The Amphitheatre: hotspot for theft

Ribbon falls is close and really secluded.

Thank you for the good advice. I see that this blog was published in 2007. Has the security situation changed at all?

Hi HikerParsons

The Amphitheatre area remains a hot-spot for theft but it has not escalated in the last few years. The recommendations by intrepid are still appropriate.

I have camped once at Tugela Falls (April) without incident, we arrived late (at dusk) and left long before sunup. Also camped twice at the top of Namahadi Pass without incident (Sept & Oct).

Just linking this thread to Minibo's report-back on their 3-day Hike from Sentinel CP over the Easter weekend 2016

Hi All

We are going to the Amphi over the weekend. We are 6 people (4 beginners) and we will sleep Saturday night in the hut. I don't think security will be an issue in there?

Is the hut still standing (I know there is no door or windows but if the roof is still there its okay)?
Where is the best place to book the hut?
What are the costs to enter the park?

The hut is still standing and security shouldn't be an issue, just try not to make a lot of noise and keep use of lights to a minimum....
Are you hiking from witsieshoek or royal natal? (This will affect the cost)
You might be able to book it via telephone in advance or at royal natal,but im not aware of any booking system or whether you even can book....

Thanks Hobbitt.
We will be strating at Sentinel Car Park (past Witsieshoek). I just want to make sure everybody in the group has enough cash.

Hi guys
I and a few friends are keen on doing a trip onto the amphitheatre dec 16 long weekend.  Has anyone hiked and camped there recently?  Any info on the security situation and river levels would be useful.  We would be camping near Ribbon/Bilanjil falls area for two nights.

The major incidents that occurred during april were near fangs, but there has been petty theft in this area in the past.  Although I have experienced none in the three or so hikes that i have done here, some recent intel would be useful.  The moon will also be at first quarter.

Hi Tribe

Four of us were in the area at the end of last month. Went from Sentinel to Ifidi Cave and then back to Crow's Nest via Mt Amery, Ribbon falls and Tugela falls. The water levels in all the streams were very low, but there was some minor flow and we didn't have problems finding water. There has been quite a bit of rain since, so I'm sure there will be sufficient water.

We also saw no signs of Basotho, and while we didn't camp near the falls (we spent the night in Crow's Nest), a few others did, including one solo tent that was pretty isolated. No one reported any trouble. The general security precautions apply, of course.

Ribbon falls is a lot more isolated than Bilanjil an Tugela, so would be the safest bet if you are really worried. I wouldn't treat any of these spots as a base camp and venture out leaving your gear unattended, however (just in terms of you spending two nights in the same spot).

@Serious Tribe,

We'll be in the same area over the same dates, hope to see you there