South Africa · Trekking

3-Day Tugela Gorge Trek in Drakensberg with Thendele Stay

3 Days Round trip from Johannesburg Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Hike to Tugela Falls, the highest waterfall in the world
02 Stay at majestic Thendele below the Amphitheater
03 See breathtaking views of the Drakensberg Mountains
04 Enjoy swimming in the fresh waters of Tugela

Embark on an adventurous 2-day trek, specially designed for international visitors, to Tugela Falls, the highest waterfall in the world, in the Drakensberg Mountains. Stay at Thendele in Royal Natal Park, hike through Tugela Gorge beneath the Amphitheater, and enjoy time to swim in the river pools and have lunch in the mountains. This short trekking escape also includes scenic walks to Tiger Falls and the Cascades, with road transfers from Johannesburg or Pretoria.

We also take a short walk up the gorge to see Tugela Falls, the highest waterfall in the world.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Johannesburg, Pretoria, Pietermaritzburg, uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Drakensberg and Tiger Falls Hike

9:00 - Meet the tour guide, who will pick you up from your location (airport or hotel).
9:30 - Transfer to the Drakensberg by road.
14:00 - Arrive and check in to your accommodation at Thendele.
15:00 - Go for a short hike to Tiger Falls.
19:00 - Have dinner.

Day 02

Tugela Gorge Hike and Amphitheater Views

6:00 - Have an early breakfast.
7:00 - Start the hike to Tugela Gorge.
9:00 - Make a short stop at the forest section along the Tugela River.
11:00 - Reach the river pools and have a swim.
13:00 - Stop at the gorge and take in the beauty of the Amphitheater. We also take a short walk up the gorge to see Tugela Falls, the highest waterfall in the world.
14:00 - Enjoy lunch in the mountains.
15:00 - Hike back to the accommodation at Thendele.
19:00 - Eat dinner around the fire and hear stories about the hike.

Day 03

Cascades Walk and Departure

6:00 - See the early sunrise and go for a short hike to the Cascades.
8:00 - Have breakfast.
9:00 - Pack and leave for the return to Johannesburg or any other location.
10:00 - Return to your Johannesburg or Pretoria hotel or airport.

Where this trip takes you

Tugela Falls, the Amphitheater, Thendele

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Johannesburg 4 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transport from your location to and from Thendele in the Drakensberg Mountains
1 x breakfast
2 x dinners
Lunch on day 2 in the mountains
Accommodation (1 night)
Free Wi-Fi when there is a signal

What's Not Included

Drinks
Snacks
Food for the hike and energy drinks
Optional extra day to summit Tugela Falls / Sentinel

What to bring

Good trail shoes
Warm clothing
Whistle
Space blanket
Block-out cream
Cap
Camera
Big smile

Know before you go

A reasonable fitness level is required, but we will ensure that the route and hike suit your fitness.
Please note that the tour can also be extended to 3 days, which will then include summiting the Sentinel and experiencing the source of Tugela Falls. The majority of our clients are solo travellers, but pairs and very small groups are also welcome.

Logistics