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Policeman's HelmetPhoto: Philipp Wald, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
This hike leads to a unique rock formation that resembles the shape of a police helmet. The hike rewards one with an impressive view of the Thukela River and the Amphitheatre.
This route starts at the hiker's parking lot in Royal Natal and first leads along the impressive Thukela River. Afterwards, the trail climbs a hill, giving you a breathtaking view of the Amphitheatre and the river valley. The rest of the trail is mostly flat and takes you through a woodland of Proteas, which can bloom in picturesque shades of red, orange and pink. In addition, the route takes you into patches of forest and to various streams, in which you can cool off in the summer. During the entire hike, you can see the final destination of the route, the Policeman's Helmet, on the opposite side of the valley. The view, as well as the mountain panorama, is impressive at all times, but the best view awaits you at Policeman's Helmet, which can be reached after several steps and a wooden ladder.
Author’s recommendation
I recommend doing this hike on a beautiful and clear day, because then the Amphitheatre is spectacular!
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
- Before your hike, always take the time to fill out the "Mountain Rescue Register" completely and accurately. Don’t forget to complete the "Mountain Rescue Register" upon your return. This information can be vital in case of emergency.
- Let a friend or family member know where you are hiking to, and when you plan to be back.
- It is best not to hike alone, but in groups!
- In winter (May - August) the days are much shorter than in summer (October - March), so be sure to allow yourself enough time to return before dark.
- In the summer months afternoon thunderstorms are frequent and the weather can change quickly - so be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand and pack appropriate clothing.
- Prescribed burning takes place in the winter months. Familiarise yourself at the office with the areas scheduled for burning for your own safety and enjoyment.
- River currents can be dangerous: check the water level and the speed of the water flow before going for a swim or attempting to cross a river.
- There are poisonous snakes in the mountains: the puff adder, the mountain adder and the Rinkhals.
Tips and suggestions
In order to maintain the wild character of the Drakensberg and in keeping with the wilderness principles, there are no information boards along the trails in the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. Instead, you can purchase maps and visitor-guide-booklets at the reception, which contain information about the flora, fauna, landscape and history of the region.
The water of small rivers and streams in the park is usually drinkable.
If you access the Maloti-Drakensberg Park, you have to register at the reception office of the section you entered and pay the Nature Conservation Fee. All visitors must keep their official park entrance fee receipt with them.
The Maloti-Drakensberg Park, the hiking trails and the accommodation within the park are managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the authority mandated to conserve biodiversity in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife safeguards and conserves the unique biodiversity and natural and cultural world heritage of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park and many other protected areas in KwaZulu-Natal. Tourism revenue generated by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife goes towards the management of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and funds rural community projects. In terms of the local economy, Ezemvelo is often the only employer in some rural areas. In this way the organization affects thousands of people surrounding the Maloti-Drakensberg Park in a positive economic way.
Roadbook
This hike starts at the day visitor parking below Thendele Resort in the Royal Natal section of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. Right at the beginning of the trail you reach a junction where you need to keep right in order to walk upstream along the river. After about 800 m you need to keep right and ignore a path that turns to the left. Only 100 m further, turn right and follow the path 100 m steeply up the hill. There you find a stone signpost that shows you the way to Policeman's Helmet. Follow the path for another 50 m uphill. When you reach a junction, you are able to spot a bench right in front of you, where you can take a short break and enjoy the breathtaking view. Afterwards, return to the junction and keep right. (If you skip the bench and come from below, you have to turn left here). At the next junction, continue straight ahead. Follow the path through Protea woodland until it enters a patch of forest, where you need to cross a small stream. Only 270 m further on, you reach another stream that needs to be crossed, closely followed by a signpost that points you to the left and into another patch of forest. Once again, you have to cross two streams. 1.4 km after the second forest, you reach a bigger river, which can be crossed either with the help of stepping stones or by wading through the water. About 420 m after crossing the river, the trail climbs up a steeper zigzag. Once you have mastered the incline and after 700 m, you get to a junction where a stone signpost points you to the left. Follow the path for about 1.4 km towards Policeman's Helmet. The path takes a right turn and leads steeply, partly over steps and a wooden ladder up to the rock formation. The same path leads back to the start of the hike.
Bench with beautiful view - Royal Natal
Policeman's Helmet
Public transport
It is recommended to use your own vehicle since public transport is limited.
Directions
If you are coming from Ladysmith, follow the R616 road to Bergville for 55 km. From Bergville travel 30 km towards Olivershoek Pass/Harrismith and turn left at the Drakensberg North sign. It is approximately 16 km from there to the entrance gate of the Royal Natal section of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site.
If you are travelling on the N3 highway between Johannesburg and Durban and you are coming from the south, turn off the N3 at the Winterton/Northern Berg Resorts turn off and pass through Winterton and Bergville. Turn left at the Drakensberg North sign. It is approximately 16 km from there to the entrance gate of the Royal Natal section of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site.
If you are travelling on the N3 highway between Johannesburg and Durban and you are coming from the north, turn off the N3 at the Bergville turn off and follow the R616 road to Bergville for 55 km. From Bergville travel 30 km towards Olivershoek Pass/Harrismith and turn left at the Drakensberg North sign. It is approximately 16 km from there to the entrance gate of the Royal Natal section of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site.
If you are coming from Harrismith, turn right onto the Bethlehem Road and travel 5 km until the Phuthaditjaba sign where you turn left onto the R74/R712. Turn left again 8 km along this road at the Bergville/Oliviershoek Pass/R74 sign. Turn right at the Drakensberg North sign. It is approximately 16 km from there to the entrance gate of the Royal Natal section of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site.
Parking
Day Visitor Parking: From the Royal Natal reception office, follow the road past the day visitor area to the Gorge carpark, below Thendele Resort.
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Maps and brochures are available at the Reception Office.
Equipment
Sturdy shoes, as well as sun or rain protection depending on the weather, water and snacks should be taken.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions