About Us

Nestled 290 km from Johannesburg along the Waterval Boven – Nelspruit Road, Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve spans 257 hectares of breath-taking mountain terrain in the Waterval Boven district. This enclosed valley offers a unique blend of rugged beauty and historical significance, with a climate typical of summer rainfall areas. Expect average temperatures ranging from 6°C in winter to 34°C in summer, creating a diverse and welcoming environment for all visitors.

The reserve is nourished by the Joubert Spruit, a tributary of the Elands River, with a consistent, high-quality fountain-fed water supply from the surrounding mountaintops. This natural stream has never run dry in over 60 years, ensuring a thriving ecosystem. As an ecologically contained area, Rocky Drift is home to a diverse array of fauna, including Bushbuck, Klipspringer, Duiker, Steenbok, Vaal Reedbuck, Vervet Monkeys, Baboons, Leopards, Genets, Rooikats, and Rock Pythons. Birdwatchers will delight in the presence of Black Eagles, Steppe Buzzards, various Kites, and Falcons.

Rich in South African history, Rocky Drift’s kloof (gorge) and valley slopes served as a hideout for President Paul Kruger’s Commandos during his escape to exile via Lourenço Marques (now Maputo). Visitors can explore the circular rock encampments and may even discover remnants from this era, such as old Martini Henry rifle shells and enamel mugs used by Boer soldiers and scouts.

At Rocky Drift, you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty and historical heritage that make our reserve a truly special destination. Whether you’re here to hike through the mountains, spot wildlife, or connect with South Africa’s past, you’ll find a warm welcome and an unforgettable experience.

Explore local attractions, discover hidden gems

Discover the thrilling adventures awaiting you in Waterval Onder! Immerse yourself in the region’s top attractions

Fishing at Troutways: Cast your line and reel in, at the picturesque Troutways, where the tranquil waters and stunning natural surroundings create the perfect setting for a relaxing fly-fishing excursion. There is a fee for day visitors uto use their facility.

Hiking Trails: Lace up your boots and embark on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Waterval Onder, exploring a network of well-maintained hiking trails that wind through lush forests, past cascading waterfalls, and along scenic ridges, offering panoramic vistas that will leave you in awe.

Museums: Delve into the rich history and cultural heritage of the region by visiting the captivating museums in Waterval Onder, where Wayside Lodge in Waterval Onder, holds the rich historical significance as it was once the residence of Paul Kruger, one of South Africa’s most prominent, figures.

Horse Riding: Experience the thrill of horseback riding with BBK Trails who are tailored to accommodate riders of different abilities, young (8yrs & upwards), and not-so-young alike. For a genuine horse-riding experience, contact Susan or Mary at BBK for a genuine horse-riding experience! Susan and Mary are horse whisperers and can organise champagne breakfast tours, sundowners tours, historic tours, etc. Contact BBK Trails.

Mountain Biking: Amazing mountain biking trails! The Rim Trail and the Boven Mountain Traverse start/end next to Tegwaan. Contact Tranquilitas for permits.

Nature Reserves: Discover the rich biodiversity of Waterval Onder by exploring the area’s well-preserved nature reserves, where you can spot an abundance of wildlife, from majestic birds to elusive mammals, and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the untouched landscapes.

Mountain Strings Zipline: The longest zip-line in Mpumalanga! Mountain Strings Zipline guided tours are among the 11 most fantastic things to do in Mpumalanga. Totaling 1.7km, our seven ziplines take you through breathtaking views of the Mpumalanga mountains and the lush forest below. You can expect to experience the tranquility of the majestic mountains and lush forest that this part of Mpumalanga is known for. Ample birds and wildlife species roam free, and you might be lucky to catch a glimpse of the endangered Maccoa Duck. Contact Mountain Strings.

Activities:

Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, inviting you to immerse yourself in the serenity of nature. Here, you can embrace the true essence of the valley with a range of activities designed to help you connect with the natural world. Here are some of the activities and amenities that await you at Rocky Drift:

Star Gazing: Away from the city lights, the night sky at Rocky Drift is a canvas of celestial wonders. Spend your evenings under a canopy of stars, and let the quietude of the night envelop you as you gaze at the beauty of the cosmos.

Hiking Trails: Explore the natural beauty of the valley by embarking on well-marked hiking trails. These trails lead you through captivating landscapes, allowing you to connect with the pristine wilderness that surrounds you.

Birding: Rocky Drift is a haven for bird enthusiasts. With its abundant birdlife, it’s an ideal place for bird watching. Grab your binoculars and camera to spot a variety of feathered friends in their natural habitat.

Riverside Relaxation: One of the highlights of Rocky Drift is its picturesque riverfront setting. Relax by the river, listen to the soothing sounds of flowing water, and bask in the serenity of this beautiful natural environment.

Kids Outdoor Area: Families with children will find a paradise of outdoor activities. Rocky Drift offers an expansive kids’ outdoor area where little ones can run, play, and explore. From a swimming pool and deck area to a splash pad, jungle gym, swings, seesaw, basketball net, and trampolines, there’s no shortage of fun and excitement for the youngsters.

Tortoise Enclosure: Kids and adults alike can enjoy observing the resident leopard tortoises in their unique enclosure. These slow-moving creatures add to the charm of the reserve and provide a fun opportunity for interaction.

Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve invites you to step away from the daily grind and embrace the tranquillity and beauty of the natural world. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or family-friendly activities, this enchanting destination has something for everyone. It’s a place where cherished memories are made amidst the serenity of nature.

Hiking Trails:

3km – Otter Loop:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/otter-loop-577ef11?p=-1

10km – Boven Vista:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/morning-hike-c336346–53?p=-1

10km – Cappi Waterfall:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/cappi-falls-rocky-drift-private-nature-reserve-39d0a89?p=-1

14km – Aloe Valley:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/aloe-valley-trail-rocky-drift-private-nature-reserve-to-tranquilitas-return-da6ea77?p=-1

Day Visitors:

Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve extends a warm invitation to day visitors who seek to partake in the tranquil splendour of our reserve.

We understand that not all who wish to experience the natural beauty of this sanctuary may have the opportunity for an overnight stay, and thus, we welcome you to join us for a day of serenity and connection with nature.

To ensure that your visit is both enjoyable and in harmony with the environment and the needs of our overnight guests, we kindly request that you take note of the following guidelines:

Reservation Required:

Day visitors are graciously invited to make a reservation in advance of their visit. By doing so, we can guarantee that you have access to our facilities and can make the most of your day in this beautiful setting. Reservations ensure that we can accommodate your visit comfortably and that you can enjoy the facilities with ease.

Operating Hours:

Your day of exploration at Rocky Drift begins at 08:00 AM, allowing you to make the most of the daylight hours and fully immerse yourself in the natural wonders that abound. We close our gates at 05:00 PM, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the serenity of the reserve during our operational hours.

Limited Daily Capacity:

In our commitment to providing a peaceful and uncrowded experience for all our guests, we have set a limit of 20-day visitors per day. This approach helps preserve the tranquillity of the reserve and allows each visitor to appreciate the natural beauty in an unhurried manner.

No Braai Facilities:

Please be aware that we do not offer braai/barbecue facilities for day visitors. To maintain the pristine environment and safety standards, open fires or cooking on-site is not permitted.

Food and Beverage Policy:

For the comfort and well-being of all our guests, we do not permit day visitors to bring their own food and beverages onto the premises as we have an on-site restaurant café, serving meals on a pre-booking arrangement only due to everything being freshly prepared.

Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve stands as a sanctuary for both nature and those who seek refuge in its beauty. We look forward to welcoming you as a day visitor, knowing that your experience will be enriched by the peace and natural wonder that grace our reserve. Thank you for respecting these guidelines and joining us in preserving the pristine essence of Rocky Drift.

Rate – Adults (R100)

Rate – Children 3 – 12 years (R50)

To book please WhatsApp in advance on 072 245 4961

Need more information? WhatsApp us on 072 245 4961

BOOK NOW!