Tugela Falls
Tugela Falls - Drakensberg & Surroundings, KwaZulu Natal © Tugela Falls
South Africa's magnificent Drakensberg mountains are home to the second
highest waterfall in the world, the Tugela Falls (Thukela Falls), with a total
height of about eight hundred and fifty metres, only second to the 979 metre
Salto Angel in Venezuela. The word Thukela comes from the Zulu language, and
means "Startling One". The Tugela Falls is one of the main attractions of the
The Royal Natal National Park, along with the Amphitheatre.
The view of Tugela Falls from the top of the Amphitheatre is considered by many
to be the highlight of any trip to the Drakensberg. The picturesque and pristine
mountain hiking trail takes hikers to the summit of Mount-Aux-Sources, and
starts at the Sentinel car park at Witsieshoek traveling through Phuthadjhaba,
from where it is a fairly short climb to the top of the Amphiteare. With the use
of two chain ladders one can gain easy access to the summit. This is the only
day hiking trail which leads to the top of the Drakensberg escarpment.
Another popular walk is the twenty three kilometre long hike along the Thukela
River to the tunnel. The trail is rather long, but the route is not too
strenuous, and hikers of varied fitness should all manage it. The trail travels
alongside the river and leads directly up into the Amphitheatre. Near the end of
the trail, there is a natural tunnel which has been eroded out of the rock by
the river. Above the tunnel it is possible to continue following the river until
the awe inspiring Thukela Falls can be seen.
Another trail at the Royal Natal National Park leads to the base of the falls.
From the base of the falls, the Thukela Gorge is carved through the sandstone
layers of the "little" 'berg. This trail winds through the Tugela gorge, passing
through indigenous forests along an easy-to-hike gradient, covering a distance
of seven kilometers. The final stretch of the route to the falls, consists of a
series of boulder crossing over the river. After climbing a small chain ladder
visitors can take the opportunity to view the majestic falls, tumbling down the
Amphitheatre into a series of five spectacular cascades
Accommodation Near Tugela Falls
Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa
Holiday Resort Accommodation in Mont-aux-Sources
13.4km from Tugela FallsThe Cavern is set in a secluded valley beneath the massive sandstone cliffs of the Northern Drakensberg. The thatch accommodation and facilities blend beautifully with the natural surroundings of the area. The Cavern is home to numerous Bushman paintings, …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Sungubala Eco Camp
Game Reserve And Bush Lodge Accommodation in Mont-aux-Sources
14.7km from Tugela FallsSungubala is an Eco Camp set on a secluded farm in the Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve of KwaZulu-Natal. This unique camp has a range of self catering cottages situated in a pristine wilderness area. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Ingwe Cabin
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Little Switzerland
20.4km from Tugela FallsOnly one self catering cabin high up in the mountains on an easy 4x4 track. You are assured privacy in an unspoiled part of the berg. Indigenous forests, cape vulture nesting site, fly fishing, crystal clear streams, rock pools, unsurpassed views …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Little Switzerland
Holiday Resort Accommodation in Little Switzerland
23.2km from Tugela FallsLittle Switzerland really is something special, from the beautifully manicured grounds, to the main building with authentic thatched roofing and local wood framings and furnishings, each with stories of their own. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Seletwane Drakensberg Getaway
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Oliviershoek Pass
25.2km from Tugela FallsAccommodation is in two comfortable rooms in the cabin which is environmentally friendly. Power and hot water are derived from a solar generating system and cooking is on clean gas stoves. There are lovely outside lapa's for braai's, one at the ... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Dumbe No. 1
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Oliviershoek Pass
25.7km from Tugela FallsThe living and dining area leading out onto the sundeck offers breathtaking views on the whole valley. The kitchen is fully equipped with cutlery and crockery with a scullery, gas stove and gas fridge. The bath room is equipped with a gas geyser. ... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Dumbe No. 2, 3, 4 and 5
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Oliviershoek Pass
25.7km from Tugela FallsDumbe- where the Voortrekkers entered Natal on their trek to the Drakensberg - an escarpment of history. This stone and thatch 2-sleeper lodge offers accommodation with breathtaking views of times gone by. (One double bed.) Eskom Power is provided... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
