Don’t look down, unless you have the stomach for it. Scaling the Amphitheatre in the Royal Natal National Park takes you to dizzying peaks. But once you reach the plateau, you’re on top of the world. This mountain is the zenith of beauty, with views extending across the park. Spanning 8 000 hectares, the reserve abounds with rivers, craggy hills and wildlife. It’s also home to Tugela Falls, the second highest waterfall in the world.
At a height of nearly 1 000 metres, the falls cascade over the Amphitheatre. There are multiple routes to the summit. The quickest way up is a seven-hour round trip that’s a test of fitness. Starting at the Sentinel Car Park, the path meanders to a steep rock face where hikers must climb one of two lengthy, but secure, chain ladders. It’s an adrenaline-pumping experience.
As the reserve borders on Lesotho, you may meet Basotho herders tending to sheep and goats on the mountain. A further walk leads to the top of the waterfall. From here, the Tugela flows into a lush gorge. Hiking through the ravine and surrounding forests does require some rock hopping, but also offers the perfect opportunity to take a dip in the crystalline pools.
With plentiful freshwater streams, fishing is a popular activity in the Royal Natal National Park. At the Rugged Glen dam, conservation measures are in place to protect species, but you can still enjoy a catch and release. Weaver’s nests hang precariously over the waters, while kingfishers await their chance to hunt. Surrounding the banks are ample picnic spots. Bushbuck forage nearby, and you may just glimpse an endangered bearded vulture soaring above. Explore the reserve on horseback and ride the surrounding trails with The Northern Horse to encounter even more of this terrain.
A trip to the Royal Natal National Park can turn a relaxing weekend into a monumental adventure. With its towering falls and dramatic mountains, this area draws in the courageous. Journey here and reach heights like never before.
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