Itinerary:

Day 1: You will be picked up at 9 am at your Johannesburg hotel; we then drive for approx. 4 hours to Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge where you can relax and enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery. Stay here for the night. Day 2: Wake up very early and take the first shuttle to the Sentinel Peak car park. (6 am in summer, 7 am in winter) A 4x4 vehicle transport you for about 30 minutes to where the Tugela Falls Hike via Chain Ladder of 12km trail begins and ends. Another name that is used to call this trail is "chain ladders hike" because it utilizes a series of chain ladders to ascend past a vertical rock face. The hike follows a path that leads up to the base of the Sentinel, where it veers right and climbs along the base of the basalt cliffs. The path then reaches the chain ladders, which were commissioned in 1930 by Otto Zunckel and later supplemented with a second set to speed up the process of going up and down. These ladders are a significant part of the hike, with two sections totaling about 100 and 50 steps respectively. For those with a fear of heights, an alternative path up the Sentinel Gully can be taken to bypass the ladders. Once at the top, hikers are rewarded with stunning views of the Amphitheatre and the Tugela Falls, which are the second tallest waterfall in the world, plunging 948 meters into the valley below. The hike is approximately 7.5 miles round trip and typically takes 5 to 8 hours to complete, depending on the pace and weather conditions. It is recommended to be well-prepared for severe mountain weather and to have a good head for heights. The hike is not suitable for beginners or casual hikers due to the elevation gain and altitude, and it is advised to complete at least three training hikes with a full backpack prior to attempting this hike. The route is well marked and has a couple of constrictions where jamming occurs at peak periods. It is recommended to wear appropriate walking/hiking shoes, bring a piece of long-sleeved protective clothing/jacket and a hat/cap, at least one liter of non-alcoholic beverage per person, light provisions, sun cream, and a charged mobile phone (only to be used in case of necessity!). The shuttle picks you up at the Sentinel Peak car park on completion and takes you back to Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge. We drive back to Johannesburg where you will be dropped off at your hotel or airport. (Arrival approx. 8pm) Included: -transport, -hike fees, -1 night lodging, -guide, -breakfast pack x 1