Day 36 – Tugela Gorge

40 days – 40 hikes – Walking 4 Education

Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom ~ George Washington Carver

We had a lovely big group of family and friends for the walk to the Gorge. Aunties, uncles, grandparents and cousins gathered in the Thendele Car Park at 9:30 and we began our gentle walk up along the Tugela River.

This is probably one of the most popular walks in the Northern Drakensberg and one of outstanding beauty. The whole way up the Amphitheatre mountain is ahead and we were lucky to have the most gorgeous blue day.

The path winds up the valley on a gentle uphill through a few small forests but mostly in the gorgeous sunshine. It is relatively easy walking but little children do need encouragement. Daphne & Loretta kept Bella & Jude motivated and forward marching because the stories could only continue if they walked…..

The very last section requires a bit of boulder hopping but it is definitely a good idea to get to the end. The view up to Devil’s Tooth is magnificent. And, a little time to walk up the tunnel is always great fun. At this time of year the water level is quite low so we managed to get right to the top and 4 of us braved the cold and jumped in the small plunge pool. It was the most invigorating, take-your-breath-away swim!

We had a great lunch time picnic and hot tea & coffee. The old folks explored the Cave, the children raced up the chain ladder and then we returned home on the same path.

A great day out. We are nearing the end of our 40 days and I am certainly going to miss all the happy times….

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Update

An update on the progress so far…

DayDestinationDistance KMGain M
1Sugarloaf7.08565
2Cannibal Cavern7.75475
3Natural Pool2.7287
4Echo Cave5.63321
5Witsieshoek12.08886
6Amphitheatre9.62726
7Mahai Valley11.76143
8Back to Cavern14.96477
9Jackal Hill7.28206
10Top Dams3.07106
11Sungubala Challenge14.21809
12Amazizi6.75176
13Park Grotto19.27853
14Camels Hump8.11374
15Policemans Helmet12.34511
16Big Five16.81933
17Silent Woman3.4115
18Sungubala to Drifters11.6715
19Vulture Colony13.81350
20Voting Day10.34318
21Bishops Inkaba9.45353
22Thonsela Cave5.12442
23Umhlanga Promenade4.779
24Durban Beachfront5.9519
25Umdloti4.9527
26Cannibal Cavern5.68406
27Lone Rock5.17305
28Sungubala Moonlit walk4.76158
29Montusi Mountain6.08270
30Sungubala via Rustlers Gap3.56232
31Princess Margaret Walk5.88104
32Big Five16.35948
33Jim’s Cave4.62289
34Gudu Falls24.781332
35Okhombe Walk2.9685
36Tugela Gorge13.75418
 Total322.4214543

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