Tugela Falls

Tugela Falls is a waterfall in the Drakensberg Mountains that plunges over a steep escarpment in multiple stages. The water drops across different levels, creating a series of cascades as it flows down the mountainside.

The name comes from a local language and refers to the sudden and powerful nature of the water's descent. People in the region have long recognized the river's fierce character as it drops from the plateau.

The waterfall holds meaning for local communities who have lived in this region for generations and recognize it in their traditions and stories. Visitors walking here encounter a landscape that has always mattered to the people who call it home.

Two hiking routes reach this location: a demanding trail from The Sentinel car park and an easier path through Tugela Gorge starting from Royal Natal National Park. Timing your visit matters, as weather conditions on the exposed plateau can change quickly.

During winter months, the water often freezes and forms massive ice structures along the rock face. These glittering formations completely transform the landscape for a brief period.

Location: KwaZulu-Natal

Elevation above the sea: 2,925 m

Height: 411 m

Width: 15 m

Part of: Tugela River

GPS coordinates: -28.75227,28.89462

Latest update: December 12, 2025 18:24