About Amphitheatre Heritage Trail
Start: there are numerous entrances, but Witsieshoek is one of them
Finish: Royal Natal National Park
Duration: 25 - 30 km over three days
Fitness: average, but it can be strenuous
Our tip: there is a gully alternative for those afraid of heights on the chain ladders
Walk the escarpment of the Drakensberg. The Heritage Trail scales the northern Drakensberg's hallmark – the Amphitheatre, a sheer basalt wall that is considered one of the world's most impressive cliff faces.
The Amphitheatre extends five kilometres, its sheer cliffs rising 1 220 metres along its length forming an imposing and solid wall. It extends between the Tugela Valley to the Lesotho plateau nearly 3 000 metres above sea level and the world's second tallest falls, the Tugela Falls, tumult down its craggy face into the Royal Natal National Park below.
The Amphitheatre Heritage Trail is a slackpacker trail designed specifically to help those who are not exceptionally fit to share the experience of the summit and its incredible views, with tented caps and lodges en route that include a hot bath and a comfortable bed at the end of each day.
You can opt for a guided tour with porters to carry your bags, making it easier to conquer the ascent, although you will still need a good dose of stamina to reach the Roof of Africa, and determination to climb the chain ladders.
There are variations of the hike to suit everyone:
If you're fit and want to experience the full impact of the hike, then you carry your own pack; if you'd prefer a porter, then your luggage is carried; if you're not as fit as you would like, then you stop more often, and if you want to rough it, then you can opt to sleep in caves overnight.
Need to Know
WhereStart: there are numerous entrances, but Witsieshoek is one of them. Finish at Royal Natal National Park, Drakensberg
WhenDaylight hours.
How muchPrices on request.
TelephoneWe recommend Active Escapes. Contact Sarah Drew on +27 (0)84 240-7277
OvernightStay nearby in Bergville, in KwaZulu Natal
Disclaimer
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Find Amphitheatre Heritage Trail in these collections
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options by proximity
* Distances shown are "as the crow flies", not driving distances. Please confirm with the establishment should driving distance be a factor in your decision.

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Little Switzerland Resort
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Montusi Mountain Lodge
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Montusi Self Catering Cottages
Montusi is a spacious and quiet development in the Northern KwaZulu Natal Drakensberg near Royal Natal National Park. There are six privately own...

Windmill Farm
Windmill Farm is the perfect location for guests wishing to explore all that Drakensberg has to offer. Stay in one of the charming, self-catering...

The Phatt Chef Diner and B&B
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Alpine Heath Resort
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Ledges Retreat Guest Farm
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Sungubala Eco Camp
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The Cavern Drakensberg Resort and Spa
The Cavern is situated on a private nature reserve in the Northern Drakensberg Mountains and borders on the Amphitheatre World Heritage Site. The...

Kwaggashoek Game Lodge
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Dalmore Guest Farm
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Three Tree Hill Lodge
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Mackaya Bella Country 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...
Other things to do in the area

Tower of Pizza
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Drakensberg MTB Trails
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Rugged Glen to Mahai Hike
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Fairy Glen and the Grotto Hike
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Plowman's Kop, the Crack and Mudslide
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Ifidi Pass Hike
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Five Star Cave Hike
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Noteworthy attractions

Kamberg Nature Reserve
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Vergelegen Nature Reserve
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Midlands Meander
The enchantment of the Midlands has long inspired many a visitor and resident to creativity and as a result, local artists, potters and weavers c...

Cobham State Forest
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Mzimkhulu Wilderness Area
A little west of the twin villages of Himeville and Underberg, on the border with Lesotho, lies the southernmost part of the Drakensberg and the ...

Bezuidenhout's Pass
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Drakensberg Gardens Golf Club
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Garden Castle State Forest
Garden Castle is the southern most part of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park and incorporates the Bushman's Nek Valley. The Garden Castle reserve i...

Rugged Glen Nature Reserve
Adjacent to the northern reaches of the of the Royal Natal National Park, Rugged Glen Nature Reserve is part of the Drakensberg uKhahlamba Park, ...
Accommodation convenient to Amphitheatre Heritage Trail
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Drakensberg Accommodation / Bergville Accommodation