Tugela Gorge — Local services in Okhahlamba Local Municipality

Entrance fee to Royal Natal National Park is R50. This hike is one of the most amazing day hikes in South Africa. This hike begins at Thendele camp in this park. The total distance is a 15km out and back trail. Some people choose to go further into the gorge to get views of the tallest waterfall in the world. The icy pools look amazing and daring people take a dip in some of them. Spectacular views of the amphitheatre can be seen along the hike. The trail meanders up and goes through some forests. Water stops are mostly few and far between (in winter) but there are stops at the beginning and toward the end of the trail. Overall and...

This hike ambles along the mountainside slowly gaining in altitude. Before long you find yourself staring at the maginificence of the Drakensberg amphitheatre that wraps around you. The path then dives under the canopy of trees and into a real mountainside forest before emerging again on the other side. All along the route are small streams where you can refill your water bottle from the clear water that flows from the mountain. There is enough parking spots at the start of the route and also access to a river for a dip after the walk. There are normally a car gaurd or two at the start who are not paid and make a living from watching...

The place was well-kept and the ablutions (only at the start of the hike) were stocked. The path was a bit overgrown in places, but still visible. There was quite a bit of forest, but the middle section had no shade at all so it is advisable to do this hike earlier. It is about a 14km round trip with amazing natural pools and boulders, and up a chain ladder (an extra section) there is a stunning view of the...