Amphitheatre Heritage Hike

The Amphitheatre Hiking trail has been planned to enable walkers of average ability to reach these heights and be rewarded by awe inspiring, never-to-forgotten views from the top of the escarpment - a feat normally only undertaken by fit and experienced hikers who would normally have to overnight on the escarpment.
DURATION

3 Nights

PRICING FROM

₤ 445 (PPS)

Overview

The Amphitheatre is the most recognizable and dramatically imposing feature of the entire Drakensberg range, a World Heritage Site of outstanding environmental and cultural significance. A mighty wall of basalt rises over 1000m from the Tugela valley to the Lesotho plateau nearly 3000m above sea level. Part of its aesthetic appeal arises from its near perfect symmetry, extending as a sheer wall of rock some 5 km in length from the Eastern Buttress to the Sentinel Peak in the west- altogether an area of majestic and incomparable beauty providing some of the finest scenery in the world.

The Amphitheatre Hiking trail is a 3 night/3 day trail which is designed to enable walkers of reasonable fitness to reach these heights and be rewarded by awe inspiring, never-to-forgotten views from the top of the escarpment - a feat normally only undertaken by fit and experienced hikers who would normally have to overnight on the escarpment. By spending 3 days and 3 nights on the route, staying at conveniently located lodges, and having the benefit of a hiking guide to make decisions on routes and weather conditions, it is possible for anyone who is reasonably fit to stand on "top of the world" and experience the same sense of accomplishment as the dedicated hiker.  The hike has been planned so that you can walk at a comfortable pace and without the burden of a heavy backpack. At the end of the day, you’ll have the chance to relax and recover at the lodge - providing hot showers, nourishing food and a comfortable bed.

Notes:

Though it is achievable, it is not a walk in the park. Over 1000m of climbing per day for Days 1 and 2 means that you need to be walking fit and comfortable walking uphill for several hours.

Strenuous walking at times, but no technical sections other than the chain ladder & some exposure on the trail before the chain ladders. Gully alternative is available for those with a fear of heights on the chain ladders.

Best time - All year round. In summer it is wise to make the most of the mornings and presume there will be afternoon showers. Whilst days are shorter in winter, the weather is more stable, and the whole day can usually be used for hiking. Spring & summer are the best months for wild flowers.

Optional Extras

  • You can hire a porter to carry your overnight bag, but then it must be carried in a back-pack, Usually people have one backpack between two people. Contact us for a quote.
  • You can arrange for your bags to be taken around by vehicle to Witsiehoek Mountain Lodge (and back again). This is cost-effective for larger groups of 4-8 pax. Note that this could also allow one person to bypass the first day if they wished. Contact us for a quote.
  • Similarly you can arrange for the final day to be guided. We have included this as standard, but it can be taken out if you prefer. (The route down is easy to follow.)
  • Odd number parties: If there are 3 or 5 or 7 of you, there is a single supplement as Witsiehoek only has double or single rooms. This is approx R1000 if you are happy to share an interleading family room at The Cavern. Or R2200 single supplement if the single person wants their own room at both lodges.

Amphitheatre Heritage Hike at a glance

MAKE AN ENQUIRY
PRICE FROM ₤ 445 (PPS)

Kate Bergh

Co-founder & Director

Hi I'm Kate, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience

An idea of price

Prices based on pp/sharing basis during non-peak periods. * Price is subject to change if you want to do this hike during peak holiday periods – availability permitting.

Pared Back
if you need to save
Average Of
₤ 504
/PPS
Price with 6-7 people
This Itinerary
as outlined above
Average Of
₤ 457
/PPS
Price with 4-5 people
Red Carpet
all the bells & whistles
Average Of
₤ 445
/PPS
Price with 2-3 people

Includes:

Accommodation, all meals, hiking guide (first 2 days), hiking permit, private return transfer & car park and return transfer

Excludes:

Porter support, hiking guide for day 3, accommodation upgrade or downgrade, single rooms, drinks not included and Royal Natal Park entrance fee