The Amphitheatre is the most recognisable and dramatically imposing feature of the entire Drakensberg range, a World Heritage Site of outstanding environmental and cultural significance. A mighty wall of basalt rises over 1000 metres from the Tugela valley to the Lesotho plateau nearly 3000 metres above sea level. Part of its aesthetic appeal arises from its near perfect symmetry, extending as a sheer wall of rock some 5 kilometres in length from the Eastern Buttress to the Sentinel Peak in the west- altogether an area of majestic and incomparable beauty providing some of the finest scenery in the world
The Heritage Guided Hike has been planned to enable walkers of average ability to reach these heights and to be rewarded by awe inspiring, never-to-forgotten views from the top of the escarpment - a feat normally only undertaken by fit and experienced hikers who would normally have to camp overnight. By spending 3 days and 3 nights on the route, staying at conveniantly located lodges on the way and using a qualified guide to make decisions on routes and weather conditions, it is possible for anyone who is reasonably fit and unafraid of heights to stand on "top of the world" and experience the same sense of accomplishment as the dedicated hiker.
A typical tour itinerary could be :
Day 1 (approx 9km) .. After gathering the previous evening at the Sungabala Safari Camp near to the Cavern Berg Hotel in KZN, you will be met by your guide for an early start. The day's hike will commence with a fairly stiff climb via Surprise Ridge and onto Cannibal Cave, a immense overhang in the shadow of the Diamond Spur, once occupied by war-faring tribes and which still have paintings and human remains as evidence of their existence. The route continues along a mountain ridge, Cold Ridge, which bypasses Broome Hill and onto Basotho Gate enjoying wonderful views in all directions. This is a long but comfortable walk which ends at your destination for the night, Witsieshoek Mountain Resort which straddles the divide between KZN, Free State and Lesotho.
Day 2 (10-12 km) .. This is the most eventful day and you will need to make an early start to get the most out of it ! You will be transported to the beginning of the day's walk just below the towering peak of the Sentinel. After filling in the mountain register, you start your hike along a well maintained path which ascends gradually towards the Witches and the Zig-Zags, taking you to the base of the Sentinel massif. From here, you swing right and follow the contour path below the Western buttresses with the land sloping steeply to the north and east giving you wonderful views of the Malutis and the Witsieshoek plateaux. The chain ladders are reached after about 3 kilometres, and after negotiating the two sections of rock wall it is only a short scramble up from there to the escarpment where you can spend the better part of the day in exploration.
Day 3 (7km) .. This is a easy day's walk with several route variations taking you back down the Mahai River valley to the Royal Natal National Park (RNNP). Along the way you will criss-cross the river several times, passing small waterfalls and pools giving you a chance to go for a dip or to picnic as you should have plenty of time on hand. The vegetation and topography changes dramatically as you descend and you will pass through patches of cool mist-belt forest on the southern facing slopes. At the bottom you will pass by the Trout hatchery, the campsite and the visitor's centre of the RNNP from where arrangements will be made for you to be collected and transferred back to your vehicles at Sungabala.