It was an early Saturday morning when we made our way to the Drakensberg to hike the Amphitheater trail. It is located in the beautiful Royal Natal National Park and this one has been on our bucket list for quite some time. As we made our way to Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge (GPS Coordinates), with the Drakensberg mountain range as the background, I got excited, but also anxious. Many of the blog posts I read in preparation for this hike used words like very difficult and strenuous. But I’m here to put you at ease (I hope)!
This is a popular trail among locals and international tourists and once you see the views, you’ll understand why.
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Where is the Amphitheater hike?
Located in the majestic Drakensberg mountain range, you make your way to the Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge.
You have two choices to get to the start of the trail. You can either drive there yourself, or you can book a shuttle from Witsieshoek.
Many people prefer to take the shuttle as the road leading from Witsieshoek to the start of the trail at the Sentinel Peak parking lot is not suitable for non-4×4 cars. 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 (7km).
Information about the hike
Here is everything you need to know about the hike:
Level
I found this hike to be physically a moderate trail, however mentally it can be a bit more challenging if you are afraid of heights.
Distance
There are two routes to the top – the chain ladders or the gully route. The chain ladder trail is about 6 km to the top, which will give you a total of 12km for a round trip. The gully will add an extra few km to your trip.
Duration
The hike will take about 5+ hours to hike a round trip, depending on your fitness level and how many times you are planning to stop.
Price
This is the pricing for 2022
Conservation fee:
Once you get to the entrance of the Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge you will need to pay the conservation fee which is R65 per adult and R55 per child.
Royal Natal National Park Entrance Fee:
This fee is R100pp and is payable at the Sentinel Peak parking area or if you are using the shuttle you can pay this at the Witsieshoek reception area.
Shuttle services:
If you do not have a 4×4 and prefer to use the shuttle, this is R170 per person if you are 2 people or more, or R290 if you are doing the hike alone. You can book in advance and just pay when you get to the lodge. Payment can be done with cash or card and this is done at the reception area. The earliest shuttle leaves at 8am.
(You can just give them a call when you get down and are at the zig-zag area, so that they can send the shuttle to go 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. Here you have to sign in at the office before you start your ascend.
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 3,000 m 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 was raining) as there are areas where you have to scramble over slippery rocks. This is also the perfect place 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.
There are two sections to climb. The first one being the worst and twice as long as the second one with about 100 steps. The second one will seem like a breeze after you’ve conquered the first one.
At both sections there are two ladders. I suggest taking the ladders with the round handles as these are more stable. At the first section it will be the ladder on the right side, and at the second section it will be the ladder on the left side. You’ll see that most people prefer these. And 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 flat walk to the falls. You’ll see the Tugela River winding its way to the falls. So just follow the river or if the river has dried up, then follow the massive mountain in the distance.
The falls!
The Tugela Falls stands tall at a whopping 983m. This is not a one drop, but the falls rather takes five leaps before slamming to the surface of the earth.
You’ll also find a sign indicated that you’ve made it to the tallest waterfall in the world.
Here you also see the perfectly carved landscape in the distance.
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 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 3pm, 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.
Very insightful. 😀
Thank you 🙂