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
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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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Sasi Bush Lodge
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Thunzi Cottage
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Phezulu Cottage
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Thamela Cottage
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Thokomala Cottage
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Thandanani Cottage
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Phinda Suite
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Thokozela Suite
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Thula Thula Cottage
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Little Switzerland Resort
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Montusi Mountain Lodge
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Montusi Self Catering Cottages
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Windmill Farm
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The Border Post
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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
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Kwaggashoek Game Lodge
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The Homestead
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Bellevue Berg Cottage
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Dalmore Guest Farm
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Three Tree Hill Lodge
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Kukummi Lodge
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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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Up the Tugela River (gorge) to the Tunnel
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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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Cobham State Forest
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Mzimkhulu Wilderness Area
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Drakensberg Gardens Golf Club
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Garden Castle State Forest
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Rugged Glen Nature Reserve
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Accommodation convenient to Amphitheatre Heritage Trail
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Drakensberg Accommodation / Bergville Accommodation
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