Rugged mountain peaks, striking rock formations, waterfalls, and a landscape brimming with wildlife and lush vegetation: welcome to the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa. Stretching for over 1,000 kilometers, this mountain range offers endless opportunities to hike and marvel at South Africa’s breathtaking nature. In this travel guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about exploring Royal Natal National Park in Drakensberg: the most beautiful hikes, how to get there and where to stay.
What are the Drakensberg Mountains?
The Drakensberg Mountains is a gigantic mountain range in eastern South Africa stretching for more than 1,000 km. The Drakensberg Mountains form a natural border between the lowlands of KwaZulu-Natal and the high plateau of Lesotho. Long ago the San lived here, hunter-gatherers whose rock drawings can still be found in the Drakensberg Mountains to this day. Because the Drakensberg Mountains are so vast, this mountain range is divided into three parts:
- Northern Drakensberg Mountains: Royal Natal National Park with the Tugela Falls and Golden Gates National Park.
- Central Drakensberg: Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve, Giant’s Castle Game Reserve and Monks Cowl Nature Reserve where you will find San rock carvings, among other things.
- Southern Drakensberg Mountains: Sani Pass towards Lesotho and Cobham Nature Reserve.
In this travel guide, we focus on the Royal Natal National Park. Planning on making a road trip in South Africa and want to visit the Drakensberg Mountains? Then the Royal Natal National Park is the best place to do a first-time exploration of the Drakensberg Mountains. Some travelers often combine this with a stop in the Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve. However, the distances are not to be underestimated in this mountain range and it often takes you longer because of winding mountain roads that are not always in the best condition (many potholes in the road).
Where is Royal Natal National Park located in Drakensberg Mountains
Royal Natal National Park is located in the northern part of the Drakensberg Mountains. From Johannesburg, it is about a 4-hour drive to reach this park. From the city of Durban, it is about a 3h30 drive. Both cities have airports. The best way to visit the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa is by renting a car. Public transportation in this area is very limited and with your own car you have the freedom to go wherever you want.
Entrance fee Drakensberg Mountains (Royal Natal Park)
The Drakensberg Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the proper management of the national parks and to support the local community, you pay a small entrance fee to the parks. For the Royal Natal National Park, you pay 140 ZAR as an international visitor and 70 ZAR as a South African. Children pay half the price (70 ZAR and 35 ZAR respectively). At the park’s visitor center you’ll simple maps listing the hikes, but don’t expect super detailed maps.
Opening hours visitor center Royal Natal National Park: daily from 08:00 to 16:30
The most beautiful hikes in Royal Natal National Park
You can do numerous wonderful hikes in the Drakensberg Mountains, from short and easy trails to multi-day treks. Below we list the hikes you can do in the Royal Natal National Park. When you go hiking you should always write down your details in the Mountain Register at the start of the hike: what hike you are going to do and approximately when you will be back. This is for safety and so they can come looking for you if something should happen along the way. So be sure to also sign out when you’re done hiking! The hikes are generally well marked in the park.
1) Tugela Gorge Hike
Out and back ● Duration: 5 to 6 hours ● Distance: 14 km
The Tugela Gorge Hike is by far the most popular hike in Royal Natal National Park. This hike starts at the Gorge Car Park and winds for 7 km deep into the park through a gorge to the foot of the Tugela Falls. At 983 meters, the Tugela Falls is the second highest waterfall in the world and spectacular to see. However, if you go in the dry season (June to August during the South African winter), chances are the waterfall will be dry. If this is the case, and you only have one day in the park, we recommend making the hike to Tiger Falls & Gudu Falls instead.
2) Tugela Falls via Sentinel Peak (Amphitheatre)
Out and back ● Duration: 4 to 5 hours ● Distance: 12 km
This hike does NOT start at the Royal Natal Visitor Center like the Tugela Gorge Hike, but we want to mention it anyway. The spectacular Tugela Sentinel Hike takes you to the top of the Tugela waterfall, from where you have a fantastic view of the Drakensberg Mountains. We wanted to do this hike, but found out too late that we were on the wrong side of the Drakensberg Mountains. If you want to do this hike, you should start from the Sentinel Car Park. This is on the other side of the mountain range, about a 1h30 drive from the entrance of Royal Natal National Park. For this hike, we recommend you to stay closer to the start, such as at the Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge, which isat the Sentinel Car Park.
3) Vermaan Valley & Policeman’s Helmet
Out and back ● Duration: 4 to 5 hours ● Distance: 11 km
Another hike that starts from the Gorge Car Park is the Vermaan Valley hike. For 3 km you walk through the vast plains with the impressive amphitheater of the Drakensberg Mountains in the background. After 3 km you turn right and continue the trails towards the Policeman’s Helmet. Here you climb steadily for 2.5 km until you reach the summit. The summit is characterized by a rock formation that looks like a police helmet.
4) Tiger Falls & Cascades
Round trip ● Duration: 2 to 3 hours ● Distance: 6 km
This hike starts at the Day Visitor Car Park near the Mahai Campsite in Royal Natal National Park. The first part of the hike takes you through a vast plain where the path becomes increasingly steep. This is a tough section, and there is no shade here so avoid doing this in the middle of the day. Halfway up, you’ll pass the Tiger Falls. At the end of the hike you descend back into the valley, over steps carved out of stone. The last part of the hike takes you past the Cascades, which we thought was the best part of the hike.
TRAVEL TIP: Are you traveling with a baby carriage or in a wheelchair? Then start the hike in reverse. The trail up to the Cascades is wheelchair-friendly.
5) Gudu Falls
Round trip ● Duration: 4 to 5 hours ● Distance: 9 km in combination with Tiger Falls
The Gudu Falls were the surprise of Royal Natal National Park for us! When you take the hike towards the Cascades you can choose to go into the forest at some point towards the Gudu Falls. This stretch is very steep and tough, but it is well worth the climb. You walk through the dense forest until you have to clamber over some rocks at the end. Behind these rocks you will find the impressive Gudu Falls. Chances are you will have this waterfall all to yourself!
6) Sunday Falls
Out and back ● Duration: 3 hours ● Distance: 6 km
This hike starts from the Royal Natal Visitor Center. It is a relatively easy hike with not much elevation gain. You walk about 3 km through the valley crossing some streams. The hike ends at the wide Sunday Falls. If you are traveling with children, this is a good hike to do.
Where to stay in Drakensbergen
The most frequently chosen base for the Drakensberg Mountains is the village of Bergville. This is centrally located between Royal Natal National Park and Cathedral Peak National Park. Keep in mind, however, that you still have to drive about an hour to both parks. A popular accommodation in Bergville is the Dalmore Guest Farm. If you want to be closer to Royal National Park, we recommend staying at Berghouse & Cottages. The views here are fantastic and the friendly shetland ponies will be happy to greet you on the property. Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge in turn is ideal if you want to get to the top of Tugela Falls and also has fantastic views!
Camping in Drakensberg Mountains
Those who want can also camp in the Drakensberg Mountains. In the Royal Natal National Park you have the
What to bring on a hike in the Drakensberg Mountains
When hiking in Drakensberg it is important to be well prepared. The terrain is very uneven and rough so sturdy hiking boots with good grip are recommended. Walking sticks may also come in handy. At the parking lots you will find public restrooms and at the Royal Natal Visitor Center you can buy snacks and drinks. Other than that, you won’t find any restaurants or amenities here, so make sure you carry enough food and drink for the hike. Also be sure to carry plenty of sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen, as the South African sun is not to be underestimated.
Attention! There are baboons in the Drakensberg Mountains. If you encounter baboons, always keep enough distance and never give them anything to eat. Baboons can react very aggressively, especially if they have little ones with them. In addition, you may encounter animals such as jackals, klipdassies, and bushbucks.
Best time to visit Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa
The Drakensberg Mountains is an area you can visit year-round, but the seasons do vary greatly. During the South African summer, from December through February, runs the rainy season. Then there can be a lot of rain and it is also very hot. During the winter months (June through August) is the dry season. Temperatures are more pleasant, although it can get very cold at night and it gets dark early. Therefore, the ideal time to visit the Drakensberg Mountains is autumn (March through May): because of all the rain, the vegetation is a lot greener and the waterfalls are more spectacular.
Still have questions about the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa? Let us know in a comment below! Looking for more information about your next trip? Please do not hesitate to contact us or send an email to info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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