Royal Natal
Hikes in Royal Natal area. The Royal Natal National Park was proclaimed in 1916, and contains some of the most spectacular scenery in South Africa. The main feature of Royal Natal is the Amphitheatre, a rock wall about 5km in length, and approximately 1000m in height between the Sentinel (3 165m) and Eastern Buttress (3 047m), with a number of domes rising from its relatively flat summit plateau. In 1836, the French missionaries Arbousset and Daumas named the largest of these domes Mont-aux-Sources - a literal description of this source of five rivers.
Chain Ladder Pass
The Chain Ladder is one of the easiest hikes as far as Berg passes go. This trail is also the most popular. The final 30m of the cliff face is ascended by means of a two-section chain ladder. The route is accessed via Sentinel Car Park which can be found on the road from Witzieshoek Mountain Resort.
There are two sect ...
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Chain Ladder Pass, Tugela Falls & Beacon Buttress Gully
A circular day hike starting at Sentinal Car Park and up to the Chain Ladder which is one of the easiest passes. The final 30m of the cliff face is ascended by means of a two-section chain ladder.
Once at top you make your way to the Amphitheatre / Tugela Falls for stunning views and the return is down the short and s ...
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Fairy Glen Hike
An easy 2.2km in total hike from the day parking area in Royal Natal. The path is uphill and then through the bush to the waterfall.
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Gudu Bush, Lookout Rock & Cascades (Circular route)
A 6.1km circular hike heading uphill to start and then through Gudu Bush where a small stream and pool will can be seen. An option is to turn right up the hill here which takes you to the top of Gudu Falls (this is a steep path about 700m long and 230m in elevation - Gudu falls is shown on the left), else continue stra ...
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Gudu Falls from Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge
A 3.6km hike to the top of Gudu Falls via the “Crack” with an elevation drop of 264m along the way.
There is beautiful swimming pools, within 20 metres of the falls and a lunch area at this very picturesque spot.
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Lion Buttress Hike
Starting at the Gorge car park in Royal Natal head roughly South up the hill. This is a steep hike of 558m elevation gain over 3.3km.
The views at the top of the Amphitheatre, Tugela Falls and the Sentinel are magnificent.
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Policeman's Helmet Hike
Starting at the Gorge car park this 6km hike to Policeman's Helmet with an elevation gain 340m along the way offers great views.
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Tugela Gorge Chain Ladder Hike
This magnificent hike starts at the Gorge Car Park leading through stretches of protea veld and forest, and the scenery beyond the Gorge is spectacular.
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Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge Hike
A long 9.5km hike with an elevation gain of 820m. The rewards along the way make this uphill climb well worth while.
You pass Cascades, Lookout Rock, Cave Shelter, Mahai Cave and Mahai Falls on the way before reaching Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge at the top.
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