Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve

Home
South Africa
Waterval Boven
Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve

Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve is a family run establishment situated in the Elands Valley, 2.5 hours from Johannesburg.
(1)

Providing guests with the option of well-appointed self-catering cottages or beautiful caravan and camping sites. Situated 290 km from Johannesburg on the Waterval Boven - Nelspruit Road, 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 su

mmer rainfall areas. Winter and summer mean temperatures of between 6c in winter and 34c 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.

04/06/2026

Our New Boma is Already a Hit!

Good conversations, crackling fires, and memories being made... now that's exactly why our new Boma area was built!

We're excited to share that guests have already been enjoying this special addition to our entertainment area. Whether it's gathering around the fire after a day of exploring, sharing stories under the stars, or simply soaking up the peaceful atmosphere, the Boma fire roaring, that has quickly become a favourite spot.

There's just something special about sitting around a fire with family, friends, and nature all around you.

If you're planning your next getaway, bring your stories, we've got the perfect place to share them!
🎶 Im on the rise_Biertrein Beats- Topic

23/05/2026

Something Special is Growing at Rocky Drift

From mountain air to rich soil, our trees are finally rewarding the patience.

At Rocky Drift, we have our first and second season for
🥑 Avocados - First Season
🍋 Lemons – Second Season
❤️ Pomegranates – Second Season
🍊 Plus our unusual sweet “lemons” that look like oranges!

There’s something incredibly satisfying about picking lemons or avocados straight from the trees after seasons of waiting, watering and hoping.

Fresh country air, mountain views and nature doing what nature does best.

This is the kind of slow, simple magic we love.

12/05/2026

Tiny Shells. New Home.

Our baby tortoises have officially moved into their brand-new enclosure… and honestly?
They’re living their best life!

These little legends are settling in beautifully and already exploring every corner like tiny armored explorers.

Next time you visit, say hello to the newest VIP residents at Rockydrift Resort 💚

Slow life. Fresh air. Tiny footprints. Big smiles.

29/04/2026

Thank you so much to Voets Toets Hiking for the INCREDIBLE review!

We’re truly grateful for your kind words and thrilled that you enjoyed Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve and our Hiking Trails. It means a lot to us to see our peace of heaven, experienced and appreciated the way it’s meant to be.

We look forward to welcoming you back for more exploring and to experience all our new additions!

25/04/2026

Well, would you look at that… a little bit of magic just happened!

Our beautiful Snake Plants (Sansevieria), yes, the tough-as-nails, impossible-to-kill one, has decided to flower! ..and if you know plants… you’ll know this is not an everyday occurrence.
This is like your quiet, low-maintenance guest suddenly getting up and performing a full concert 😁
This is a big deal for us.
Snake plants rarely flower, especially indoors.
It usually means the plant is thriving (or slightly stressed… but we’ll take thriving 😄)
The flowers are delicate, fragrant, and honestly,
a bit unexpected from such a hardy plant.
Around here, we take it as a sign,
*Good energy,
*Happy space, and
*Nature doing its thing.
So if you’re visiting and catch a glimpse, you’re basically witnessing a botanical VIP moment
🎶Shimmering Skies

#

10/03/2026

WEEKEND TREAT

Book a weekend cottage stay
and receive 2 complimentary
breakfasts the weekend!

Fresh mountain air, riverside walks, and starry nights await.

Limited cottages available
Call: +27 72 245 4961

Pic Credit:
Jolandie Lewis:
📸 numinous_expeditions

02/03/2026

THANK YOU to all our amazing guests.

Unfortunately, as the situation occurred beyond our control after Vodacom did not block our number when requested. We have since taken the necessary steps to resolve the matter and ensure everything is secure moving forward.

Thank you for standing with us.

07/02/2026

⚠️⚠️ WhatsApp Impersonation Scam Alert - Still ongoing!!! ⚠️⚠️

⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️IMPORTANT NOTICE⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
The message shown in second image is what was sent to a guest is fraudulent and was NOT sent by our business.
Please be aware that scammer are currently impersonating us on WhatsApp with OUR number!

All official communication and payment requests will only come from our verified email and with OFFICIAL proforma attached.
NO PROFORMA = NO PAYMENT!!

When in doubt, contact us directly before making any payment!

03/02/2026

⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️
Our WhatsApp account is currently unavailable!!

26/10/2025

🏆 WE DID IT AGAIN! 🏆

Rocky Drift just brought home
TWO more LUXlife Awards!

Hospitality Awards 2025 for -

Most Unique Accommodation Collection 2025 – South Africa

🐾 Best Off-Lead Holiday Spot for Pets & Their People 2025 – South Africa!

From our hiking trails to wagging tails, it’s all thanks to YOU, our amazing guests and pet-loving adventurers, for making us shine.

Address

Portion 3 Of Farm Kaalbooi 368JT
Waterval Boven
1195

Telephone

+27722454961

Website

http://www.rockydrift.com/, http://www.rockydrift.co.za/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Rocky Drift Private Nature Reserve posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your business to be the top-listed Hotel in Waterval Boven?