Machadodorp

Machadodorp (aka eNtokozweni) and Waterval Boven (aka Emgwenya) are towns in Mpumalanga province. The Elands River runs through the town. There is a natural radioactive spring here that is reputed to have powerful healing qualities.

Understand

Dutch Reformed Church

In the 21st century, Machadodorp's residents either work for the industries feeding a chrome smelter, or the logging industries based on the pine plantations surrounding the town. A large contingent of contract workers employed at the Nkomati mine about an hour's drive out of town also reside in Machadodorp, contributing a large part of the town's economy.

The hills around the town are terraced with thousands of stone walls which form part of a vast complex of settlements, fields and roads. Some tour guides describe these as South Africa's "real" lost city.[3] South of Machadodorp, on the lands of the farm Rietvlei lies the former Bokoni capital Moxomatsi.

Archaeologists and historians have described the ruins as settlements of the baKoni people. Oral records and historical evidence trace the baKoni to at least the early 18th century.

Get in

Use the N4 highway between Pretoria and Mbombela.

This city has a railway station on the Pretoria–Maputo railway.

See

• 1 Krugerhof Museum (off of N4 in Waterval Onder). Supposedly the last place where Paul Kruger lived. (updated Aug 2020)
• 2 Emgwenya Waterfall (Elands River Falls) (in Waterval Boven on north side of N4). (updated Aug 2020)
• 3 N.Z.A.S.M tunnel of 1893. Historic railway tunnel you can walk through with one opening next to Emgwenya Waterfall. (updated Aug 2020)
• 4 Five Arches Bridge of 1894. A historic bridge with five arches. (updated Aug 2020)

Do

Hiking

Belfast, South Africa - panoramio (1)

• NZASM railway trail: Hike from Waterval Boven to Waterval Onder following the route of the Netherlands–South African Railway. The trail starts 1 km south of Waterval Boven, where there is a reception office and parking. The trail is 5 km long (don't let reception convince you otherwise), some of it uphill. At the 4-km mark, there is a very basic overnight hut.
• 1 Wathaba Hiking Trails (~21-22 km south of Machadodorp on R541.). Hikes along the Drakesnburg Escarpment with waterfalls and picturesque scenery. (updated Aug 2020)

Komati Gorge looking south

• 2 The Komati Gorge. Notable for its considerable biodiversity and bluff habitats, this gorge forms a backdrop to the town. (updated Apr 2021)
• Bermanzi Hiking/Num-Num Trails take you to the second-highest waterfall in Africa, the Uitkoms Watefall in the Bankspruit Gorge. Done through reservations with Wathaba, Five Assegais Country Estate, and Bermanzi farms in the Komati Gorge (+27 72 889-9284).

Eat

• 1 Milly's Restaurant, on N4 (on N4 west of Machadodorp), ☏ +27 13 256 0718. A place for chopped steaks and such, on the water. (updated Aug 2020)

Drink

• 1 The Hog, Corner of Molen and Janson Streets, ☏ +27 13 256 0016. The local watering hole frequented by all the colourful locals you always find in small towns like Machadodorp. 

Sleep

• Elands River Lodge, 3 Janson Str Machadodorp (turn off the N4 first street left drive to end of the road), ☏ +27 82 257-8700. Check-in: 06:00-21:00, check-out: before 22:00. Self-catering accommodation. Dstv (satellite tv) swimming pool , all chalets very private and fully equipped. Green surroundings and lots of birdlife. Great place to sleep over on your way to the Kruger National Park as it is halfway between KNP and Johannesburg (OR Tambo International Airport) from R270 for single and upward. 
• 1 Acra Retreat Mountain View Lodge (a little southeast of Emgwenya off of Slaiihoek Rd), ☏ +27 13 120 4848. Overlooks town with attractive pool setting and free breakfast and wifi. LGBT friendly and women-owned. Restaurant/bar. R779. (updated Aug 2020)