Tugela Gorge Hike, Drakensberg

Royal Natal National Park

Drakensberg, Kwa Zulu Natal

The Tugela Gorge is absolutely astounding, with its golden orange rock walls and turquiose water. The smooth rocks tower over you after years and years of water erosion, it is a remarkable sight, unlike anything you have ever seen. The hike is long but absolutely worth the effort.

The out-and-back trail is 17 km's long, and stretches mostly along the edge of a sunny mountain, until you reach the valleys which dip into shaded forests with little steams and light water falls. You can fill your water bottles at these streams and rivers.

The last stretch, before the Tugela Gorge, is along a river bed with lots of shade and devine rock pools for cooling down and playing. We recommend planning a full day, becuase it is beautiful here. The path to the gorge is a rocky ramble and requires a bit of time, with mountains towering over you it is all an absolute spectacle. Wet shoes for the river part of the hike could come in very handy!

You will go back to your car along the same path that you came in on. 

The Royal Mahai campsite is a few km's away and offers a large campsite, if you are looking for accommodation close by.

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