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Thukela Falls

Thukela Falls — also spelled Tugela Falls — is a complex of seasonal waterfalls plunging over the dramatic escarpment of the Drakensberg Mountains within Royal Natal National Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

The name derives from the Zulu word meaning "sudden" or "startling," a fitting description for a gentle stream that makes an abrupt leap off a massive cliff face.

At approximately 948 metres (3,110 feet), it is the highest waterfall in Africa and rivals Venezuela's Angel Falls for the title of world's tallest.

The falls descend in a series of five or more distinct tiers, with the first two leaps — roughly 180 metres and 410 metres respectively — accounting for the majority of the total drop.

Reaching the falls requires a demanding uphill hike of around 6 kilometres from the Sentinel parking area, typically taking four to five hours one way and not recommended for young children or those unfit.

The surrounding uKhahlamba-Drakensberg range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


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