How do you hike to the top of Tugela Falls?
By Linda, Linda Hikes South Africa · Updated 14 November 2026
The short answer
Most hikers reach the top of Tugela Falls from the Sentinel Car Park (or from Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge, which adds distance), climbing to the Drakensberg Amphitheatre and up the chain ladders to the plateau where the falls drop over the edge. It's a long, high day hike: start early, sign in and pay your fees at the start, and watch the weather.
The route
- Start at the Sentinel Car Park, or at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge for a longer day
- Zigzag up below the Sentinel peak to the base of the chain ladders
- Climb the chain ladders to the top of the Amphitheatre
- Walk across the plateau to where the Tugela River drops over the edge
- Return the same way, down the ladders
When to go
Summer brings the most water over the falls but also afternoon thunderstorms, so start very early and be off the top by lunchtime. Winter is clearer but cold, with ice and sometimes snow on the ladders and the plateau.
More questions
- Is Tugela Falls the highest waterfall in the world?
- It's often listed as the world's second-highest waterfall, after Angel Falls in Venezuela.
- Are the chain ladders difficult?
- They're steep and exposed, so take your time, keep three points of contact and don't climb with a heavy pack swinging behind you. People who don't like heights can find them hard.
- Do I need a permit?
- You sign in and pay a fee before the hike. The guide has the current steps.