Tugela Gorge Trail
A full-day trail up the Tugela Gorge to the base of the Amphitheatre, the iconic 5-km basalt wall of the northern Drakensberg.
Trip Role
Ideal stay
Best for
Our take
The best single-day Drakensberg walk, and the one most people should do instead of the ladders.
The best single-day Drakensberg walk, and the one most people should do instead of the ladders.
- Trip Role
- Trip Anchor
- Ideal Stay
- A full day
- Time Needed
- 7-8 hours
- Best For
- Anyone with a day in Royal Natal and decent fitness.
- Go If
- You want the Amphitheatre without the chain ladders.
Why it's worth your time
The lower, gentler sibling of the chain-ladder route. You walk up the gorge between the cliffs and reach the river and pools below the escarpment wall. One of the great day walks in the country.
What we love
The first full sight of the Amphitheatre wall from the gorge.
What to know
A river crossing and some boulder-hopping near the top. Don't attempt in heavy rain; the gorge can flash-flood. Start early.
More trail in KwaZulu-Natal
Drakensberg Grand Traverse
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Giant's Cup Trail
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