Tugela Falls: 2-Day Overnight Hike
Next Hike Date: TBC
Imagine waking up on top of the highest waterfall in the world…
While you sip on your coffee as the sunrises over the Drakensberg Amphitheatre…
Before you roll out your yoga mat and greet the new day with Sun Salutations...
Hiking up Tugela Falls is one of the most beautiful hikes in South Africa (and a spectacular introduction to the Berg), but camping on the plateau?
Unforgettable.
The rising sun peeking through the mountains with the clouds meters below is a scene few get to experience.
JOIN US ON A TWO-DAY OVERNIGHT HIKE TO THE TOP OF TUGELA FALLS – THE HIGHEST WATERFALL IN AFRICA AND THE WORLD!
Who this Trip is For
Adventurer
Photographer
Camper
Hiking
The Tugela Falls Hike is for you if…
You’re itching to try hiking in the Berg, but you have no ADVENTURE BUDDIES.
You’ve done day hikes before, but never a MULTI-DAY TREK with a full pack.
Landscape photography is your jam, and you want to capture one of the most BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN RANGES in the world.
You want to get out of the house, make NEW FRIENDS who love the great outdoors as much as you do, and cross Tugela Falls off your BUCKET LIST!
This hike is not for you if…
Your FITNESS LEVEL is below average.
You don’t practice “LEAVE NO TRACE” principles.
You’re not looking to make NEW FRIENDS and adventure buddies.
You’re not over the AGE OF 18.
Trip Overview
Dates: 15-16 October 2022
Start Time: 09:00
Max Group Size: 10
Accommodation: Wild camping
Distance: 15km
Terrain: Steep zigzag incline at the beginning, chain ladders, flat grasslands, loose rock terrain
Hike Grade: Moderate (You must have successfully completed a 10km+ day hike with inclines in the last 2-3 months)
What’s Included
- Professional hiking guide
- Park and camping permits
- Transport to and from the trailhead
- First Aid Kits
- Gear rental*
- 1x tree planted on your behalf with Greenpop
What’s Excluded
- Transportation to/from Witsiehoek Mountain Lodge (our starting point)
- Travel & Medical Insurance
- Meals & drinks
- Porters
*Only tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads are included in the gear rental
Payment Info
R2,700 pp
All quoted pricing inclusive of 50% deposit (R1,350) to secure your spot.
Catering options
Want us to take care of your meals? Choose from these options below:
Prices are per person
1x dinner
1x breakfast
R200.00
R80.00
Meet Your Hosts
LAUREN MELNICK
I’m Lauren. I’m a South Africa travel blogger, freelance writer, and course creator. Over the last four years, I’ve travelled to over 30 countries and ticked off almost everything on my South African bucket list.
I’ve worked with numerous brands on campaigns like Hi-Tec, Ford South Africa, Canopy Tours South Africa, Reunion Island Tourism, and shot product photography for local brands like Rowdy.
Over the years, I’ve conquered the Otter Trail, Cape Point, Tugela Falls, Mnweni (a gorgeous multi-day hike in the Berg), Mount Batur in Bali, and a 3-day trek through Sapa, Vietnam.
I’m excited to meet you and be a part of your experience hiking Tugela Falls!
PATRICK RICHARDSON
My name is Patrick and I am a qualified mountain guide who specializes in hiking and mountaineering in South Africa and internationally.
I have a burning passion for all things outdoors.
I’m a highly experienced mountaineer and have climbed mountains all over the world including Denali, The Matterhorn, and Mont Blanc.
Other than my international summits, I have logged nearly 400 nights in the Drakensberg over the span of 5 years, having summited most peaks multiple times and completing over 80 passes.
For me, hiking brings oneself to the core of survival, leaving behind all privileges that we have been given in this age, and pushing ourselves into a wild environment to experience Mother Nature and all her elements.
Tugela Falls Hike Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive at Witsiehoek Mountain Lodge at 9 am.
Take the shuttle to the start of the trailhead.
Hike to the top of Tugela Falls (3-4 hours).
There is a steep zig-zag incline for the first 2km.
Set up camp and explore the escarpment.
Group dinner.
Day 2
Watch the sunrise and eat breakfast.
Pack up camp at 7:30.
Hike down to the start of the trail.
Catch shuttle back to Witsiehoek Mountain Lodge.
Leave to go back home
What to Pack
A full packing list will be sent out to you once your application is approved and your deposit is paid.
**NB: You will be carrying ALL your gear. A proper hiking backpack is essential to avoid straining your back and to ensure you can comfortably complete the hike**
**NB: If you arrive at the hike WITHOUT the essential gear, you will not be allowed on the hike. No refunds will be issued.
If you arrive WITHOUT 2-3 litres of water, you will not be allowed on the hike. No refunds will be issued.
This is for your safety and to prevent us from having to call mountain rescue or escort someone off the trail**
These are the essentials you will need:
- 60l backpack*
- Hiking shoes*
- Tent*
- Sleeping bag*
- Sleeping pad or yoga mat*
- A hiking pillow
- Toiletries
- Light-weight towel
- 3l water capacity*
- Sun protection (sunnies, SPF 50+, hat etc.)*
- Rain gear (waterproof jacket, waterproof cover for your pack, dry bag for electronics)*
- Warm jacket and pants*
- Thermals
- Headlamp
- Gloves
- Food and snacks*
*These are ESSENTIALS you need to have to be allowed onto the hike. Your bag will be checked before we start the hike.
Please keep in mind it gets extremely cold on top of the mountain. Pack accordingly to ensure your comfort.
MISSING SOME GEAR?
Let us know on your application! Items like tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads are included for free in the trip cost.
Testimonials
CELESTÉ POLLEY
Tugela Falls Hike
The Tugela Falls Hike delivered far beyond my expectations. I live for majestic mountains, fresh air, breathtaking scenery, rad humans, tasty food, magical vibes, and sunrise splendours on top of Amphitheatre, Drakensberg.
The host, guides, and yoga instructor are all beautiful humans and knowledgeable in their fields of expertise. I would definitely join another hiking adventure with The Wanderlust Movement and PathFinders_SA. Thank you for an epic adventure!
ZAKIYYA ESSACK
Wild x Wanderlust Retreat
The trip was amazing from beginning to end! Everything was incredibly well organised. The game drives were breathtaking and the workshops very informative, and the food was exceptional.
Thank you, Jemma and Lauren, for being the most amazing hosts and for making this weekend soo special for me, and being so welcoming and accommodating with my dietary needs.
JESSICA-LEE DE FREITAS
Tugela Falls Hike
The Tugela Falls Overnight Hike was the most incredible experience! It honestly exceeded all of my expectations! The views were phenomenal and everyone was so friendly and helpful, I will definitely seek out more adventures with you all.
MICHAEL KLEYNHANS
Cape Point Overnight Hike
The Cape Point overnight hike was a wonderful way to experience wild places with a variety of interesting people and a super knowledgeable guide, with delicious food and arrangements all taken care of.
Truly a pleasure!
DONA VAN EEDEN
Cape Point Overnight Hike
The planning and the guiding was amazing, the food was so delicious and filling, the views were outstanding, and the conversations were thought-provoking and funny.
Many thanks to Lauren for organising, and to Blake for leading the way; I absolutely loved every minute on the hike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I come solo?
Yes! Most of our overnight hike guests come solo. These hikes are an opportunity to connect with a group of hikers and make some new friends.
How hard is the hike?
The hike is challenging with a full pack on your back. However, it’s still easy enough to attempt if it’s your first overnight hike in the wild.
We go at a slow pace and the guide can help you with your pack if you’re really struggling towards the end.
However, it’s recommended that you only sign up for this hike if you’ve recently completed a 14km+ day hike successfully.
What does wild camping mean?
Wild camping means you’ll have to carry your tent up to the arch and the wilderness will be your toilet with a view.
We do practice leave no trace principles which means you have to take your toilet paper back down with you.
What do I need to bring?
A full packing list will be sent one month before the hike. However, the main things you’ll need are: a tent, a 60l backpack, a winter sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, and hiking shoes.
We have a 10% discount code with Scuttle for gear rental that you can use as well.
If you have specific questions on what to pack, feel free to drop us an email: lauren@wanderlustmovement.org
When is payment due?
Once your application is approved, you’ll have 48-hours to pay a 50% deposit to secure your spot.
The outstanding balance is due one month before the hike start date.
What payment methods are available?
If you wish to pay via debit or credit card, a secure PayFast link will be sent to you.
Other payment methods include PayPal, Payoneer, or EFT.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes. We can cater for omnivores, vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free, and Halaal.
Please let us know on your application.
Do I need to purchase travel insurance?
Yes. It’s your responsibility to make sure you have travel insurance or medical aid in case an accident happens on the mountain.
How can I contact the host & the guide?
One month before the hike, you’ll get access to the Whatsapp group.
Here you can ask the guide any questions.
We also use the group to arrange any carpooling and double-check everyone has the right gear.
How do we get to the hike?
Getting to the start of the hike is your responsibility. However, we do try to carpool as much as possible to reduce the number of cars and split travel costs.
Sign Me Up!
READY TO CONQUER THE HIGHEST WATERFALL IN THE WORLD?
Please complete the booking form to join the hike.
Please only complete the booking form if you are seriously interested in attending the trip, the price is within your budget and you can travel on the specific trip dates available.
Next steps: Once you submit your booking form, and your application is approved, we will email you with the next steps to place your deposit and secure your spot for this trip.