Waterval Boven Rock Climbing

Waterval Boven has a lot to offer : more than 1000 sport climbs from 5.4 to 5.14, some excellent (limited) trad and for every grade there are many beautiful lines. Climbing is mostly vertical or gently overhanging sometimes with overlaps and roofs. The rock here is is not a juvenile 100,000 year-old limestone, it is a 2.3 billion year old quartzite! On magnificent orange faces you'll build endurance, technique, precise footwork and finger strength.

For 25 years Alex and Gustav devoted energy and passion to ease your stay and make sure you get the best of this exceptional location. There expertise is precious. Make sure you contact them. Their office / climbing equipment shop and rental are easily found. It is on the main road in Boven, not even a mile after your right turn from the N4, on the opposite corner of the Shamrock Arms Irish pub.

www.rocrope.com tel# +27 82 753 3695

WHEN TO VISIT

South Africa is in the southern hemisphere so seasons are the opposite of Europe and North America. Keep in mind that the African winter is dry and the summer is wet.

You can enjoy Boven’s climbing almost any time of the year. From april to october there is very little rain (if any) with day temperatures from 45 to 70 and nights from sub zero to 40.

During the summer, it is rarely too hot since most of the crags are in the shade by midday and about 6000 feet above the sea-level. It normally stay under 85 but can be as cool as 60.

Bring a down jacket any time of the year. In mid-summer (late November to early February) you'll also need a raincoat. Afternoon thundershowers are frequent but, after the rain, conditions turn into sending temps, the rock dries very quickly so climbing is possible on most days.

If your schedule is open and you are looking for the best timing, September to early November and late February to end of May offers excellent weather and rain is very unlikely. You'll also enjoy the scenery at his best; green and lush!

WHERE TO STAY

Situated few kilometres from the Wonderlands crags, the Roc’n Rope Climber’s Lodge is the original climbers hang-out in Boven. It offers dorms and double rooms at very reasonable price. There, you'll have access to an exceptionally well equipped communal kitchen, hot shower, sunny deck with BBQ facilities, living room with fireplace, pool table, and secure parking space.

If you arrive as a group, you may be interested to rent the Orange house just beside the lodge. Also owned by Roc’n Rope, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 with double beds and one with two single. The kitchen is fully equipped, there is a sunny deck with gas BBQ, hot shower, a fireplace in the living room and a secure parking space. Its like home away from home at a very reasonable price.

If you want to stay at walking distance of the Wonderlands crags, you have the Tranquilitas Adventure Farm and camping tranquilitas.com There is a swimming pool, hot showers, fridges and fire sites. You can also rent one of the well equipped chalets or safari-tents. It can be very quiet during the weekdays unless it’s a holiday so if you are alone or want some company the Lodge would be your best option.

An other option is the Tegwan Retreat, halfway between the town and the Wonderlands crags. There is two large cottages sitting in a lush shady garden with a trout stream babbling past. For a big group it works out cheaper than the other self-catering options. Inquire at Roc’n Rope.

OTHER STUFF

There is a ATM in the center of Boven. Withdrawal are limited to 2,000 ZAR.

In town, you can buy the basics in little shops or at the U-Save supermarket. If you want very good fresh red meat, go at the butcher store on the other side of the railway track. Please encourage local economy as much as possible. For fresh products, you'll have get to Nelspruit. It is the nearest big town and you'll find more than what you can dream of.

On rest day you can hike or mountain bike around, arrange some kayaking or horse-riding, go trout-fishing. (it is trout country) Make sure you reserve some time to visit the world renown Kruger National Park. It is only one and a half hour away. sanparks.co.za/parks/kruger/

If you are in need of some civilization, Shopping Centres, cinemas, Coffee Shops head for Nelspruit. It is an hour drive from Boven. The Riverside Mall has it all.

IMPORTANT LINKS

PDF of Waterval Boven climbing guide

http://www.climbing.co.za/download/49865/

Mountain Club of South Africa

http://cen.mcsa.org.za

South Africa climbing site

http://www.climbing.co.za