South Africa · Southern Africa
Tugela Falls
Five free-leaping tiers drop off the Amphitheatre escarpment in the Drakensberg, and depending on measurement method it rivals Angel Falls for the title of world's tallest waterfall. Reaching a head-on view requires a full-day hike via Tugela Gorge or the chain-ladder route from the top.
Five free-leaping tiers drop off the Amphitheatre escarpment in the Drakensberg, and depending on measurement method it rivals Angel Falls for the title of world's tallest waterfall. Reaching a head-on view requires a full-day hike via Tugela Gorge or the chain-ladder route from the top.
Tugela Falls drops 948 metres (3110 ft) on the Tugela, inside Royal Natal National Park. It is a tiered-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Bergville, with PZB the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated hard.
Needs recent rain in the Drakensberg to flow strongly; can dry to a trickle in winter.
What you can do here
Camping
Falls where you can legally sleep within earshot of the water.
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Needs recent rain in the Drakensberg to flow strongly; can dry to a trickle in winter.
Entry: Park entry fee applies
Getting there
- Base townBergville
- AirportPZB
- CountrySouth Africa
- RegionSouthern Africa, Africa
- AccessHard — a serious approach: distance, altitude, a boat, or a guide
On the map
-28.75, 28.85
Quick answers
How tall is Tugela Falls?
Tugela Falls drops 948 metres (3110 feet). It is a tiered-type waterfall on the Tugela.
When is the best time to visit Tugela Falls?
Peak flow is January to March. Needs recent rain in the Drakensberg to flow strongly; can dry to a trickle in winter.
What can you do at Tugela Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: camping, hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated hard — a serious approach: distance, altitude, a boat, or a guide.
How do you get to Tugela Falls?
The usual base is Bergville, and the closest airport is PZB. A serious approach: distance, altitude, a boat, or a guide from there. Park entry fee applies.
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