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CascadesPhoto: Philipp Wald, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
The hike to the Cascades is fun for young and old, big and small, because the easy hike leads along a river to beautiful waterfalls with a bathing spot.
This hike is probably one of the easiest in the Drakensberg and really suitable for everyone. The first meters lead over a paved path alongside the Mahai River, which is also perfect for strollers and wheelchairs! Then you have to cross the river, which is quite easy over the road when the water level is low. If the water level is higher, you use an exciting suspension bridge that safely takes you over the "raging" river. After reaching the other side, the paved path continues through wooded terrain alongside the creek. Surrounded by the sound of the water, the path winds further upstream, past beautiful rest benches. After about 1.2 km, the paved path ends and so does the stroller- and wheelchair-accessible path. From here, it is only 300 m to the destination, leading slightly uphill. At the Cascades, you can happily swim, sunbathe on the stones, or leisurely read a book.
Author’s recommendation
I recommend doing this hike on a beautiful and hot summer day because the Cascades invite you to swim!
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
- Please always take the time before your hike to completely and accurately fill out the "Mountain Rescue Register" according to your route. Check out upon your return and complete the register. This information can be life-saving if you get lost in the mountains.
- Inform a friend or family member where you are hiking and when you should be back.
- It is best not to hike alone but in groups!
- In winter (May-August) the days are significantly shorter than in summer (October - March)
- In the summer months (October - March) afternoon thunderstorms increasingly develop in the mountains and the weather can change very quickly – so always check the weather forecast beforehand and pack appropriate clothing.
- Planned controlled burns take place in winter. Inquire at the reception to ensure your safety,
- The current of rivers can be very dangerous: check the water level and speed before swimming or crossing a river
- There are venomous snakes in the mountains: the puff adder, the berg adder, and the ring-necked cobra
Tips and suggestions
To preserve the wild character of the Drakensberg and keep the area as natural as possible, there are no information boards along the hiking trails in the UNESCO World Heritage Maloti-Drakensberg Park. However, maps and "Visitor Guide" booklets containing information about the flora, fauna, landscape, and history of the region can be purchased at the reception.
The water in the streams of the Drakensberg can usually be drunk without concerns.
Upon entering the UNESCO World Heritage Maloti-Drakensberg Park, you are required to register at the reception of the respective section and pay the Nature Conservation Fee, a form of daily fee. The receipt of the entrance fee must be kept.
The Maloti-Drakensberg Park, the hiking trails, and accommodations in the park are managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the authority responsible for conserving biodiversity in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife secures and preserves the unique biodiversity and the natural and cultural heritage of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park and many other protected areas in KwaZulu-Natal. Tourism revenues generated by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife flow into the preservation of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and rural community projects. Regarding the local economy, Ezemvelo is often the only employer in some rural areas. In this way, the organization positively affects thousands of people economically around the Maloti-Drakensberg Park.
Roadbook
We start the hike to the Cascades at the Hikers-Parking parking lot. In the back right corner of the parking lot, we find the beginning of the "Cascades Boardwalk" and the paved part of the hiking trail begins. The path now runs about 400 m along the river until it meets the road. The road allows crossing the Mahai River without problems when the water level is low. If the water level is higher and the road is underwater, there is a wooden suspension bridge immediately to the right, which helps us safely cross the creek. If you chose the road, turn left immediately after crossing and follow the signage and another paved path to the Cascades. But if you went over the wooden bridge, follow the footpath to the entrance of the campsite and turn left there. A path also leads into the bushes and onto a paved path to the Cascades.
The paved path now winds about 800 m upstream through the wooded area. When you reach the end of the wheelchair- and stroller-friendly path, a few steps lead down to the creek. Here, we keep left to then cross the river via another bridge. After the bridge, more stone steps lead up. The next 100 m go over slight steps along a footpath. As soon as we enter a wooded area again, where the path is not 100% easy to recognize, a sign with the inscription "Cascades, Tiger Falls, Lookout Rock" helps us further. Here we turn right to reach the Cascades. Now the path is followed once around the corner and the destination is reached.
Hiker's Parking
Public transport
It is best to use your own vehicle to reach the park as public transportation is limited.
Directions
If you come on highway N3 from the south between Johannesburg and Durban, turn off the N3 at the Winterton/Colenso junction and drive through Winterton and Bergville towards Harrismith. At the Drakensberg North sign, turn left. From there it is about 16 km to the entrance gate of the Royal Natal section of the UNESCO World Heritage Maloti-Drakensberg Park.
If you come from Harrismith, turn right and drive 5 km on Bethlehem Road, where at the Phuthaditjhaba sign you turn left onto R74/R712. After 8 km on this road, at the Bergville/Oliviershoek Pass/R74 sign, turn left again. At the Drakensberg North sign, turn right. From there it is about 16 km to the entrance gate of the Royal Natal section of the UNESCO World Heritage Maloti-Drakensberg Park.
Parking
To reach the Hiker's-Parking parking lot, drive toward the Mahai Campsite.
Coordinates
Equipment
Wear sturdy footwear and, depending on the weather, bring sun or rain protection, water, and snacks.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions