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Trail · Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal
Trilha do Sentinel e escadas de corrente
A full-day trail that starts at the Sentinel car park, around 2,500 metres, and climbs chain ladders to the top of the Amphitheatre and Tugela Falls.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Trilha do Sentinel e escadas de corrente
The Sentinel trail is the shortest route to the top of the Amphitheatre. It starts at the Sentinel car park on the Free State side, near Witsieshoek, at about 2,500 metres altitude, and climbs in a zigzag up the slope of Sentinel Peak.
On the final section the cliff is overcome by two chain ladders fixed to the rock, about 30 metres in total. There is also an alternative route through a ravine for those who prefer not to use the ladders. Up top, the Mont-aux-Sources plateau opens into high-altitude fields, and a walk leads to the edge where the Tugela Falls plunge.
From the summit you can see the Royal Natal valley more than a thousand metres below and, in the distance, the mountains of Lesotho. The return route totals about 12 km and takes 6 to 8 hours.
Weather changes quickly on the mountain: fog, cold and storms are common, and in winter there can be snow and ice on the ladders.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
6 to 8 hours.
Best time
Start early, in autumn or spring. In summer finish before afternoon storms; in winter check ladder conditions.
How to get there
From Bergville, drive about 100 km via Phuthaditjhaba to Witsieshoek and the Sentinel car park, roughly 2 hours; the last stretch is poor road, better with a high-clearance vehicle. A fee is paid at the entrance.
Tip
Go with a guide if you lack mountain experience, bring warm clothing, a rain jacket and water, and sign the trail log.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Trilha do Sentinel e escadas de corrente
Where does the Sentinel trail start?
At the Sentinel car park on the Free State side, near Witsieshoek, at about 2,500 metres.
Is the Sentinel trail difficult?
It requires good fitness: about 12 km round trip, with a climb and chain ladders at the end.
Can you see Tugela Falls from the top?
Yes, the trail reaches the edge of the Amphitheatre, from where the falls plunge.