Waterhaven Country Estate is a premier 106-acre eco-tourism facility located just 20 minutes north of the Fourways and Sandton areas in Gauteng. Situated along a picturesque tree-lined river, the estate offers a unique blend of professional shooting sports and high-end country hospitality. The venue is officially recognized as an eco-tourism site, emphasizing a commitment to environmental conservation while providing a serene escape from the urban bustle of Johannesburg.
The cornerstone of the estate is its owner, David Tweddell, a legendary figure in the South African shooting community with over 50 years of international experience. In 2021, at the age of 74, Tweddell became the oldest person in South Africa to be awarded "National Colours" in any sport after representing the country at the World Compak Sporting Championships in Cyprus. His expertise ensures that the range operates under the highest standards of safety, ethics, and professional coaching.
Core Shooting Disciplines & Equipment:
Sporting Clays & Compak Sporting: The primary focus, featuring dynamic target presentations that simulate real-world hunting scenarios.
Terrain-Based Stations: Targets are integrated into the natural landscape, utilizing the river and vegetation to create challenging flight paths, including "rabbits" and high-tower shots.
Premium Gear: The club utilizes Over & Under Sporting Shotguns and specializes in low-recoil cartridges, making the sport accessible and comfortable for all.
Additional Activities: The estate also features dedicated archery ranges and a paintball arena.
The facility is specifically designed to be inclusive, with approximately 85% of guests being first-time shooters and nearly 40% of visitors being women. Training is available through private tuition personally conducted by David Tweddell or via group instruction for corporate teams. The instructional method focuses on instinctive shooting (similar to the Churchill method), allowing beginners to achieve success quickly without complex technical calculations.
Infrastructure at Waterhaven is built for both sport and social interaction. Guests can gather at the large Thatched Lapa for registration and refreshments or enjoy the Reed Boma, which features a central log fire for an authentic bushveld experience. The estate is a popular venue for corporate team building, bachelor parties, and family events, offering tailored catering that ranges from light snacks to traditional South African "spitbraais".
Key Competitions & Events:
Official Trials: Hosts sanctioned events like the Waterhaven Compak SA Trial.
Association Shoots: Regular venue for the SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association (Centurion Branch) competitions.
Corporate Days: Customized packages for groups of 5 to 100 people, including conference facilities and full hospitality.
Operating Hours
Sunday: 09:30 – 13:00 (Official Club Hours; shooting starts at 10:00).
Tuesday – Saturday: By prior appointment/booking only (Reserved for corporate and private events).
Monday: Closed.
