VERY IMPORTANT
IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED TO DO THIS CACHE ALONE - IT IS BEST TO DO IT IN A GROUP OF AT LEAST 4 PEOPLE.
Geocaching, hiking, backpacking and other outdoor activities involve risk to both persons and property. There are many variables including, but not limited to, weather, fitness level, terrain features and outdoor experience, that must be considered prior to seeking or placing a Cache. Be prepared for your journey and be sure to check the current weather and conditions before heading outdoors.
Always exercise common sense and caution.
Situated between Emgwenya (Zulu for 'place of the crocodile') and Waterval Onder (Dutch for 'below the waterfall') in the Elandsberg mountain range, you can see the Elands River Falls through thep 400m-long NZASM road tunnel, a national monument.
The NZASM tunnel at Waterval-Boven is probably the best-known and most famous of all NZASM structures. Not only is it an impressive masterpiece of design and engineering, but also the only tunnel built by the NZASM and the first in the Transvaal (Mpumalanga).
The tunnel formed part of the rack-railway system between Waterval-Onder and Waterval-Boven. It was surveyed by engineer SISSINGH and chief foreman Bouten, and was constructed by the firm of WARREN & ROYCE. Drilling and rock-blasting began from both ends on 18 October 1892. The power plant generating the compressed air for the rock-drills was situated on top of the spur through which the tunnel was being built, and until the 1980s the boiler which was used was still in its original position. The actual cutting and blasting inside the tunnel was done by miners who were experienced in this field. The tunneling went well without serious mishaps, and on 9 September 1893 the two work teams met underground. Before the end of the year the full tunnel profile was hacked out of the rock. When the centre and levels were checked in the middle of the tunnel they were correct to within fifty millimeters - a wonderful feat of engineering indeed, even by contemporary standards.
To keep the tunnel as short as possible part of the mountain on the eastern side was blasted away, whilst a huge cutting was made through solid rock at the opposite end.
On account of the instability of the rock it was necessary to line the tunnel with stone masonry. However, in order to reach Waterval-Boven as soon as possible, the rails and rack were laid prior to commencing with this work.
The lining was completed by May 1894. The walls and roof of the tunnel were extended on the eastern side to end in a portal filled back with rubble so as to catch loose rock and other debris in order that they be prevented from falling onto the track.
The completed tunnel had a length of 211m. Its construction was complicated not only because of this length, but also because it formed part of a curve with a radius of 225m. There was also a maximum gradient of 1:20 with which to be complied.
At approximately the halfway mark an arched niche was constructed on one side. There are numerous speculations as to the purpose of this niche - some believe it to be the beginning of a drain, while others even consider it to be the hiding-place of the fictitious 'Kruger Millions'! However, the purpose of the recess is really quite simple, as stated in the 'Rules and Regulations' for gangers: 'At the arrival of a train, should the 'ploegbazen' (gangers) and workmen working in a tunnel have no time to reach the recess constructed in the wall of the tunnel, they will lie down between the line and the wall'.
Intrepid rock climbers have been visiting the falls for years, because Emgwenya is one of South Africa's top rock climbing destinations. But you won't have to scale vertical quartzite crags and cliffs to get a good view.
You'll walk to a wooden observation platform tucked up against the cliffs, where you'll have a clear view of how the falls separates into three mighty ribbons of water as it plunges over 228m of sheer red cliffs and plummets 70m down into a deep pool.
The Cache
The cache is hidden away in the rocks under the viewing platform. The container is large enough for swag.
Please refrain from dropping trackables here though, as it is likely that they will remain in the cache for long periods of time.
It is highly recommended to take a torch/flashlight.
Unfortunately the area is not entirely safe, and the local government has not looked after this national monument like it should. There are sometimes guides and guards available, though this seems to be intermittent. One hopes that the situation will change, as this is a fascinating part of our heritage and is well worth the viewing.
Sources:
http://www.theheritageportal.co.za/article/historic-tunnel-waterval-boven-probably-best-known-and-most-famous-all-nzasm-structures
http://www.artefacts.co.za/main/Buildings/bldgframes.php?bldgid=9402