The Amphitheatre - Spectacular scenery in Royal Natal  in the Northern Drakensberg

The Amphitheatre is a feature of the Northern Drakensberg in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. The Amphitheatre is the most photographed feature of the Drakensberg, and often appears on the covers of Tourist guides. The Tugela Falls tumble some 950m in a series of falls, starting at approximately 3000m altitude down the sheer face of the Amphitheatre, making this the second highest series of falls in the World.

From the base of the falls, the Tugela Gorge is carved through the Sandtone layers of the "little" 'berg. Climbing to the top of the Amphitheatre is achieved in less than 2 hours, starting from the Sentinel Car Park, and takes you up the Chain Ladders. On top of the Amphitheatre, 7km from the escarpment, you will find a seemingly uninteresting peak, on the border of Lesotho, and the South African provinces of Free State and KwaZulu-Natal. This peak was named Mont-aux-Sources by French explorers because it is the source of the Tugela and Orange Rivers. The Tugela ends in the Indian Ocean some 300km from its source, while the Orange river flows into the Southern Atlantic Ocean, on the South African & Namibian border some 2000 km away.

Activities near the Amphitheatre

• The spectacular Amphitheatre Golf Course offers a challenging 9 hole game with spectacular scenery. The birdlife has been enhanced by the water features, attracting an array of water birds. Tel 036 438 6308

• The Amphitheatre Valley offers spectacular hiking. The Royal Natal Drakensberg Park forms part of the Okhahlamba Drakensberg Park. This is the most spectacular part of the Drakensberg, and therefore, most hikes are extremely rewarding.  Mountain Trails offer guided hikes in the Amphitheatre Valley Mountain Trails offers a guiding service with professional registered community guides.  Contact Cyndi Jonker Tel: 036 438 6000 Cel: 082 781 3476
• Horse riding is a popular activity amongst holiday makers in the Drakensberg and the Amphitheatre Valley offers spectacular Horse riding.

Resturants near the Amphtheatre

• Esibayeni Resturant
• Tower of Pizza
• Catapillar Catfish Cookhouse

Hiking trails at the Amphtheatre

• Tugela Gorge hike - A 22km hike which takes 8 hours return This is an example of hiking along a river course with views of the Amphitheatre. The first 5km is very easy but try to avoid walking along the road. The path via Tendele Camp is more interesting.
• Sentinel Peak car park to the top of the amphitheatre via the chain ladder. 5 hour return hike. This is the only day hiking trail that will get you to the top of the Drakensberg escarpment in a reasonable day.

Accommodation near the Amphitheatre

• Caterpillar and Catfish Cookhouse - Comfortable Bed and Breakfast accommodation in the Northern Drakensberg
• Montusi Mountain Lodge - luxury resort accommodation with panoramic views of the magnificent Amphitheatre
• Tendele Camp - Self Catering Bungalow accommodation in Royal Natal national park
• Vergezient Mountain Retreat - Northern Drakensberg accommodation overlooking Royal Natal National Park and the Amphitheatre