Royal Natal National Park Walks and Hikes
Royal Natal National Park offers walks and hikes ranging from short, family-friendly trails to demanding full-day and overnight mountain routes starting from the main campground or the picnic site:
Important Hiking Information
Walking times are approximate and depend on fitness levels, weather and trail conditions. Mountain weather can change rapidly, so always carry suitable clothing, water and essential supplies. Before undertaking a longer hike:
- Confirm that the trail is open.
- Check current conditions with the Visitor Centre.
- Complete the Mountain Rescue Register where required.
- Carry an appropriate map or GPS navigation device.
- Do not rely solely on this information for navigation.
Some information and place names below originate from historical park guides. Routes, access restrictions and contact details should be confirmed before departure.
Shorter Walks
1. Cascades and McKinlay’s Pool
Distance: 5 km return | Estimated time: 1 hour
Take the campsite road to the casual visitors’ car park. Only vehicles belonging to campsite residents are permitted beyond this point. Walk along the road past the campsite. After approximately 15 minutes, you will reach Queen’s Causeway and the Cascades. From there, follow the path to McKinlay’s Pool, where the Gudu Stream meets the Mahai River.
Extended route: 8 km | Estimated time: 1 hour 45 minutes
A steep footpath leads from the boulders near McKinlay’s Pool towards Dooley, where it joins the Tiger Falls and Gudu Bush path. Return via Tiger Falls or Gudu Bush.
2. Fairy Glen
Distance: 1.6 km | Estimated time: 20 minutes
Follow the main road and cross the bridge opposite the Visitor Centre. Take the path on the left through the bush towards Broome Hill Stream. Cross and recross the stream before following the path through the bush to the waterfall. Fairy Glen is a delightful picnic destination, particularly on a hot day.
Extended route: 4 km | Estimated time: 45 minutes
Continue along the bridle path and turn left towards the hotel at the first crossroads. Alternatively, turn left immediately after the crossroads and follow the path to the main campground.
3. Otto’s Walk
Distance: Approximately 3 km | Estimated time: 45 minutes
Otto’s Walk begins on the far side of the Visitor Centre car park. It is a self-guided and clearly signposted trail featuring numerous identified tree species. An informative trail booklet may be available from the Visitor Centre.
4. Sunday Falls
Distance: 3 km | Estimated time: 1 hour
Cross the Mahai River below the casual visitors’ car park. Follow the path uphill and continue across the signposted intersection towards the Surprise Ridge trail. A signpost indicates the turn leading down to Sunday Falls. Cross the stream above the falls and follow the track to the base of the waterfall.
5. Bushman Paintings in the Sigubudu Valley
Distance: 6 km return | Estimated time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Follow the main reserve entrance road. Immediately after crossing the second bridge, take the signposted path on the left. Continue until you reach the paintings, which are situated along a short section of west-facing rocks. Please do not touch or damage the paintings.
6. Forest Walk
Distance: 4 km | Estimated time: 50 minutes
This short circular walk begins at the visitors’ car park in the Rugged Glen area. Follow the path up the valley before turning right onto a trail that passes through several attractive patches of indigenous bush and continues towards the Mont-Aux-Sources Hotel. Return along the boundary fence and follow the road back to the visitors’ car park.
7. Camel’s Hump
Distance: 5 km | Estimated time: 1 hour 10 minutes
From the signposted visitors’ car park at Rugged Glen, follow the path uphill and across the stream. Turn left at the first junction and continue climbing towards Camel’s Hump. The summit offers magnificent views across Royal Natal National Park towards the Drakensberg escarpment. Camel’s Hump can also be reached by following the main path leading into the park from the Mont-Aux-Sources Hotel.
Longer Walks and Hikes
8. Tiger Falls and Gudu Bush
From Thendele Camp: Tiger Falls is an easy walk of approximately 30 minutes along the path below Dooley.
From the hotel area: 3 km | Estimated time: 45 minutes
Tiger Falls can be reached from the Cascades or via the path through the trees behind the hotel. This path begins between the hotel stables and the main building. Do not take any left turns. The falls are situated at the first large stream and forest patch below Dooley.
Circular route through Gudu Bush: 7 km | Estimated time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Continue along the path, cross the Mahai River and turn right upon reaching Gudu Bush. Follow the trail through the forest and descend towards the hotel or main campground.
9. Rugged Glen
Distance to Rugged Glen: 7 km | Estimated time: 2 hours
From the hotel or main campground, follow the reserve entrance road towards the park entrance. Turn left onto the Mont-Aux-Sources Hotel road, then left again onto the signposted Rugged Glen track leading to the visitors’ car park.
Extended circular route: 23 km | Estimated time: 7 hours 30 minutes
Return to the hotel via Camel’s Hump and Surprise Ridge, where the trail joins the path between the hotel and The Cavern. Alternatively, continue to Cannibal Cave, approximately 1.2 km away, before returning via Surprise Ridge. Another return route leads through the Grotto and adds approximately 2.4 km to the walk.
10. Thendele Camp
Distance to Thendele: 5 km | Estimated time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Thendele Camp is situated high on the mountainside behind Dooley. It offers exceptional views of the Amphitheatre, with the Policeman’s Helmet and Vemvaan Valley in the foreground. A road leads to the camp, but only resident guests may drive beyond the signposted Gorge parking area. Walking along the road from the hotel area makes a pleasant morning outing.
Circular route: 10 km | Estimated time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Return along the path that begins on the Thendele road below the lodge. The trail passes beneath the camp extension and continues towards the eastern end of the natural forest, where it joins the hotel and Tiger Falls path.
11. Gudu Falls
Distance to the falls: 4 km | Estimated time: 2 hours
Complete route: 9 km | Estimated time: 3 hours 30 minutes
From Thendele Camp, follow the path past Tiger Falls towards Gudu Bush. Shortly after crossing the stream, take the path on the left leading to Gudu Falls. From the hotel, cross the Mahai River below the casual visitors’ car park. Continue uphill to the four-way junction and turn left, where the path from the main campground joins the route. Proceed past the Mudslide turn and enter the forest. Turn right at the signpost and follow the steep path above the stream for approximately 1.6 km to reach Gudu Falls.
12. Dooley Waters and the Mahai Valley
Distance from the campsite to the Cascades junction: Approximately 7 km | Estimated time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Proceed to the upper end of Gudu Bush by following the routes described under Tiger Falls and Gudu Falls. Continue along the main bridle path overlooking the Mahai Stream for approximately 2.5 km. Cross the stream at an attractive picnic spot and continue climbing the north-facing slope until you reach a trail junction. Turn left for Dooley Waters or right to continue farther up the Mahai Valley towards Basuto Gate.
Important: The Nek and the path connecting the Nek with the Basuto Gate trail are closed. The Dooley Waters path is therefore a dead end, and hikers must return along the same route.
13. Mahai Falls and Basuto Gate
Distance: 11 km | Estimated time: 3 hours 45 minutes
At the Dooley Waters and Basuto Gate junction, turn right and continue up the Mahai Valley towards Mahai Falls. The falls are a popular picnic destination and offer inspiring views down the valley. From Mahai Falls, the path to Basuto Gate and Witsieshoek is clearly visible. After reaching Basuto Gate, continue over the ridge forming the boundary with QwaQwa. The ridge offers impressive views of the Maloti Mountains, which are sometimes covered in snow during winter. The word “Mahai” is derived from the Sesotho term for “rocky cliff” or “rocky krantz”.
Extended circular route: 24 km | Estimated time: 6 hours 30 minutes
From Basuto Gate, follow the path on the near side of the fence for approximately 3 km, crossing the source of the Gudu Stream. Continue towards the Crack or the top of Gudu Falls, then return via the Mudslide.
14. The Crack and the Mudslide
Distance: 11 km | Estimated time: 4 hours 40 minutes
From Gudu Bush, continue up the valley for approximately 1.2 km until you reach the path leading towards the Crack. The ascent is extremely steep, but a short chain ladder assists hikers through the most difficult section. At the top, bear right onto the high ground overlooking the Mahai Valley. Continue towards the top of Gudu Falls, where the Gudu Stream can be crossed approximately 50 metres upstream. This is a popular swimming and picnic location. From here, Plowman’s Kop can be climbed for magnificent views over the surrounding landscape. Return via the Mudslide, which begins beyond the far corner of Plowman’s Kop. The descent is steep, loose and slippery after rain. A short chain ladder assists with the first section. At the bottom of the cleft, follow the main path to the right until it joins the hotel trail, then turn left to return.
Warning: The Mudslide is unsuitable for young children, inexperienced hikers or anyone with a fear of heights.
15. Surprise Ridge and Cannibal Cave
From the hotel or main campground: 10 km | Estimated time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Follow the route towards Sunday Falls, but remain on the main path. Cross the Sunday Falls and Sigubudu streams and continue towards Surprise Ridge and the park boundary. Shortly before reaching the ridge, note the junction with paths leading west towards the Grotto and east towards Camel’s Hump and Rugged Glen.
From Thendele Camp: 14 km | Estimated time: 5 hours
Proceed via Tiger Falls and descend through Gudu Bush to the junction between the Mudslide trail and the main Mahai path. Turn left towards the Mudslide and continue past its base towards the Grotto. Turn right towards Camel’s Hump and Castle Rocks. Continue around Castle Rocks and the Diamond until reaching the Surprise Ridge junction, then turn left.
From Rugged Glen: 5 km | Estimated time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Continue past Camel’s Hump to the trail junction and turn right towards the ridge. Surprise Ridge offers extensive views in every direction. On a clear day, prominent Drakensberg peaks—including Cathkin Peak, Champagne Castle and Cathedral Peak—may be visible. The Cavern and the hills of northern KwaZulu-Natal can also be seen below.
Cannibal Cave: Take the path to the left along the ridge. After crossing two small streams below the Diamond, the trail continues to the enormous cave, which was once reputed to have been used by cannibals. Bushman paintings can be seen on the inner side of a large rock slab in the centre of the cave. Please do not touch them. If time allows, the walk can be extended to the ridge above the cave. It is an easy scramble of approximately 30 minutes and offers magnificent views.
Complete circular route: 22.5 km | Estimated time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Return towards the hotel or main campground via the Grotto by turning west at the junction below Surprise Ridge. This is one of the area’s most rewarding circular walks, offering excellent views and several varieties of protea. Mountain reedbuck are often seen between Camel’s Hump and Castle Rocks.
16. The Grotto
Distance to the Grotto: 5 km | Estimated time: 2 hours
Complete route: 10 km | Estimated time: 3 hours 30 minutes
From Thendele Camp, follow the route described under Surprise Ridge and Cannibal Cave. From Rugged Glen, continue past Camel’s Hump and Surprise Ridge towards the Grotto. From the hotel or main campground, follow the Sunday Falls route. Shortly after passing the four-way junction and before reaching Fairy Glen Stream, turn left into the Broome Hill Valley. Climb steadily until you reach the Grotto forest. The main path eventually ends, but approximately 10 metres before the endpoint, a faint trail leads uphill to the left. Follow this trail for approximately 10 minutes to reach the Grotto. The Grotto consists of two enormous gorges cut through the sandstone. Both sections are worth exploring.
17. Castle Rocks
Distance to Castle Rocks: 6.5 km | Estimated time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Complete route: 13 km | Estimated time: 4 hours
Follow the Grotto route, but turn right towards Camel’s Hump and the Diamond before entering the main forest. Shortly after crossing the stream, turn left towards the sandstone cliffs. Upon entering the trees below the krantz, turn left and follow the base of the sandstone. A signpost indicates an opening in the krantz. Pass through the rock face and climb the steep grassy slope to the top. The views over the surrounding valleys are outstanding. Although the area is worth exploring, returning along the same route is recommended.
18. Broome Hill
Follow the Crack route to the top of Gudu Falls. Continue climbing, keeping the top of the sandstone cliffs on your right. Upon reaching the Basuto Gate and Broome Hill junction, turn right. The summit of Broome Hill can be reached in just over an hour from Gudu Falls. The summit offers magnificent views in every direction. Return via the Mudslide or Basuto Gate.
19. The Cavern
Although The Cavern lies beyond the park boundary, it makes an interesting walk. From Surprise Ridge, follow the path leading directly downhill. Bear left and cross the stream. A signpost directs hikers along the trail and across another stream. Turn right and continue downhill through the wattle trees. Allow approximately 30 minutes in addition to the walking time required to reach Surprise Ridge.
20. Sigubudu Ridge
Follow the reserve entrance road towards the Sigubudu Bushman paintings trail. Shortly before reaching the krantz, take the path branching to the right. It leads towards the plateau above the Bushman paintings. Continue up the plateau, following the path that climbs the centre of the ridge between the Sigubudu and Forgotten valleys. Remain on the trail through the proteas until reaching the path that traverses the head of the two valleys. Turn left to return through the upper Sigubudu Valley and Sunday Falls. Alternatively, turn right to continue towards Rugged Glen or Camel’s Hump. This is one of the best routes for viewing wildlife, particularly when starting early in the morning. The basic circular route from the hotel or campground takes approximately two hours, but additional time should be allowed for wildlife viewing.
21. Tugela Gorge
Distance to the end of the main path: 11 km | Estimated time: 3 hours
Complete route: 22.5 km | Estimated time: 5 hours 30 minutes
From Thendele Camp, descend towards the Tugela River and join the main Gorge path. From the hotel or campground, driving to the Gorge car park at the foot of Thendele Hill saves approximately 3 km of walking. If travelling on foot, the route via Thendele Camp is more interesting than following the road. The Tugela Gorge walk is one of the most popular and scenic walks in Royal Natal National Park. Allow a full day to enjoy it properly. For the first 6.5 km beyond Thendele Hill, the path is well defined and involves no major climbs. It follows the Tugela River towards the Amphitheatre. After passing the stream flowing from Devil’s Hoek, look for the Policeman’s Helmet on the high ground to the right, overlooking Vemvaan Valley. The final 1.6 km through the Gorge requires three river crossings. These are generally straightforward unless the river is in flood. Many visitors turn back at the first crossing, but some of the most dramatic scenery lies farther into the Gorge. After crossing and recrossing the stream, remain on the path on the right-hand side of the Gorge. Continue until reaching the chain ladder on the cliff beside the tunnel. The tunnel is approximately 55 to 65 metres long. You can use the chain ladder to bypass it or scramble through the tunnel, although you are likely to get wet. Beyond the tunnel, boulder-hop up the Tugela River for approximately 800 metres. A steep path on the left bank of the Eastern Buttress Gully leads towards Tunnel Cave. When standing with your back to the chain ladder, the path will be directly ahead. Tunnel Cave offers impressive views of the Amphitheatre wall and the Sentinel.
Safety warning: Remain alert for thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall can cause the Tugela River to rise rapidly and may delay your return by several hours. The recommended picnic area is at the end of the main path.
22. Devil’s Hoek Valley
Distance from the Gorge car park: 6 km return | Estimated time: 2 hours
Begin along the Tugela Gorge route. Approximately 10 minutes after leaving the forest, a signpost indicates the path into Devil’s Hoek Valley. After another 10 minutes, look for a large rock on the right containing Bushman paintings. Continue through a large forest patch, climb across an open section and enter a second area of forest. The established path ends here, and further progress is difficult. Devil’s Hoek Valley is approximately 30 minutes’ walk from Thendele Camp.
23. Vemvaan Valley
Distance from the Gorge car park: 9 km return | Estimated time: 3 hours
Follow the Devil’s Hoek Valley route. Approximately 1.6 km from the Gorge car park, take the path branching to the left. Cross the stream and continue into Vemvaan Valley. Energetic hikers can extend the walk onto the higher ground at the head of the valley. One option follows the Policeman’s Helmet ridge, which offers remarkable views in every direction. Vemvaan Valley is approximately one hour’s walk from Thendele Camp.
24. The Lion
Estimated time from the Gorge car park to the sandstone cliffs: 1 hour
This route lies outside the park boundary and is not signposted. It offers some of the area’s most spectacular views of the Amphitheatre, Tugela Falls and the Sentinel. From the Gorge car park, cross the Tugela River and join the path leading around the right side of the ridge. The trail zigzags through proteas until it reaches a field-ranger outpost. Continue along the fence line towards the sandstone cliffs. After crossing the fence, you will see a large cave. A steep grassy gully to the left of the cave leads onto the ridge. Continue climbing towards the foot of the Eastern Buttress. Progress beyond this point is not recommended. Because this route is outside the park, unmarked and potentially difficult to follow, current access and safety conditions must be confirmed before departure.
25. Mont-Aux-Sources and the Amphitheatre Summit
Mont-Aux-Sources is an outstanding but demanding mountain expedition. The original route from Royal Natal National Park requires at least two days, including a night on the summit of the Amphitheatre. Access restrictions, permits, camping arrangements and trail conditions must be confirmed with the relevant authorities before attempting this route. Before departing, complete the Mountain Rescue Register at the Visitor Centre.
Route from Royal Natal National Park
Follow the Mahai Falls trail towards Basuto Gate. The Nek route is closed. At Basuto Gate or Witsieshoek, join the road leading towards the Sentinel car park. The historical walking route continues for approximately 10 km along this road. From the Sentinel car park, the trail zigzags uphill past the Witches, offering an excellent view of the Devil’s Tooth. Continue past the base of the Sentinel, which rises to approximately 3,165 metres, and proceed towards Beacon Buttress. A steep, rocky gully provides one route to the summit. The more commonly used route continues to the chain ladders. Two chain ladders, comprising approximately 100 rungs, provide access to the Amphitheatre summit.
Exploring the Summit
From the top of the chain ladders, continue across the summit plateau. An early start is essential. Depending on the weather and available time, hikers may be able to cross the Bilanjil and Ribbon Falls streams towards Mount Amery, which rises to approximately 3,143 metres and overlooks the Singati Valley. If spending a second night on the summit, it may be possible to visit Mont-Aux-Sources, approximately 4 km away and rising to about 3,282 metres. The Tugela, Elands and Western Khubedu rivers originate in this high mountain area.
Mountain Safety
The danger of becoming lost in mist or being forced to spend an unexpected night on the mountain must not be underestimated.
- Monitor the weather continuously.
- Carry warm and waterproof clothing.
- Take sufficient food and water.
- Carry reliable navigation equipment.
- Allow enough time to establish camp before dark.
- Do not leave equipment unattended.
- Do not attempt the Beacon Buttress route in mist.
Approximate extended walking distance: 45 km | Approximate total walking time: 17 hours over the complete route
Visiting from the Sentinel Car Park
The Amphitheatre summit can also be visited as a demanding day hike from the Sentinel car park, subject to permits, weather and access conditions. Allow approximately two hours to walk from the car park to the chain ladders, sufficient time to explore the summit, and at least two hours for the return journey.
Driving from Royal Natal National Park
Follow the main road towards Bergville and turn onto the Oliviershoek Pass and Harrismith road. Continue over Oliviershoek Pass into the Free State. At the Harrismith and QwaQwa road, turn left. Take the QwaQwa turn-off and follow the signs towards Witsieshoek. At the fork near the mountain resort, follow the appropriate access road towards the Sentinel car park.
Approximate driving distance: 130 km each way | Approximate driving time: 2 hours 15 minutes each way
Road access, route directions, permit procedures and the condition of the final mountain road must be verified before travelling. Even on apparently clear days, weather conditions on the Amphitheatre can change with alarming speed. Warm, waterproof protective clothing is essential.