Scenic Viewpoints

KwaZulu-Natal’s geography offers dramatic vertical drops and expansive horizons. This selection spans the Drakensberg Mountains, home to the 948-meter Thukela Falls, and the coastal gorges of Oribi and Clearwater. It includes the iSimangaliso Wetland Park’s estuary overlooks and high-altitude camps in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. These points provide clear views of ancient geological formations like the Sphinx and the 105-meter Karkloof Falls.

Oribi Gorge Suspension Bridge

An 84-meter-long suspension bridge hanging 100 meters above the gorge floor. It provides a direct view of the Mzimkulwana River and the surrounding sandstone cliffs.

Thukela Falls

The world's second-tallest waterfall, dropping 948 meters in five cascades. Located in the Royal Natal National Park, it is accessible via the Sentinel Peak hiking trail.

Howick Falls

A 95-meter waterfall on the Umgeni River. Known to the Zulu people as KwaNogqaza, it flows over dolerite sills into a deep pool below.

World's View

Situated on the escarpment above Pietermaritzburg, this site offers views of the city basin and the Karkloof Mountains. It marks a historical wagon route used by early settlers.

Pinnacle Rock

A distinct geological rock formation in the Drakensberg region, offering a vantage point over the surrounding mountain landscape and valley.

Pongolapoort Viewpoint

High-altitude overlook of the Pongolapoort Dam, also known as Jozini Dam, and the Lebombo Mountain range.

Hipo's View

Elevated platform overlooking the St. Lucia Estuary within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. It provides frequent sightings of hippopotamus pods and Nile crocodiles.

Hilltop Camp

The highest point in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, providing 360-degree views of the Hluhluwe River valley and the surrounding game reserve.

Karkloof Falls

A 105-meter waterfall located within the Karkloof Nature Reserve, surrounded by indigenous mist-belt forest.

Clearwater Viewpoint

Overlooks the Umtamvuna River Gorge and its nature reserve. The point offers views of the sandstone cliffs marking the border between KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

Oribi Gorge ViewPoint

A vantage point over the 24-kilometer-long gorge, highlighting the erosion caused by the Mzimkulwana River through 500-million-year-old sandstone.

Sphinx

A natural rock formation in the Monk's Cowl area of the Drakensberg, accessible via hiking trails with views of Cathkin Peak.

Sterkspruit Falls

A waterfall in the Central Drakensberg accessible from the Monk's Cowl entrance, featuring a drop into a sandstone basin.

Masinda Lookout

Located in the iMfolozi section of the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, offering views over the Black iMfolozi River and southern hills.