The Northern Berg

The most northern part of the Drakensberg (Natal) range has the beautiful Golden Gate Park.  This area is populated by red sandstone cliffs and is quite different than the rest of the bergs.  In fact it seems like it was transplanted here from Northern Arizona.

More pictures of the Golden Gate area can be found on this  page.

The weather in the bergs can be quite unpredictable.  It is usually cloudy in the summer with late afternoon thunder showers.  However, it can rain any time of day and usually does.

The Royal Natal Park is so named because it was visited by the Royal Family many years ago.  Like most of the Berg it is a rugged area but has lots of great hiking trails.

The Tugela River begins in the Royal Natal Park.  Below is a picture of the Tugela Gorge.  I understand that the Tugela River has some fine white water for rafting and kayaking but the river is only a creek in this area.

Near the end of the Tugela River Gorge trail you have the choice of following a deep, narrow gorge (which requires a swim) or ascending a rope ladder for 40 feet up the side of a cliff.  Bessy and I ascended the ladder.  On the way back I swam the gorge while Bessy climbed back down the ladder.  (This is consistent with Bessy's fear of water and my fear of heights).

The weather can change quickly.  After hiking into the deepest part of the gorge, the clouds disappeared and the sun arrived.

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This page was last updated on 04/15/02.