Royal Natal and Rugged Glen
Guide to accommodation descriptions
Location of Royal Natal in KwaZulu-Natal
Mountain Destinations
Royal Natal and Rugged Glen
Royal Natal boasts some of the most splendid mountain scenery in Africa. The main feature is the world famous Amphitheatre, a rock wall approximately five km in length, and 500m high.
Above the amphitheatre is Mont-aux-Sources peak where, as its name implies, the Orange river starts its long journey to the Atlantic ocean and Thukela river cascades down the face of the amphitheatre, in one of the highest waterfalls in the world, on its way to the Indian ocean.
The most popular activity at Royal Natal is undoubtedly hiking.
A comprehensive hiking guide is available for purchase at the Visitor Centre, at Thendele camp office and at the main entrance gate. The brochure shows a map of the park and the network of hiking paths which visit every part of the park from the gentle walk to Fairy Glen to the challenging hike up the Crack and down the Mudslide.
Trout fishing at Royal Natal is available in two dams in the park and in the Mahai and Thukela rivers, and picnicking and swimming in the clear mountain streams are popular pastimes.
The stables at Rugged Glen provide opportunities to ride into the mountains for unique views and sightings of mountain reedbuck and grey rhebuck that seem to have no fear of people on horse back.
Accommodation
Thendele hutted camp is situated in one of the most picturesque settings in the country with a view of the world famous amphitheatre from every chalet.
The camp nestles below the brooding sandstone cliffs of Dooley among yellowwood forests and Protea savannah where visitors can often hear the rumble of boulders in the Thukela river below after a fierce summer thunderstorm.
Thendele Lodge - 6 bed
- Lounge, a kitchen, and three bedrooms each with their own private bathroom
- Satellite television is also available
- Own secluded garden
- Self catering
A resident cook prepares excellent meals with food supplied by the guests
Cottages - 6 bed
- Fully equipped and furnished
Kitchen and bathroom
Chalets - 2 & 4 bed
- Fully equipped and furnished
- Kitchen and bathroom
The camp is split into upper and lower section.
Facilities
- The camp shop has a wide range of curios and sells basic groceries and supplies for visitors convenience.
Limited facilities for people with disabilities
Extra Information
- The lodge is only available for single group bookings.
- Special Precautions
- The weather is subject to change at short notice
- Hikers should be well equipped and fill in their details in the Mountain Rescue Register
- The nearest town which has a full range of services is Bergville which is 50 kms away
- Pets are not permitted into the reserve
Gate Times
| Gate Times | Summer (Oct-Mar) |
Winter (Apr-Sep ) |
| Gates Open | 05:00 | 06:00 |
| Gates Close | 19:00 | 18:00 |
Office Hours
The office is open from 08h00 to 12h30 and from 14h00 to 16h30
Check in / out
Check Out Time: 10h00
Check In Time: 14h00
