Cidade Turismo
South Africa

Before you go

Your trip to Bergville.

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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Bergville – KwaZulu-Natal Destination Drakensberg

How to get there

  • Aeroporto Internacional King Shaka (DUR) La Mercy · 250 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

From Winterton, Bergville is about 22 km via the R74. From King Shaka Airport (DUR) it’s about 250 km via the N3 and R74, roughly 3 hours. From Johannesburg, about 330 km via the N3 and through Harrismith.

How many days

Two or three days for Royal Natal and the Sentinel trail. Many travelers sleep inside the park at Thendele to start early.

When to go

Autumn and spring usually bring more stable weather for hikes. In summer the Tugela Falls is fuller, but afternoon storms occur; in winter it can freeze at the top.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Yes. The park and the Sentinel trail are far from town and have no public transport.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Bergville
  1. Morning
    Tugela Gorge Trail

    Enter Royal Natal early and do the Tugela Gorge trail to the stone tunnel.

  2. Afternoon
    Return through the valley

    Return the same way, stopping at the river pools to rest.

  3. Late afternoon
    View of the Amphitheatre

    See the Amphitheatre from the viewpoint near the visitor centre in low light.

  4. Evening
    Night in the park

    Dine at the Thendele chalet or at a guesthouse near the gate.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Bergville?

Use the town as a base for Royal Natal National Park, the Amphitheatre, Tugela Falls and the Sentinel trail.

What is the distance from Bergville to Royal Natal?

About 45 km, roughly a 45-minute drive.

Can you get to the top of the Amphitheatre?

Yes, via the Sentinel trail on the Free State side, with chain ladders on the final section.

How many days to stay in Bergville?

Two to three days, with a day for each main trail.

Back to Bergville