Tugela Falls — Attraction in Okhahlamba Local Municipality

Tugela Falls, situated in the awe-inspiring Drakensberg Mountains of Royal Natal National Park in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, stands as one of the world’s most extraordinary natural wonders.

This magnificent waterfall is part of the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area Peace Park and has captivated travelers and nature enthusiasts for generations with its striking beauty and impressive stature.

Tugela Falls is often recognized as the second-highest waterfall in the world, boasting a total drop of 948 meters (3,110 feet) across five distinct, free-leaping cascades. However, ongoing debates and alternate measurements suggest that its height could reach 983 meters (3,225 feet), potentially making it the tallest waterfall on Earth.

The falls are fed by the Tugela River, which originates from the Mont-Aux-Sources plateau and extends beyond the iconic Amphitheatre escarpment. The name “Tugela” is derived from the Zulu word “Thukela,” meaning “sudden” or “startling,” a fitting tribute to the breathtaking spectacle the falls provide.

Visitors must traverse one of two distinct hiking trails, each offering unique perspectives of the surrounding landscape and varying levels of adventure. The first trail ascends to the summit of Mont-Aux-Sources, beginning from "The Sentinel" car park. This challenging climb, requiring approximately 4.5 to 8 hours for a round-trip journey, involves a steep ascent and culminates in an exhilarating climb up two chain ladders that provide access to the summit.

The second trail leads hikers to the base of Tugela Falls, beginning within Royal Natal National Park and following a 7-kilometer path along the Tugela Gorge. This route winds through lush, indigenous forests and offers picturesque views of crystal-clear streams and the towering rock formations characteristic of the Drakensberg Mountains.

As travelers embark on these scenic hikes, they are greeted by the invigorating mountain air and the symphony of nature, from the rustling leaves to the distant sound of the waterfall’s powerful descent. The landscape gradually transforms, revealing sweeping vistas of rugged peaks and verdant valleys, until the towering Amphitheatre escarpment comes into view, providing a dramatic backdrop to the falls.

The anticipation builds with every step closer to the falls, and upon arrival, the sight of the water plunging down the sheer rock face creates a mesmerizing display. Sunlight reflecting off the cascading droplets often forms vibrant rainbows within the mist, adding to the ethereal beauty of the scene.

Tugela Falls is at its most spectacular following heavy rains, when the Tugela River’s volume swells and the falls surge with dramatic intensity. However, the falls are seasonal in nature, and during drier periods, they may diminish to a mere trickle or even disappear entirely. In winter, when temperatures drop, the upper falls occasionally freeze, forming striking ice pillars that add a rare and enchanting element to the landscape.

Each season offers its own unique charm, with summer (November to March) bringing the dramatic water flow after seasonal rains and winter occasionally dusting the surrounding peaks with snow, creating a striking contrast against the dark, rugged cliffs. Autumn paints the landscape in warm, golden hues, while spring sees the valleys bloom with vibrant flora.

Beyond its visual splendor, the area surrounding Tugela Falls offers a profound sense of tranquility and a deep connection to the natural world. The Royal Natal National Park, part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park UNESCO World Heritage Site, is celebrated not only for its dramatic geological formations but also for its rich biodiversity.

The park is a home to a wide array of wildlife, including the endangered Cape vulture, often seen soaring gracefully above the cliffs. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike delight in the opportunity to observe the diverse species inhabiting this pristine environment.

The journey to Tugela Falls is as enchanting and unforgettable as the...

Awesome place. You start the hike from the Sentinel carpark. From Wietsieshoek resort the road is very bad in places and only suitable for cars with high ground clearance. It is 7,5 km from the resort to the carpark where the hike starts. Alternatively one can park at the resort and they transport you there and fetch you on return. Cost return is currently R 150 p.p. You can also pay your hike /camping fee (if you are sleeping on the mountain) here and they have card facilities. Howevert it is cheaper to pay at the carpark, but they don't have card facilities.

It is roughly a 2 hour walk till the chain ladders. The first one is 40m, the second one 20m. If you, like me, are dead scared of nights, you have the option of going up the gully. If you are by the ladders you passed the gully about 15 minutes before so walk back to where you passed it. It will now be on your right in a sharp bend in the path. It is not marked but you see it's just like boulders and stones steep up for about 200 m. It is a strenuous climb as you end up at 3100 m and the air is thin, but it is not at all scary. At the top take a 100m walk to your left and you see the back of the Sentinel, it is the biggest slab of rock you will ever see. Just be vigilant as you are on the verge of a 1km drop wherever you are at the top of this mountain. From the top of the gully it is a 20-30 min walk down to the Tugela river (stream) and the falls.

If you climb the ladders the walk is easier from there to the falls as it is a fairly level walk, when you climb the gully you have to climb the extra +- 200m before walking down to the plain where the falls are.

We camped right on the edge of the cliff (well about 10m back) and the sunset was beautiful behind us. However just after the sun set it started blowing and the icy wind was howling all night (beginning of May) and didn't stop antill the sun has been up for a bit. There is a rangers Outpost to the one side of the plain, and behind it against the hill it was very sheltered, but not easy to find a spot to pitch a tent.

Also beware that there is nowhere to hit a tentpeg into the ground, but there are plenty of big stones around so bring some rope that you can tie through the holes for your pegholes and tie them to rocks.

Eventually after a long hard night the sun rise in all its Glory! An...

Tugela Falls is a must for every hiker , beautiful and takes you away from the city to a relaxed and beautiful experience Tips below

Please do train , its a 6 km walk to the top and 6 km back down. To enjoy the hike I suggest you be fit and walk the distance. Remember to train with your backpack on ... If you have friends joining you and scared of heights , get them to practice using a tall ladder , go up and down... its not bad but they must be prepared. Maybe a good idea to rent a safety harness so the experienced hikers can go to the top and keep the safety rope always tight Make sure you have excellent pair of hiking boots and you are comfortable with them Pack some snacks to have on the top and take along rain cover in case it rains Take along swimming shorts as you can dip into the rock pools on top Dont rush , enjoy your time and the environment Plan your day , so start early and take the 4X4 shuttle to the start from the hotel as the road is extremely bad Going down too early you will have to wait for your shuttle Practice to use the outdoors as your open door toilet Be comfortable to walk around 12 km , 6 km only hill climbing and 6 km decent Extremely beautiful and you want to enjoy it so please...