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🌎  South Africa 🇿🇦

⭐  

4.7
(529)

📍  Tugela Falls

✈️  Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB)

🚗  309.0 KM

⏱️  4 hours, 15 minutes

Tugela Falls, one of the world's highest waterfalls, is a majestic natural attraction located in South Africa's Royal Natal National Park, offering unparalleled views of the Drakensberg Amphitheatre. Accessibility requires strenuous hiking, with two primary routes: the Tugela Gorge Trail to the base or the more challenging Sentinel Peak/Chain Ladders route to the top, both demanding good physical fitness and not being wheelchair accessible. While experienced hikers can embark on solo visits, a guided tour or group is often advisable for the Sentinel Peak route due to its difficulty and rapidly changing mountain weather. The ideal time to witness the falls at their fullest is during the summer rainy season (November-February), though hiking is feasible year-round; winter (June-August) can present snow and ice, making some routes more demanding. Approximate costs involve national park entrance fees, typically ZAR 60-120 for international visitors, plus potential day-visitor fees depending on the access point. A typical visit entails a full day's hike, ranging from 5 to 8 hours, often prompting visitors to stay overnight in nearby accommodation. Useful insights include packing layers, rain gear, plenty of water, snacks, and wearing sturdy hiking boots; always register your hike at the park office or guard post.