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Thukela GorgePhoto: Philipp Wald, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
This hike is one of the most beautiful in the Drakensberg! It leads into the Thukela Valley with a view of the impressive Amphitheater, all the way to a viewpoint and incredible pools in the Thukela Gorge.
The Thukela Gorge is one of the most impressive hiking trails in KwaZulu-Natal, as this hike not only follows along the Thukela River but also requires crossing it in parts and swimming in its crystal-clear pools. Additionally, the hike leads to viewpoints from which you can admire the world's tallest waterfall – the Tugela Falls (983 m).
This trail is part of the Green Flag Trails: Green Flag Trails is an international standard for trail accreditation to raise public awareness and confidence in hiking trails. The system ensures that well-managed and environmentally sustainable trails remain a lasting resource for recreation, hiking, health, and tourism, and maintain the many benefits trails provide to local communities. The system is designed to meet the needs of trail users regarding trail information, difficulty, skills, and classification. For more information, see https://greenflagtrails.org/
Author’s recommendation
Bringing a hiking stick is never a bad idea on this hike! However, in bad weather and high water levels, this hike is not recommended because the river current becomes too strong, and crossing the river is no longer possible.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
- Please always take the time before your hike to fill out the "Mountain Rescue Register" completely and precisely 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.
- Let a friend or family member know where you are hiking and when you should be back.
- It's 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 occur more frequently in the mountains and the weather can change very quickly – so always check the weather forecast beforehand and pack appropriate clothing.
- Controlled burning takes place in winter. Check at the reception to ensure your safety.
- The current of rivers can be very dangerous: check the water level and flow 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 Site "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 generally be drunk without concerns.
Upon entering the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Maloti-Drakensberg Park," you are required to register at the reception of the respective section and pay the Nature Conservation fee, a type of daily fee. The payment receipt must be kept carefully.
The Maloti-Drakensberg Park, the hiking trails, and accommodations in the park are managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the authority responsible for biodiversity conservation 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. The 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 has a positive economic impact on thousands of people living around the Maloti-Drakensberg Park.
Roadbook
This hike starts at the day visitor parking area below the Thendele Resort in the Royal Natal section of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Maloti-Drakensberg Park." From the parking lot, follow the signs for the "Gorge Trail" and first walk about 800 m through bushes along the Tugela River. The route on the app differs from the actual path you have to take. However, the signage will help. After the first 800 m, you reach a junction that leads left to a large wooden bridge, which crosses a tributary of the Tugela River. From there, the trail leads above the Tugela River into the beautiful valley, rewarded with a breathtaking view of the so-called Amphitheater. The path is relatively flat, passing through beautiful proteas and woodland. After about 6.8 km, while you are in a wooded area, the actual hiking trail turns left, following a cliff wall, which the Outdooractive map does not show. After walking another 400 m, steps lead down. Then you descend over rocks until the path enters the riverbed. Here you should find a plaque on the cliff wall to the right, which says "Tugela Falls – the tallest Waterfall in the world." From here, the trail continues through the riverbed of the Tugela. Depending on the water level, you may need to take off your shoes or wade through water. Also, the riverbed may look a bit different each time. At the 7.3 km mark, the trail goes up, briefly out of the riverbed, and over wooden steps back down into the riverbed. After about 7.5 km, you reach the destination. Here, there are several clearly visible wooden ladders leading away from the riverbed. The one on the left riverbank leads to a viewpoint, while the one on the right bank is closed. Opposite the right ladder is the Tugela Gorge, a narrow spot where the water of the Tugela flows and where you can enjoy swimming! The gorge has many small and deep pools where you can cool off. Then the same path leads back to the parking lot.
Bench with beautiful view - Royal Natal
Thendele Camp
Tugela Gorge Parking
Tugela Gorge und Pools
Public transport
It is best to use your own vehicle to reach the park, as public transport is limited.
Directions
If coming from Ladysmith, follow the R616 towards Bergville for 55 km. From Bergville, drive 30 km towards Olivershoek Pass/Harrismith and then turn left at the Drakensberg North sign. From there, it is about 16 km to the entrance gate of the Royal Natal section of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Maloti-Drakensberg Park."
If coming on the N3 highway between Johannesburg and Durban from the south, take the Winterton/Northern Berg Resorts turnoff from the N3 and drive through Winterton and Bergville. Turn left at the Drakensberg North sign. From there, it is about 16 km to the entrance gate of the Royal Natal section of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Maloti-Drakensberg Park."
If coming on the N3 highway between Johannesburg and Durban from the north, take the Bergville turnoff from the N3 and follow the R616 towards Bergville for 55 km. From Bergville, drive 30 km towards Olivershoek Pass/Harrismith and then turn left at the Drakensberg North sign. From there, it is about 16 km to the entrance gate of the Royal Natal section of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Maloti-Drakensberg Park."
If coming from Harrismith, turn right and drive 5 km on Bethlehem Road, where you turn left onto the R74/R712 at the Phuthaditijaba sign. After 8 km on this road, turn left again at the Bergville/Oliviershoek Pass/R74 sign. 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 Site "Maloti-Drakensberg Park."
Parking
Day visitor parking Royal Natal: The parking lot is located below the Thendele Resort in Royal Natal.
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Maps and brochures are available at the receptions.
Equipment
Good footwear, as well as sun or rain protection depending on the weather, should be brought along. Also, a water bottle, snacks, and swimwear. A hiking stick is also recommended if you are not very sure-footed.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions