Thursday, 15th April 2010
9 miles, 1,500 feet
A pre-breakfast walk around the hotel was rewarded by the siting of two birds, a Great Double Collared Sunbird and a Grey Heron. After being transported from the hotel to the Tugela Gorge car park we set off along a good path above and parallel to the Tugela River. When we reached the Tugela River we found that it was easy to walk on the boulders, avoiding the water completely. The spectacular scenery constantly changed and the rock formations were fantastic. Around every corner another treat was waiting for us and the magnificent Amphitheatre was a delight. Eventually we came to a spot where the gorged branched in two directions, one leading into a tunnel. At this point we stopped for lunch and exploration of the area, as will be seen in the photographs. The return journey was just as interesting as the walk up the gorge, with rock formations and views taking on a new look in the opposite direction.
The hotel provides well for children as well as adults
I am fortunate enough to spot . . .
a Great Double Collared Sunbird intent on feeding
Then walking around the lake . . .
a Grey heron poses in the tree
Early in the walk the Eastern Buttress comes into view . . .
followed by The Sentinel and the Beacon Buttress
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Before long the whole stretch of the Amphitheatre, over 3 miles long and rising over 6,000 feet above the valley floor, can be seen,
The Policeman's Helmet . . .
is one of the rock formations seen along the way
A shady spot gives us an opportunity for a break
Zooming in on the Tugela Falls
The Sentinel and Beacon Buttress can now be seen as two distinct summits
Not much water in the gorge today . . .
and time for elevenses in another shady spot
The rock walls are really impressive . . .
and make it difficult to keep your eyes on where you are walking
The pools and waterfalls add to the character . . .
but the path undulates in places
A open rocky area provides a spot for lunch . . .
and time for George to explore the chain ladder
The gorge seems to narrow at this point . . .
but further exploration reveals a tunnel . . .
where George spots a dove in an unusual setting
Unfotunately the water is too deep to explore the rest of the tunnel . . .
so we have to head back . . .
the way we came in
More waterfalls call for a photo . . .
before we make our way back down the gorge . . .
and spectacular formations . . .
accompany us all the way
As the gorge opens out . . .
we see views missed on the way up
The afternoon sun creates a different picture as we look back at part of the Amphitheatre . . .
and the group follows the contouring path
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A last view of the Amphitheatre . . .
before we reach the car park - and wait for our transport