The Drakensberg in South Africa is home to some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in the world. Among these is the Amphitheater Trail which stands out as a must-visit for adventure enthusiasts. The trail is located in the northern Drakensberg region and offers a unique combination of challenging terrain and stunning vistas.
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It was an early Saturday morning when we made our way to the Drakensberg to hike the Amphitheater trail. We were in Clarens for the weekend and decided to take the 1hr and 30 minutes drive to complete this bucket list hike. Many other hikers stay at (📍) Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge (close to the start of the trail). Or they sleep under the stars.
As we got there I got excited for our hike – seeing the beautiful scenery unfold in front of us. But I couldn’t help but feel anxious as well. Many blog posts I’ve read in preparation for this hike used words like ‘very difficult’ and ‘strenuous’. Well, I’m here to put your mind at ease (I hope).
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Where is the Amphitheater hike?
The Amphitheater is a dramatic cliff face, approximately 5 kilometres in length and up to 1,220 meters high. This creates a cast, imposing backdrop that leaves hikers in awe.
The Amphitheater forms part of the Royal Natal National Park and is a vital watershed. It feeds into the Tugela River, which dramatically plunges over the escarpment to create the Tugela Falls – the highest waterfall in the world.
Now, there are two ways you can get to the start of the trail. Either you drive to the (📍) Sentinel Peak Parking Area yourself or you can book a shuttle with Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge.
Many people prefer to take the shuttle as the road leading from Witsieshoek to the Sentinel Peak parking is not suitable for non-4×4 vehicles. Believe me, when I say, DO NOT attempt to drive there with a normal car.
The drive from Witsieshoek to the Sentinel Peak Parking area takes about half an hour (7 km)
Basic information about the Amphitheater Hike
Here are some basic info you’ll need before heading up the mountain:
Level: I found the hike to be physically a moderate trail; however, mentally it can be a bit challenging if you are afraid of heights.
Distance: There are two routes to the top. The chain ladder trail is about 6km to the top, giving you a total of 12 km. The second route is the gully which will add an extra few kilometres to your trip.
Duration: The hike took us around 5 hours to complete the round trip.
Price: There are three fees to be paid. (Price – 2022, feel free to contact Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge for updated prices)
- Conservation Fee – Once you get to the entrance of the Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge you pay R65 per adult and R55 per child.
- Royal Natal National Park Entrance Fee – This is R100 pp which is payable at the Sentinel Peak parking area or Witsieshoek reception area.
- Shuttle service – This is paid when you want to make use of the shuttle service. It is R170 pp. You can book the shuttle in advance and just pay with cash or card when you get there. The earliest shuttle leaves at 8 am. Once you get to the zig-zag section of the trail, you can just give them a call and they will come and fetch you.
The trail
The trail can be divided into different sections: the start that leads to the zig-zag part, the cliff-face, the chain-ladders and the final stretch.
The start of the trail
After a bumpy ride, you’ll arrive at the Sentinel Peak car park. The drive itself is picturesque. Here you have to sign in at the office before you start your ascend.
Before you set off, it’s crucial to be well-prepared. The weather in the Drakensberg can be unpredictable, so pack accordingly. Essentials include sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing, a hat, sunscreen, sufficient water, snacks, and a first aid kit. Don’t forget your camera; you’ll want to capture the stunning views!
It is very important to sign in when you get there AND to sign out once you get back from your hike! This is for safety reasons.
The hike starts at 2500m and ascends 550m to the 3,000m summit of the Drakensberg Amphitheater. The path is well-marked and easy to follow.
Here you make your way gradually along the base of the mountain. If you look back, you will have a view of the Fika-Patso dam.
Zig-Zag
This is where you need to pace yourself, as the zig-zag paved pathway climbs towards the sheer cliffs of the Sentinel. This is the toughest ascend on the route. Here you will find a sign indicating that there is a viewpoint to the left and the summit to the right (take note that this sign is not exactly where it should be located and if you decide to continue to the summit, you might have to retrace your steps a bit). After this, you’ll have to climb a small ladder and then onto the next section of the trail you go.
Cliff-face
Here you make your way to the chain ladders or the gully. There is a sheer drop and it is important to wear the proper shoes (especially if it has been raining) as there are areas where you have to scramble over slippery rocks. This is also the perfect spot to take a break and have a snack.
As soon as the trail takes a turn to the right, you will see the gully trail going up on the left. On your right you will see the trail winding its way along the mountain, here it is about 20 minutes and then you’ll get to the chain ladders.
If you are afraid of heights and don’t want to do the chain ladder trail, then I suggest taking the Kloof Gully trail that leads to the top of the Beacon Buttress. It is physically more demanding as it is a steep climb up the narrow gully with rocky boulders to climb. This route will add an extra half-hour to your trip (one-way!)
Chain ladder
This was the part I was dreading the most! Luckily there were many hikers who felt the same and so everyone encouraged each other. Fellow hikers said not to look down, and that was exactly what I did. And I suggest you do the same – unless you are a daredevil and love heights.
Even though the chain ladders can be daunting, they are secure and well-anchored. The adrenaline rush of climbing these ladders is complemented by the rewarding vistas that greet you at the top.
There are two sections to climb. The first one being the worst and twice as long as the second section with about 100 steps. The second one will seem like a breeze after you’ve conquered the first one.
In both sections, there are two ladders. I suggest taking the ladders with the round handles as they are more stable. In the first (or bottom) section it is the ladder on the right side, and at the second section it is on the left side. You’ll notice that most people prefer these.
Please remember the rule – two up, two down! Otherwise, there will be a pile up in the middle.
The final stretch
After the chain ladders, the worst part is over and now it is a relatively easy and flat walk to the falls. This will make you really appreciate the dramatic cliff faces, the lush valley and the distant peaks.
You’ll see the Tugela River winding its way to the falls. So follow the river or if the river has dried up, then follow the massive mountains standing tall in the distance.
The sense of being on top of the world is palpable here, with endless skies above and the rugged beauty of the Drakensberg all around.
The falls!
The Tugela Falls stands tall at a whopping 983m. This is not a one drop, but the fall rather takes five leaps before slamming to the surface of the earth.
You’ll also find a sign indicating that you’ve made it to the tallest waterfall in the world.
Here you also see the perfectly carved landscape in the distance.
Standing at the edge of the falls, watching the water cascade down the sheer cliff face, is an awe-inspiring experience. The sight of the falls, combined with the expansive views of the Amphitheater and the surrounding landscape, makes every step of the hike worthwhile.
If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the falls creating a rainbow as the sunlight refracts through the mist.
When is the best time to visit?
It is believed that the best time to visit is between March and April. This is right before the winter season which can lead to a cold hike up the mountain, and also after the summer time which usually brings lots of thunderstorms.
If you plan on hiking during the winter (June to August) then you might expect some snow on the mountain. The waterfall can also run dry during this season.
If you plan on doing this hike during the summer season (December to February) you can expect some rainfall in the afternoon and even severe thunderstorms. It is important that you start the hike early, so if you are not planning on staying on the mountain, you should try to be down the chain ladders before 3 pm, as this is usually when the weather starts rolling in.
I’ve read many times of people who tried to attempt the hike, but without any luck, as the weather did not allow for a pleasant (and safe) hike. So always make sure to check the weather before you head up! You do not want to be caught up in the mountain during a thunderstorm or when it is super misty.
Sleeping at the top
Many people opt for sleeping at the top of the mountain. This will ensure you get a stunning view of the sun coming up above the clouds.
Just make sure that you state at the check-in at the car park that you’ll be spending the night at the top, so that they don’t go looking for you.
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Very insightful. 😀
Thank you 🙂