This tour has its focal point the majestic scenery of the UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK, one of South Africa's World Heritage Sites. It's destination, the Royal Natal National Park to witness the splendour of the AMPHITHEATRE. It will be difficult to find anything more awe-inspiring than this huge wall, some four kilometres in length and flanked on either side by two mighty peaks, the Sentinel (3165m) on the right and the Eastern Buttress (3047m) on the left.
Mont-aux-Sources (3282m) is situated about three kilometres from the edge of the escarpment. It is on this plateau, known as the Pofung (place of the Eland) by the Sotho people, that the Thukela River, which pours over the top of the wall into the gorge far below, starts its long journey to the Indian Ocean. Four other major rivers have their origins here - two of which, the Eastern and Western Khubedu, eventually join the mighty Orange River to flow into the Atlantic Ocean over 2000 kilometres to the west.
The National Park was established in 1916 with Walter Coventry as its first warden. In 1930 two, one hundred rung chain ladders were installed to facilitate easier access to the Amphitheatre's plateau. In 1947 the Royal family visited the park and from this visit the park and the hotel acquired the title Royal. It was also this year that the Natal Parks Board (now called Ezemvelo) was formed.
This tour shows off the exceptional beauty of the Drakensberg with its basaltic buttresses, incisive dramatic cutbacks and golden sandstone ramparts contrasted by rolling high-altitude grasslands. The site's diversity of habitats protects a range of endemic and globally threatened species of birds and animals.
This tour also offers the opportunity for a not-too-strenuous hike in the Thukela Gorge. This hike is considered by many as one of the most rewarding of all Berg walks. The scenery on the walk becomes more dramatic and picturesque with spectacular views of Devil's Tooth and the Eastern Buttress. While time will probably not permit the completion of the entire hike, you will be introduced to an unforgettable Berg experience. After building up an appetite and thirst, you will enjoy a packed lunch and refreshments.
-
Worldcup 2010 Special
-
Attractions
-
Tour map
WORLD CUP FOOTBALL 2010 SPECIAL
The Royal Natal National Park Tours will be run weekly throughout the world Cup 2010 on the following Fridays
June 11,18 & 25
July 2, 9 & 16
THE TOURS WILL LEAVE THE DURBAN BEACH FRONT AT 7:00 AND RETURN AT APPROX 18:00
BOOK NOW (R999,99 FOR WORLD CUP 2010)
- Royal Natal National Park acquired its name from the Royal family's visit to the park in 1947.
- The park is one of South Africa's World Heritage Sites.
- A hike in the Thukela Gorge.
- An unforgettable berg experience.