THE AMPHITHEATRE
The greatest hike on Earth? It’s a bit of a claim, but only the following month, The Sunday Times published a piece stating as much!
After seeing photos of the Amphitheatre, I was instantly sold. Consequently, this is the reason why I actually came all the way out here. It is like nothing I have ever seen, and upon hearing it is only a day hike, I wasn’t going to miss out on it!
DRIVING UP
The views were incredible for the entire drive, and you just knew you were in for a treat. Furthermore, as you make your way up to the starting point, you are blessed with views right out to Tugela Valley, which is something you will not get sick of!
DIFFICULTY
The hike is by no means difficult; even the most novice of hikers or those of us who are not hikers at all can easily climb this. Moreover, most of the paths have been built to allow for year-round hiking, so they are safe and easy to navigate. However, there are areas with chained ladders to help you down some of the cliff edges. These can be avoided, but they are all part of the fun!
Additionally, another benefit is that although you are in the guts of the African wilderness, there is nothing that wants or even could eat you. Nevertheless, the place just has that feeling that there is something lurking around every corner! Consequently, you remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, adding to the overall excitement of the hike.
9 MILES
During the 9-mile walk, you will probably stop every 5 minutes for another photo, but the best is always yet to come. From start to finish, you are spoiled on this hike, and furthermore, you don’t have any crowds to contend with either. Remarkably, we must have seen around 10 people all day. Consequently, I felt like Christopher Columbus discovering something no one else has been to—where is everyone!
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THE VIEW
From the top, you really just want to chill and take it all in. We must have had 30–45 minutes there, and we needed every minute to enjoy the moment. Additionally, when you look up from the bottom, you see why it is called the Amphitheatre. However, you don’t realize the scale of this place until you reach the summit. In comparison, Table Mountain can only hope and pray to be considered in the same league as this; it just doesn’t come close, and you know how much I enjoyed that hike!
TUGELA FALLS
From here, it was off to Tugela Falls, the second-highest waterfall in the world. Since it was summer, the falls were quite dry. Consequently, this made it all the easier to walk up to the edge! Furthermore, lying at the edge where the river would normally be thrown over was such a relaxing experience. There are few times when I feel the need to pinch myself; indeed, this was easily one of them!
FINAL THOUGHTS
If I were to return to Cape Town (which I will) I would make every effort to get back here!
NEXT UP
My first experience of how bad African time keeping is, and how it cost me a flight! Click to read
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
119/229
This post is part of the Southern Africa Series, click to explore or for episode 1 click here.
To watch the video of my trip, head to my highlights on my Instagram.
