Overview
About the hike
5,9 km one way
11,8 km in total
773 m
773 m
4 to 6 hours
Out & Back
Easy - Moderate - Difficult - Expert
There are two routes to the top of the Amphitheatre and the Tugela Falls. On one route you have to climb up 2 high and vertical chain ladders. The other route goes up via a gully over some large boulders, but is therefore better suited for people with fear of heights. Both routes start with the same trail until you come across the gully. Here, you can decide to keep following the path to the chain ladders or you start climbing up through the gully on your left.
The chain ladders are 40 and 20 meters high. You often read that it can be scary to climb these chain ladders, but we thought it was quite okay to do it, because you can really hold on well. The gully route makes the route a little bit longer than the chain ladder route (+30 minutes one way) and is physically more demanding. Another option is to go up along the chain ladder route and go back down along the gully route, as climbing down the ladders can be a bit more challenging.
We took the chain ladder route, so we are going further in detail about this route to the top. We found this hike moderately challenging. If you are afraid of height, this hike can be a bit more challenging for you. It takes around 4 to 5 hours to complete the whole hike, depending on your physical condition and how long you want to admire the insanely beautiful views along the way.
Important to know: There is a good chance that you will encounter shepherds along the way who ask for food, money or cigarettes. Try to not show them your valuables and never give them money. You can either offer them some spare food or say a polite “hello” or “no, sorry” and keep moving on.
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The hike
The hike start at the Sentinel Peak Car Park, which can only be reached by 4X4 or by foot. Here, you have to pay a Royal Natal National Park Entrance Fee of 110R per person and sign in the hiking register. When you return, don’t forget to sign out again! We do
From the Sentinel Peak Car Park, you start your hike on a trail of bricks that leads you to the base of the mountainside. Here, the path starts to zig-zag gradually up the mountain side. This is the to our opinion the toughest ascend of the trail. You keep following this zig-zag trail until you come across a sign indicating the way to a viewpoint or the way directly to the viewpoint. We decided to follow the way towards the viewpoint first and thought it was definitely worth the small detour. The path to the summit is not very clear from here, but you just have to keep going to the right and you will find a proper path again eventually. You keep following this path until you reach a small metal ladder. During this part of the hike you’ll come across a few short, more exposed sections.
Important to know: When you start the hike, you have to sign in the hiking register. It is very important that you sign out again when you finish the hike, so that they don’t come looking for you unnecessarily!
A little after the small ladder, it is time to choose between the chain ladder route or the gully route. Where the trail makes a clear bend to the right, you will see the gully going up on your left side. If you choose for the chain ladders, you have to keep following the path to the right.
From here, you have to walk about 20 minutes before you reach the ladders. You have to climb two sections to reach the top: the first one is around 40 meters high and the second one is 20 meters high. You have the choice bewteen two types of ladders. We advice you to take the ladder with the big rings to have a better grip to hold yourself. The ladders go vertically up the mountain side, so it might be a bit nerve wrecking. Don’t look down if you are a bit scared.
Important to know: When climbing the ladders, make sure that you always have 3 point contact: 2 feet and 1 hand or 1 foott and 2 hands! This way you always stand firmly and the risk of slipping is reduced to a minimum. If you are afraid of heights, we advice you to take the gully route. Note that the gully route is physically more demanding and will take you 30 minutes longer one way.
After you’ve conquered the most thrilling part of this adventure, you have to climb one more steep but short section. After this last ascend, it is only a short and easy hike over a flat stretch of land to reach the waterfall. The path here is not very clear. You can just follow the river to where it flows off the cliff and turns into the impressive Tugela Falls. Not only the waterfall, but the view over this incredible landscape is a moment you will never forget!
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When to hike to the tugela Falls
The best time to go is March to May when raining season is just over and the temperatures are still comfortable. During September to November the weather can also be pleasant for hiking but the waterfall can run dry because of dry season.
In winter season (July & August) you might expect snow in these mountains and temperatures can get really chilly.
During the summer (December to February) there is a good chance that it will rain or even storm in the afternoon, which can be dangerous for hiking. If you want to go during this period, it is recommended to go as early as possible. That way you’ll be back before it starts raining in the afternoon.
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How to get to the trailhead
The trail starts at the Sentinel Peak Car Park, which can be reached from the Witshieshoek Mountain Lodge, only by 4×4 or by foot. The road to this car park is 7 kilometer long and is in very bad condition. Therefore, we advice you to not drive there yourself and take the shuttle from Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge (R180 per person). It takes around 30 minutes to reach the car park.
– 30 minutes for 7 kilometeres describes the condition of the road. –
You can best contact Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge in advance to arrange your shuttle and ask for the departure times. You can find their contact information here.
On your way back, you can just contact the driver as soon as you are almost back at the car park to pick you up again.
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What does it cost
At the Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge, you have to pay a toll gate fee/conservation fee for the Sentinel Park.
– Adult: R70 per person
If you want to go hiking, you also have to pay a hiking fee.
– Day hiking Fees: R110 per person
– Overnight on top of the mountain: R110 per person
All fees must be paid in cash!
If you don’t have a 4×4, you have to take the shuttle from Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge
– Shuttle (Round Trip): R180 per person
Car rental
Rent your car, scooter or camper through our partners to get the best conditions.
Tips & Safety considerations
If you are not an experienced hiker, or you are not sure about the area, you can also to this hike with an experienced mountain guide through Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge. They know the routes, the weather patterns, and will help you manage your time. Also their knowledge of the geology, fauna and flora will add a wonderful dimension to your hike. All hikes in the area can be done with or without a guide. You can contact Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge to arrange your guide.
To repeat and summarize some important things that we have already said before:
- Don’t drive to the Sentinel Peak Car Park yourself, definitely not with a regular car! The road is in such a bad condition, that we can assure you that you will not make it there.
- Bring enough cash to pay the conservation and hiking fees.
- When you start the hike, you have to sign in the hiking register. It is very important that you sign out again when you finish the hike, so that they don’t come looking for you unnecessarily!
- There is a good chance that you will encounter shepherds along the way who ask for food, money or cigarettes. Try to not show them your valuables and never give them money. You can either offer them some spare food or say a polite “hello” or “no, sorry” and keep moving on.
- If you are afraid of heights, we recommend you to take the gully route. Note that this route is physically more demanding and will add 30 minutes one way to your hiking time.
- When you climb the chain ladders, always keep 3 point contact: 2 feet and 1 hand or 2 hand and 1 foot.
Important hiking tips!
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