About Tugela Falls
The Tugela Falls in the Drakensberg is the highest waterfall in Africa. It is also regarded as the second highest waterfall in the world. There is, however, an ongoing debate that it could be the world's tallest waterfall, as opposed to Angel Falls in Venezuela. Even if it is universally acknowledged that Angel Falls is the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall.
Did you know? Located in the Drakensberg, and part of the Tugela River, the Tugela falls are the world's second highest waterfall and drop 950 meters in five cascades (also making the Tugela Falls the highest cascade of falls in the world). During the winter months, the upper Tugela Falls can freeze, forming ice pillars – a sight not often seen in sunny South Africa.
You will find the source of the Tugela Falls, also known as Thukela Falls (meaning 'sudden' or 'startling'), at Mont-aux-Sources, the highest peak on a plateau of the Royal Natal National Park. Place of sources (mont-aux-sources) is also where another two major rivers originate – the Elands and Caledon rivers.
The Tugela Falls do not simply fall in one sheet. At its initial stages the river makes five consecutive leaps down the amphitheater wall, high up in the Drakensberg Mountains. But its fall is not consistent and it is best seen after rain. When it is exceptionally cold, the upper Tugela Falls can even sometimes freeze, forming pillars of ice.
There are numerous ways to the Falls. The Sentinel trail takes you to the top of Mont Aux Sources and is 6.4km taking one 518m up the mountain. It's a hard slog. The other route follows the Tugela River upstream through the Tugela Gorge and is 7km. The gradient though is a little more manageable. There is also a third, quicker route via a series of chain ladders (although not for those frightened of heights).
The Amphitheatre Slackacking Trail gets those of 'average' fitness up to the summit to view the falls. Spending three days and three nights on the route, overnighting in lodges along the way, the trail covers roughly 10km a day.
Need to Know
WhereTugela Falls, Mont-Aux-Sources, Drakensberg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours.
OvernightStay in Mont-aux-Sources Accommodation, KwaZulu Natal
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested inIn the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Drakensberg

Sungubala Eco Camp
Sungubala Eco Camp lies in the heart of the pristine Drakensberg wilderness, directly below Hlolela and Sungubala (2000m), just north of the Roya...

Alpine Heath Resort
Nestled in the midst of the picturesque Northern Drakensberg Mountains and conveniently located mid-way between Durban and Johannesburg. This res...

Apex Boutique Hotel
Apex Boutique Hotel is in Estcourt, the gateway to the Central Drakensberg, and offers easy access to the N3 highway. Breakfast is included in th...

9 Stoney Way Cottage
9 Stoney Way Cottage is a two bedroom, one bathroom cottage set in a large garden behind the main house just outside the village of Underberg. Th...

Kukummi Lodge
Mackaya Bella Country Lodge is able to comfortably accommodate up to six guests in three separate rondawel style rooms. Here guests are near to t...

Drakensberg Bush Lodge and Backpackers
Situated on a farm 7km out of Winterton, this backpacker accommodation is budget orientated but features private bathroom facilities and no shari...

Glentowy Farm Underberg
Glentowy Farm offers a tranquil escape surrounded by the majestic Drakensberg mountains and the serene Umzimkulu River. This off-grid sanctuary s...

Pennygum Country Cottages
Pennygum Country Cottages offers four beautiful cottages with stunning 'picture postcard' views of the Southern Drakensberg Mountains just 6km fr...

Penwarn Farm Lodge
Rustic yet modern, Penwarn Farm Lodge can be found just 25km from the quaint, little town of Underberg in South Africa. As you drive down the Khy...
Things to do in the area

Drakensberg Canopy Tour
Drakensberg accommodation is always special because it promises a place to stay in some of South Africa's most spectacular countryside. The area ...

Ploughman's Kop Trail
Ploughman's Kop is a mountain in the shape of a head on the left arm of The Amphitheatre in the Royal Natal Park, which is in turn part of the Uk...

Sentinel Peak trail
Start: Sentinel car park (almost 3 000 metres above sea level)Finish: Sentinel car parkDuration: a whole dayFitness: fit (the hike may be shorten...

Amphitheatre Heritage Trail
Start: there are numerous entrances, but Witsieshoek is one of themFinish: Royal Natal National ParkDuration: 25 - 30 km over three daysFitness: ...

Drakensberg Grand Traverse
Start: the SentinelFinish: Bushman's NekDuration: 200 km; anything from 12 to 15 days (average is 14)Fitness: above average fitness; it's tough, ...

The Mini Traverse
Start: Sentinel car parkFinish: Cathedral Peak HotelDuration: 100 km, 5 – 6 daysFitness: difficultOur tip: It is best to do this hike with the pr...

Drakensberg MTB Trails
Where: All Out Adventures, northern DrakensbergLevel: routes for all levels of MTB junkiesType of route: 100 km of mountain bike trails, mainly s...

Plowman's Kop, the Crack and Mudslide
Start: Mahai camp site, Drakensberg, KwaZulu NatalFinish: Mahai camp siteDuration: 8 km, roughly 5 hoursFitness: moderate to difficult Our tip: t...
Accommodation convenient to Tugela Falls
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Drakensberg Accommodation / Mont-aux-Sources Accommodation