A pre-breakfast walk around the hotel reveals 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.
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
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Heading up Tugela Gorge, 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
Not much water in the gorge today . . .
but 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
An open rocky area provides a spot for lunch . . .
and time for George to explore the chain ladder
Exploring the tunnel reveals . . .
an unusual spot to find a dove
Unfortunately the water is too deep to explore the rest of the tunnel . . .
so we have to head back . . .
the way we came in
Spectacular formations . . .
accompany us all the way
As the gorge opens out . . .
we see views missed on the way up
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