'Tugela Falls' are the world's second highest
waterfall[1]. The total drop in five free-leaping falls is 3,110
feet (947
meters). They are located in the
Drakensberg (''Dragon's Mountains'') in the
Royal Natal National Park in
KwaZulu-Natal Province, Republic of
South Africa. They are easily viewed after a heavy rain from the main travel road into the park, glistening from the reflection of the late afternoon sun. The source of the
Tugela River (
Zulu for 'sudden') is at
Mont-Aux-Sources several kilometers from the
escarpment from which the falls drop. The water is pure and safe to drink above the falls.
There are 2 stunning trails to the Tugela Falls. The most spectacular trail is to the top of Mount-Aux-Sources and starts at the Sentinel car park at Witsieshoek via Phuthadjhaba from where it is a relatively short climb to the top of the Amphiteare. (About 5 hours return) Via two chain ladders you can can gain easy access to the summit. This is the only day hiking trail which will take you to the top of the Drakensberg escarpment and to the head of the Tugela Falls. Another trail to the foot of the Tugela Falls starts at Royal Natal National Park. The easy seven kilometre gradient up the Tugela Gorge winds though indigenous forests. The last part of the hike to the Tugela Falls is a boulder hop. A little chain ladder takes you over the final streach from where you have a stunning view of the falls rushing down the Amphitheater in a series of five spectacular cascades.
[2]
Photos
★
World Waterfall Database - Tugela Falls Data - click on thumbnail photo
★
Link from World Waterfall Database - Photo Tugela falls
★
Link from World Waterfall Database - Photo Tugela falls
References
1. Tugela Falls, World Waterfall Database, retrieved May 2, 2007
2. Tugela Falls, Drakensberg Tourism
External links
★
Tourism information around Tugela Falls
See also:
Geography of South Africa