Royal Natal National Park

Royal Natal National Park is an 80.94-square-kilometre provincial park located in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, forming part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. The park is renowned for its spectacular mountain scenery, characterized by craggy peaks, lush forests, and impressive rock formations that often flush red in the afternoon light. The park was named in 1947 to commemorate a visit by the British Royal family. The nearest town with a full range of services is Bergville, located 50km away.The main feature of the park is the world-famous Drakensberg Amphitheatre, a colossal rock wall approximately 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) long and up to 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) high. Perched between the Sentinel (3,165 metres above sea level) and Eastern Buttress (3,047 metres above sea level), the Amphitheatre is a truly imposing natural wonder. Above the Amphitheatre lies Mont-aux-Sources peak, where the Orange River begins its journey west to the Atlantic Ocean, and the Tugela River cascades down the face of the Amphitheatre, forming the Tugela Falls. The Tugela Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the world, plunges 948 metres (3,110 ft) in five clear leaps. In winter, the upper Tugela Falls can freeze to form pillars of ice, offering a rare and delightful sight.Royal Natal National Park is a prime destination for outdoor activities, with hiking being the main attraction. A superb network of graded walks caters to all abilities, from short, easy strolls like the Cascades trail along the Mahai River to challenging multi-day excursions. Popular trails include the Amphitheatre trail to the top of Mont-aux-Sources, offering incredible views, and the Tugela Gorge hike, which passes through lush forests and crosses the Tugela River at the base of the cliff face. Horse riding is another popular activity, allowing visitors to explore the mountains and spot wildlife. Trout fishing is available in two dams within the park and in the Mahai and Tugela rivers. The park is home to 56 species of mammals, including Eland, Bushbuck, Common Duiker, and Savanna Baboons. Birdwatchers can delight in species such as the Bearded Vulture (Lammergeyer) and Black Eagle. The area also has historical significance, having been home to the San people, who left behind remarkable rock paintings.Accommodation within the park is available at Thendele Camp, offering fully-equipped self-catering chalets with panoramic views of the Amphitheatre. There are also two campgrounds, Mahai Campground and Rugged Glen Campsite, providing barbecue and ablution facilities.