The Thukela (Tugela) Falls

The falls at a total height of 850m is one of the highest waterfalls in the world and can be viewed from our Drakensberg in KZN.

The Tugela Falls from the top of the Amphitheatre is possibly the highlight of any trip to the Drakensberg. The spectaclarly beautifull mountain hiking trail to the top of Mount-Aux-Sources starts at the Sentinel car park at Witsieshoek via Phuthadjhaba from where it is a relatively short climb to the top of the Amphiteare. (About 5 hours return) Via two chain ladders you can can gain easy access to the summit. This is the only day hiking trail which will take you to the top of the Drakensberg escarpment.

A popular walk is the 23Km hike along the Thukela (Tugela) River to the tunnel. Although long the trail is not particularly strenuous and most people should be able to manage it. The trail follows the river right up into the Amphitheatre. Towards the end of the hike there is a natural tunnel that has been carved out of the rock by the river. Above the tunnel it is possible to continue following the river until the spectacular Thukela Falls comes into view. The word Thukela comes from Zulu and means "Startling One"

Another trail to the foot of the Tugela Falls starts at Royal Natal National Park. The easy seven kilometre gradient up the Tugela gorge winds though indigenous forests. The last part of the hike to the Tugela Falls is a boulder hop. A little chain ladder takes you over the final streach from where you have a stunning view of the falls rushing down the Amphitheater in a series of five spectacular cascades.