Royal Natal Park
Spectacular scenery, heaven-reaching mountains steeped in green and an Amphitheatre of rock are just some of the features of the Royal Natal National Park that are sure to leave you in awe. Arguably the foremost park in the Drakensberg Region, the Park offers its visitors a postcard picture of South Africa like no other. The Park is situated in the Northern Drakensberg, where the Orange River begins at source and the Tugela Falls, famous as the second highest waterfall in the world, thunder onto the rocks below. Mont-aux-Sources, the Park’s highest peak, makes for a challenging hiking route from the summit plateau up a 100-rung chain ladder. Horseback trailing is the recommended way of enjoying the scenery at its best.
Whatever your preferences and accommodation needs, your visit to the Park is guaranteed to have you wanting more before you even check out. Revel in the majestic mountainous surrounds and blue African skies from the homely comforts of one of the many bed and breakfasts or self-catering chalets. Popular activities in the area are certainly for the outdoor-inclined, with unforgettable hiking, mountain-climbing and bird watching opportunities and beautiful picnic afternoons. Grab a comprehensive hiking guide from the visitor’s centre and put on your hiking boots! With 8094 unfolding hectares of sweeping panorama a hiking trail to the Falls is just one of the ways that you can explore this majestic terrain at your own pace. Wander through pastures of proteas, indigenous forests and yellowwoods until you reach the magnificent plunge of Tugela. The Park also makes up part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site – a must-see for all keen eco-travellers, seasoned or otherwise.
