The park was founded in 1916 and includes the second highest waterfall in the world, the Thukela waterfall and the famous Amphitheatre, a rock formation of about 5 kilometers wide and 500 meters high.
About three hour's drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, Royal National Park is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Drakensberg Mountains. A further attraction of the park is the reasonable entrance fees and more than reasonable camping fees.
Camping at Royal Natal National Park
Mahai campsites in the Royal National Park of Kwa-Zulu Natal remains a favorite destination for hikers, birders and nature enthusiasts alike. With lush green grass-covered campsites, large trees to provide shade and adequate ablutions, Mahai campground is just the place to recharge after a hectic city week.
The Mahai campground is about three kilometers from the park entrance, but visitors must report at reception before continuing to the campground as campsites are allocated by management. Camping on one of the 120 campsites currently costs R80-00 (± US$ 11)per adult and R40-00 per child per day. About half the campsites are equipped with power points, but tourists should remember to take along the blue caravan adapter plug to use the power points.
Rugged Glen, the other campground in the Royal Natal National Park, accommodates 45 guests and the facilities are more basic. This is a secluded campground which doesn’t attract as many visitors and be a little scary during off-peak seasons.
What to see and do at the Royal Natal National Park
1. Hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains remains the number one reason for tourists to visit the Royal National Park . The hiking trails vary from a couple of hours at a relaxed pace to the Cascades, day walks of approximately 22 kilometers to the Grotto and Sunday Falls or Tiger Falls to overnight hiking trails to the Amphitheatre and Tugela Gorge. Hikers may buy a detailed map of all the hiking trails including a contour map from the visitor center.
2. A large trout dam keeps avid fly-fishermen occupied for hours and unprepared anglers may hire the necessary equipment from the reception office. Trout fishing is also allowed in the Mahai and Thukela Rivers.
3. Shady picnic sites with barbecue stands, picnic tables and water points makes spending an afternoon at the Royal Natal National Park a pleasure.
4. Tours of the mountain on horseback can be arranged with the stables opposite the Rugged Glen camping grounds and these tours vary in length from two hours to full day and overnight.
How to Get to the Royal Natal National Park
The Royal Natal National Park nestles in the Drakensberg Mountains in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. The nearest town with full facilities is Bergville, which is 50 kilometers away. From Durban, tourists take the N3 highway northbound until they reach the signposts for Bergville. From there the road to the park is well signposted. From Johannesburg tourists also take the N3 highway, but southbound until they reach the Bergville exit.
Essential Facts to Remember When Visiting the Royal Natal National Park
Being a mountainous area the weather is prone to change suddenly and tourists should be prepared for any weather conditions. When embarking on the overnight trails, tourists must fill in their details in the Mountain Rescue Register.
Contact details for reservations:
Tel: 27 33 845 1000
Yolande Pienaar - Yolande traveled extensively through Southern Africa and frequently visits places off the beaten track where she discovers gems to share ...
