Vaalwater is a small town situated on the Mokolo River in the Limpopo province of South Africa.
The town, unlike other towns in the Limpopo province, is not located on a national road, of which the nearest one is at Nylstroom/Modimolle. It does however lie halfway on a road stretching from Nylstroom/Modimolle to Ellisras/Lephalale (the R33 Route).
Nearby towns also include Hermanusdorings, Melkrivier, Palala and Naboomspruit.
It lies at the southern edge of the rugged Waterberg Massif, which is a biosphere that contains considerable biodiversity, including numerous large mammals (e.g. Giraffe, White Rhino, Blue Wildebeest). Waterberg is the first region in the northern part of South Africa to be named as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The extensive rock formation was shaped by hundreds of millions of years of riverine erosion to yield diverse bluff and butte landform. Sandrivier range of the central Waterberg, 15 km south of Vaalwater.
Vaalwater is a popular jumping-off point for travels to the Waterberg Massif and Botswana and is itself becoming a minor destination for tourism. There are a variety of craft, art, and gift shops, as well as cafes and restaurants. Vaalwater is also home to some of the most magnificent game farms and eco-tourism in the country. Many of the game farms host the Big Five, and nature-lovers will find the mountains, bush and wildlife worth the visit.
Vaalwater has a number of commercial services not common for kilometres around, especially on roads leading to Botswana. These include banking, groceries, petrol and diesel, a post office, and doctors.
In 2006, Vaalwater was officially renamed Mabatlane, but reverted to Vaalwater in 2007 after it became evident that the proper renaming procedures had not been followed.
Vaalwater is a small village situated in the Waterberg region of the Limpopo Province in South Africa. This is the central village located in the majestic Waterberg Mountain Range. The Mokolo River is also nearby. The region is known for its export grapes and soft fruits as well as other important products such as peanuts and maize.
Vaalwater is seen as a village a part of the commercially central Modimolle (Place of the Spirits). Some town just have that feel-good-factor – and Vaalwater forms part of Modimolle which is such a town. Even though it has a small population, this village is growing thanks to a variety of game, nature reserves, accommodation and working farms. This small village offers numerous outdoor activities for the adventure-seekers.
The climate is pleasant with hot summers and moderate winters. The heat in this small town makes the place languid and easygoing. Vaalwater is a good stopover on your way to/from Modimolle in the Waterberg, or on your way up North.
Vaalwater offers a variety of accommodation in the form of bed and breakfasts, self-catering units, farms and lodges. For a complete list of places to stay in this village, please view our accommodation directory.
A diverse range of outdoor activities are available. The Rhino Museum is a must-see for any wildlife enthusiast. It is the first museum devoted entirely to the conservation of rhinos. While visiting this museum, tourists can look forward to information on the history, habitats, rhino wars, illegal trade, use of rhino horn and conservation efforts to preserve them.
Another place to visit while you are in the area is the Waterberg Savannah Biosphere Reserve. This reserve is filled with fauna and flora to excite everyone. Please see our activities directory for a complete list of things to do in Vaalwater.
- Other things to do in Vaalwater include: Church of St John the Baptist, Concentration Camp – The gate pillars of the Eenheid Primary School in Van Riebeek Street remain over from an Anglo-Boer War concentration camp, Donkerpoort Dam, JG Strijdom House and Waterberg Museum, Nyl Floodplain and Nylsvley Nature Reserve