Tugela Falls Hike: A Complete Guide to Experiencing the World’s 2nd Tallest Waterfall
The Tugela Falls hike is a breathtaking adventure in South Africa’s Drakensberg Mountains, offering stunning views and the chance to witness the world’s second-highest waterfall.
This iconic trail combines natural beauty, a touch of challenge, and an unforgettable journey to the top of the escarpment. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast, this hike is one of the top bucket list experiences in South Africa.
Planning ahead is key to enjoying this hike to its fullest. From choosing the best season to hike to understanding the trail’s challenges, this guide covers everything you need to know for a safe and unforgettable adventure to Tugela Falls.
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Tugela Falls Hike: A Quick Intro
Before diving into the details of the hike itself, we're going to share some important details about Tugela Falls in South Africa.
How Tall is Tugela Falls?
Tugela Falls is 983 meters (3,225 feet) tall, making it the second-highest waterfall in the world, and it cascades in five distinct tiers down the Mountains.
What is Special About Tugela Falls?
Tugela Falls is renowned for its record-breaking height and its breathtaking location in the UNESCO-listed uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. It’s not just a natural wonder but also a dramatic feature of one of South Africa’s most scenic hiking destinations, with panoramic views and unique geological formations.
As the second highest waterfall in the entire world, the Tugela Falls hike is certainly one of the top bucket list adventures in South Africa.
There are some dramatic landscapes surrounding Tugela Falls.
Can You See Tugela Falls Without Hiking?
The only way to get to the top of Tugela Falls is to hike. The most famous trail is the ampitheater trail, which a scenic (but a bit long) of a trek.
You have to hike to reach the top of Tugela Falls.
How Long Does it Take to Hike Tugela Falls?
The hike to Tugela Falls via the Amphitheater Route typically is said to take from 6 to 8 hours round trip. However, it took us less than 5 hours round trip, as we have a pretty quick pace, and we highly doubt it would take many people more than 3 hours each way.
That being said, we spent just 20 minutes at the top, but if the weather was better we probably would have spent closer to an hour enjoying the area, which would have brought us to about 5 1/2- 6 hours total instead.
The trek involves steep sections and the famous chain ladders, making it a moderately challenging but a truly rewarding adventure.
Where is Tugela Falls?
Tugela Falls is located in the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa, within the Royal Natal National Park in KwaZulu-Natal province. It is part of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its gorgeous natural beauty and biodiversity.
How to Get to Tugela Falls in South Africa
There aren't really public transportation options that make it all the way through the Drakensburg mountains. For this reason, you'll either have to go on a tour, or rent a car to get there yourself.
Driving to the Drakensberg Region
Driving to Drakensburg is so great because there are incredible places to enjoy on the way! The most popular cities to drive from are Johannesburg and Durban, which are both a few hours away.
- From Johannesburg:
Drive approximately 4-5 hours (320 km/200 miles) south on the N3 highway toward Harrismith. From there, take the R74 toward Bergville and Royal Natal National Park. - From Durban:
Drive about 3 hours (250 km/155 miles) northwest on the N3 highway toward Ladysmith, then take the R616 and R74 to Royal Natal National Park.
The drive through Royal Natal National Park is super scenic.
Driving to Tugela Falls is pretty easy, and has beautiful views along the way. The ride to Royal Natal National Park is pretty straight forward, but the road from the park entrance to the trailhead is only suitable for high clearance vehicles.
Make sure to drive super carefully if you decide to go all the way to the trailhead, or you can hop on the shuttle from Witsieshoek Lodge, which is about a 30-45 minute ride, and costs R125 each way.
You will need a high clearance vehicle from the park entrance to the trailhead.
Tours to Tugela Falls
Tours to Tugela Falls are a good way to go if you don't have a car, are by yourself, or are afraid of heights.
Also, being with professional guides who have camping equipment and are experts in the area make this the most unique and comfortable way to experience the Tugela Falls hike.
There are a couple of them to choose from. One is an overnight hike that starts from Witsieshoek Lodge, or you can add a transfer from one of the pick up points in Johannesburg, and the other leaves straight from Johannesburg. Both allow you to camp on the top of the falls, experiencing a magical sunrise in the morning.
The Tugela Falls Hike: What to Expect
Now that you know how to get there, you are ready for the Tugela Falls hike! While everyone's journey to the peak may look a little bit different, we are going to share our experience, so you know how long it may take, and exactly what to expect along the way.
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Starting the Tugela Falls Hike
We woke up at the crack of dawn to start our Tugela Falls hike, hoping to make it there for sunrise (spoiler- we didn't).
The first half hour of hike to was paved, and super easy. Being in the pitch black, we ended up a bit lost though, and spent 15 minutes trying to find our way back. Then next half hour was flat and winding around the mountain.
We then arrived at a particularly confusing section. There were small ladders and chain railings that we had to use to scale the side of the mountain.
Then there was a rock that had painted on it two arrows pointing in opposite directions. Fortunately, we ended up going the right way (bring a flashlight and look out for all signage).
The trail then continues pretty flat around the mountain, and after 45 minutes the true adventure begins! Before you continue though, take a minute to appreciate the stunning views. The sun was just rising at this point for us, and although it should have still been dark, we loved the gorgeous layers amongst the pastel skies.
The Tugela Falls Hike Chain Bridges
Just under 2 hours into the hike, we arrived to the famous chain bridges! Wow, we read that they were scary, but it truly did live up to what others had said.
Nailed into the rocks, there were two sets of wobbly and extremely steep chain ladders to climb next to each other, and then a second set right after. It took us about 15 minutes to get up, and then the hike was on its last leg!
We scrambled up some boulders for about 5-10 minutes, and then reached a lovely flat area. The last 25 minutes were pretty windy and cold, but we finally saw the end in sight!
Arriving at the Top of Tugela Falls
Arriving to the top of Tugela Falls was super exciting! But we'd lie if we said we weren't disappointed. The sun was up and shining, making it really hard to take beautiful photos, and we hiked for hours to just miss the sunrise by about 25 minutes.
There was no water in the falls, and it was painfully cold and windy (we even saw ice at the top!).
In the dry season there may not be any water.
If we had camped overnight, dressed warmer, or visited in a more ideal season, it probably would have been one of the most incredible hikes in the world. We spent just 20 minutes getting a few pictures, and ran to start heading back down since we were exhausted and starving.
The Hike Back from Tugela Falls
Being that the hike back was not in the dark, is was certainly a bit easier than the way there.
The flat part took us about 25 minutes, and we'd recommend staying to your left so you don't get lost. We then had 4 minutes of climbing down the rocks, and 10 minutes down the chain ladders.
The rest of the hike was flat and easy, and since we were then able to appreciate the views and it had warmed up, it was truly a much more enjoyable experience. It was pretty straight forward. Just make sure to follow the signs, and don't stray the path!
Driving Back from the Trailhead
The drive back from the trailhead was intense! I actually had to get out of the car multiple times to watch out for massive rocks, and had to catch up with Fede, running uphill. As the road is rough and is on an upwards incline, you'll have to make sure you drive carefully, but also fast enough to make it up.
After a stressful 25-30 minute drive, we made it to the lodge and enjoyed a well-earned brunch.
Our Tugela Falls Hike Timetable
5:00 am we started the hike
5:30-5:45 am we got lost for 15 minutes
6:00 am we got to 2 arrows pointing in opposite directions
6:45 am we arrived at the chain bridges
7:00 am we got to the top of the chain bridges
7:30 am we arrived at the top of Tugela Falls
7:50 am we spent 20 minutes at the top, and then started heading back
8:15 am we finished walking the flat area
8:20 am we started going down the chain ladders
8:30 am we got down the chain ladders and stopped 15 minutes to chat with another hiker
9:00 am we got to the chain hand rails
9:05 am we got back to the area with the arrows facing opposite directions
9:15 am we arrived back at the sign for Tugela Falls/the car park
9:45 am we finished the hike
10:15 am we arrived back at the lodge and had a nice breakfast
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Amenities at Tugela Falls
Tugela Falls is completely natural, and you won't find any food, drinks, or toilets along the trail, or at the top. That's why it's super important to be prepared before you start your hike.
Food & Drink at Tugela Falls
There is one restaurant inside the park, which is at Witsieshoek Lodge. They have incredibly tasty and local dishes. We recommend getting the Trinchado, which is a beef dish in a spicy tomato sauce.
Toilets at Tugela Falls
While there are no toilets on the trail or at the top, there is one that you can use where the trailhead starts. We'd recommend using it before you hike, and bringing toilet paper and a ziploc bag just in case you have to emergency go along the way. Please remember to leave no trace!
Can You Sleep at Tugela Falls?
Yes, you can! You'll have to be prepared though, as there are only two different ways to do so.
Where to Stay When Doing to Tugela Falls Hike
There are two options for staying near or at Tugela Falls. You can either stay at Witsieshoek Lodge, which is a 30 minute drive to the trailhead and inside the park, or you can camp there.
Wisieshoek is certainly the more comfortable option, while camping at the top allows for a truly unique experience experiencing a starry night and a magical sunrise.
We actually weren't properly prepared, and when we drove to the top we realized camping wouldn't be possible, and driving back in the dark would have been dangerous.
The guy who worked in the shelter actually let us stay in an extra room there, but we were really lucky and would recommend planning better (which is why we've created this guide!).
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Price & Timetable for Visiting Tugela Falls
Now that you know what the Tugela Falls hike looks like, we're going to share a few helpful details for preparing for your visit.
What Times Can You Do the Tugela Falls Hike?
Tugela Falls is located inside Royal Natal National Park. The park is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and the trail can be accessed at any time.
How Much Does it Cost to Do the Tugela Falls Hike?
The Tugela Falls hike has a small charge to access which is R50 for adults and R25 for children.
You'll also have to pay the entrance fee to get into Royal Natal National Park, which is R45/person per day.
For the two of us, this was about $8.75 to enter the park, and $13.75 to access the trail. We paid with credit card for both transactions, and were able to use our card at the lodge's restaurant as well.
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Safety During the Tugela Falls Hike
The majority of the Tugela Falls hike is pretty flat, winding around the mountains. There aren't any barriers though, so of course you'll want to be extra careful with your steps!
The chain ladders are a pretty intense part of the hike, and certainly are not for the faint of heart. They are completely safe to climb, but we aren't going to lie- they are scary as hell, and super steep and wobbly.
Please be very mindful while hiking to Tugela Falls, and while trying to get a good view at the top. The best views are closer to the edge, and it's a sheer drop to heaven if you're not careful.
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Other Things to Keep in Mind for the Tugela Falls Hike
Now you know almost everything you need for the Tugela falls hike! But don't go just yet - there are a few more things you'll want to keep in mind before planning your adventure.
Weather Conditions at Tugela Falls
South Africa has two main seasons in the Drakensburg area, which are the dry and rainy season. October to March is the summer, when it is hot and rainy, while the winter months from April to September are cooler and drier.
Being up in the mountains, this area is particularly colder and windier than other areas of the country in the wintertime.
In the winter it's really cold and windy at Tugela Falls.
When to Visit Tugela Falls
It is best to visit Tugela falls after the rainy season has ended, so around April or May. This is when it will be dry and warm enough to enjoy the hike, but when the waterfall will also be at its fullest.
We made the mistake of visiting in the winter, which is the dry season, and it was really cold and windy at the top, with no water at all at the falls.
We'd also recommend getting up there for sunrise, at this is when you'll be able to see in the sun racing the falls.
How to Prepare for the Tugela Falls Hike
Here are some of the things we recommend bringing on your hike:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Insulated Water Bottle (to hold the temperature)
- Sneakers
- Light jacket or sweater for the top (and more layers if you visit in winter)
- Small Bag or Backpack - take a look at these backpacks for travelers!
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are the best in the market and last super long)
- Flashlight or head lamp for hiking there before sunrise or back after sunset
- Camera - (we use the Sony A7Riii)
- Wide Lens for astrophotography (we use the Sony GM 14 mm)
- Telephoto Lens for capturing up close shots of the waterfall from afar (we use the Sony GM 70-200)
- Tripod to get pictures while no one is around or for astrophotography (We use the Rangepod Tripod)
- Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 with the extra long selfie stick for drone-like shots)
- Drone (We use the Mavic Mini 4 Pro because it's super light and has incredible quality)
- Snacks and drinks to have at the top
- Tent if you decide to camp
- Toiletries if you decide to spend the night
We captured all of these layers with our telephoto lens.
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Is the Tugela Falls Hike Worth it?
Tugela Falls is an incredibly special experience. That being said, we don't think it is ALWAYS worth it! We loved the Tugela Falls hike as it was extremely beautiful.
However, with a grueling few hours of trekking in the dark with unbearable winds at the top, and the waterfall not being present, we wouldn't recommend people to do this hike in the winter/ dry season.
If you visit in the right time though, the Tugela Falls hike is absolutely worth it. Hopefully one day we'll return when the time is right, and be able to share a different experience.
Tugela Falls is worth it if you visit at the right time.
Tips for the Tugela Falls Hike
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So are you ready to experience the second tallest waterfall in the world ? While it may be a bit intense, it truly is a unique hike and one of our top bucket list experiences in South Africa.
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