Drakensberg Amphitheatre Hike From Johannesburg
Drakensberg Amphitheatre Hike – 2 Days
The Drakensberg Amphitheatre hike is an unforgettable adventure, showcasing one of the most iconic landmarks in the Drakensberg mountain range. This massive basalt formation, known as the Drakensberg Amphitheatre, is renowned worldwide for its breathtaking beauty and geological significance. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, the area is celebrated for its incredible biodiversity and cultural importance.
On the Drakensberg Amphitheatre hike, you’ll be awe-inspired by the towering cliff walls that rise nearly 1,000 meters from the valley below, creating a truly magnificent sight. The Amphitheatre spans nearly 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) in width, stretching from the Sentinel in the east to the Eastern Buttress in the south.
Our campsite on the Drakensberg Amphitheatre hike is strategically located next to the second-highest waterfall in the world—Tugela Falls. Best viewed during the rainy summer months, this waterfall cascades dramatically over the edge of the escarpment, plunging 947 meters (3,100 feet) into the Royal Natal National Park valley below.
This hike is ideal for those with moderate fitness levels who seek to immerse themselves in the stunning views and enjoy a night of camping in the mountains. The Drakensberg Amphitheatre hike is considered one of the most accessible routes to the escarpment, offering a relatively easy ascent compared to other routes that require a minimum of two days to reach the summit. Accessing the summit offers two thrilling options, catering to different levels of adventure and comfort with heights.
The first option involves climbing two chain-ladders bolted to the cliff face. The first ladder is 40 meters (131 feet) high, and the second is 20 meters (65 feet) high. For added safety, our experienced guides will set up a safety line. For those less comfortable with heights, the second option involves hiking up The Gully, a steep 150-meter (492-foot) scramble. Though more physically demanding, this route rewards hikers with spectacular views from the top.
Complete the Drakensberg Amphitheatre hike with South Africa Adventures! This 2-day hike is perfect for those with moderate hiking skills, requiring both upper body strength and a good level of fitness. Our qualified guides will ensure your safety and enjoyment throughout the journey.
Embrace the challenge and marvel at the natural beauty on the Drakensberg Amphitheatre hike.
Day 1
Our tours begin and end in Johannesburg (self-drive options also available)
Drakensberg Amphitheatre Hike start to finish:
Distance: 14km / 8miles in 2 days.
Elevation Gain: 500m / 2296ft.
Elevation Loss: 650m / 2657 ft.
Day 1: Travel day. Our scheduled tours leave from Johannesburg at 05H00. Hikers are picked up by our Drakensberg mountain guide from your hotel. Once all your gear is loaded up, we take the 5 hour drive through to the start of the hike with is situated at the base of the Sentinel Peak. We will have breakfast along the way in a town called Harrismith.
Once we arrive, we will have a quick climb briefing and check the equipment before we head on up into the Drakensberg mountains. The first part of the hike involves a steep scramble for about an hour before the path levels out for the next 2km/1.2 miles.
The next challenge is either ascending the final part of the hike to the escarpment summit via the Chainladders or The Gully. We can decide on the route on the day. We set up camp next to the Tugela Falls and watch the sun set over South Africa.
Drakensberg Amphitheater Climb Summary:
End: Tugela Falls Camp 3,090m / 10,137ft.
Elev gain: 650m / 2296 ft.
Time: 6 hours on average
Distance: About 6 km, 3.7 miles.
Day 2
After breakfast, we take a 2 hour stroll in a Southerly direction along the edge of the Amphitheatre escarpment returning to the campsite. We then pack up the camp and hike back down to start of the hike.
The trek down will take about 3 hours. Once we arrive back at the 4×4 we will take a slow drive back to Johannesburg finding somewhere local for lunch along the way. We aim to be back in Johannesburg by about 18H00.
Drakensberg Amphitheater Climb Summary :
Base of Sentinel 2600m / 8530 ft.
Elev gain: 1200m / 3900 ft.
Elev loss: 600m/1968ft
Time: 3 hours on average.
Distance: About 6km, 3.7 miles
INCLUDED
- Return transfers from Johannesburg to the start of the hike
- 1 Night camping in the mountains
- All Drakensberg National Park gate fees, camping fees and climbing permits.
- Rescue fees (Mountain Rescue Team)
- Basic first aid kit
- Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, and cook
- Salaries for mountain crew
- Breakfast, dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain
- Hiking equipment including 4 season tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, backpacks and eating utensils
- Water for washing up daily
- Dedicated Drakensberg Trip Planner
- Local Taxes
NOT INCLUDED
- Flights and airport taxes
- Items of a personal nature
- Tips for guides, porters and cook
- Porters ( can be hired on a daily basis for an additional fee of R500 daily)
- Visas for South Africa
- Health requirements (if any)
- Optional but highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
- Personal hiking/trekking gear
- Snacks, personal medicine and water purifying tablets
- Meals & drinks not specified
- Pristine, unspoilt and secluded mountain scenery
- Easiest hike to access the escarpment of the Drakensberg
- We have an over 98% success rate on this route
- Camp next to the highest waterfall in the world, the Tugela Fall (9873m/3225ft.)
- Experience the solitude and wildness of the Drakensberg
- 5 star camping experience
