious veranda after the British forces occupied Pretoria during the Anglo-Boer War. Although the seat of government was temporarily relocated to Machadodorp, the climate aggravated the ageing President’s ill health and he moved to Waterval-Onder. The entire executive committee travelled by train from Machadodorp every day, to discuss matters of state with him. Today, the house, a national monument, exhibits a photographic display of President Kruger’s life, the war and the history of the surrounding area.
