Tugela Gorge Hike

Hey guys,
Has anyone done this trail recently? Just looking for some feedback on the state of the trail, especially seeing the mudslide damage....

Keen to visit Mahai soon!

Hi 

We did the trail on the 13th of March. The majority of the trail is still in good condition. Just before you enter the river bed there is mud slide damage to the path. There is however an alternative route around the mud slide. The route is not walked out yet, but it is clear enough to follow. There is however one very steep slippery hill on the new route. This can be navigated with caution. 

Cheers

Hi all,

Is this hike worth doing in late December? Will I able to go through the tunnel with typical December water levels. I don't mind getting wet.

In wet summers the flow rate through the tunnel can make it difficult to go upstream and possibly dangerous to go back with the flow.

There is a ladder system to bypass the tunnel completely, as you probably know. 

Try going upstream and see how far you get. 

The summer is predicted to be wet largely because of a strengthening La Nina condition in the Pacific. 
But even if it is a wet summer overall, the flow could be at a low level if it hasn’t rained for a few days. The catchment is quite responsive. 

 

It is probably the best small berg hike in the entire Drakensberg.

Unfortunately a huge section of the route collapsed before you drop into the riverbed, so the route is officially closed right now.

Did the trail a week ago and as mentioned above an alternative route was created . It is very much open , was quite busy infact .