Cascades, Lookout Rock, and Tiger Falls Loop - (Mahai, Royal Natal NP - Drakensberg)

This scenic loop is an easy option and suitable for hikers of all ages and fitness levels, the surrounding forests, waterfalls, peaks and vistas are truly spectacular. The trail which starts and ends at the Mahai campsite (variations from Tendele camp or the Royal Natal visitors center are also possible) starts just outside the camping site. One can do the trail in either direction, both will be easy enough, we opted for anticlockwise to make up time on the return section which has fewer attractions than the Forested section along the river. After signing into the mountain register and issuing a permit the trail follows a paved section through lush forest with towering yellowwood trees and large boulders. The paving gives way to boardwalk which follows alongside the river, the boardwalk and its bridges are well built and maintained. After taking in the scenery on this stretch , the cascades waterfall sign appears shortly and as the name suggests the waterfall complex is a collection of many small falls flowing over large rocks and boulders. The water is clear and clean and the Sandstone peaks around Mahai dominate the skyline. Cascades and the river upstream has many smaller waterfalls to explore and there are faint paths leading to these (labelled Cascades 2 & 3 on this recording) take care when exploring further upstream and do not destroy the natural vegetation in pursuit of waterfall chasing. After cascades the trail passes through a few large boulders and into grassland and protea fields. Here the path reaches its steepest incline albeit only for a short stretch. After a few zig zags and some leveling out of the path one will reach the “Lookout Rock” this outcrop is a great vantage point for views over the forest and Gudu Falls as well as back to Mahai and the river below. After Lookout rock the trail soon reaches a main intersection which splits to Gudu falls and Witsieshoek or to Tiger Falls and Tendele. To complete this loop one will head in the direction of Tiger Falls. After a short easy walk the trail moves back into dense forest and around a second bend one will reach the Tiger Falls. These falls are a double drop of many small drips and stripes which might be the origin of the falls’ name. there is a small pool at the bottom. After tiger falls the trail then leaves the forest and heads into grasslands once again, after covering some ground in the grasslands the Eastern Buttress of the Drakensberg amphitheater will begin to come into view and as the trail progresses more and more of the amphitheater cliffs begin to appear. Doing the trail in this direction it helps to have a look back every so often to view. After an intersection which splits to Tendele, the trail winds back down in the direction of Mahai (visible from above) and follows the top of the hill right above the campsite, then it descends on the other side before bending back and meeting up with the Mahai access road before returning to the startpoint. This trail is easy, well marked and one is not likely to get lost. The Royal Natal National Park is well managed and security is present making the reserve seem more than adequately safe. There is an entrance fee to enter the park I am not sure of the amount. (wildcards at the time of writing should receive free entry, do not rely on this staying the same). Camping at Mahai at the time of writing is R150pp per eve. The visitors center at the park has a well-equipped shop and a bonus when in the area is definitely to visit the dam near the picnic site. Here the views of the amphitheater over the water can create a perfect mirror reflection of the mountains and it’s a great stop for a photograph or two. On this trail the parking lot for other popular trails in the area like Tugela Gorge and the Policeman’s helmet has been marked as a waypoint. These trails are longer and more technical but if you are pressed for time or just need a short trail this loop offers a great way to get maximum scenery for minimal effort. There are plenty of variations one could make with all the surrounding trails in the area. I can highly recommend this trail for the scenery