Royal Natal boasts some of the most splendid mountain scenery in Africa. The main feature is the world famous Amphitheatre, a rock wall approximately 5 kilometres in length, and 500m high. Above the amphitheatre is Mont-aux-Sources peak where, as its name implies, the Orange River starts its long journey to the Atlantic Ocean. It is here where the Thukela River cascades down the face of the amphitheatre, in one of the highest waterfalls in the world, on its way to the Indian Ocean.

Thendele hutted camp is situated in one of the most picturesque settings in the country, with a view of the world famous amphitheatre from every chalet. The camp nestles below the brooding sandstone cliffs of Dooley among yellowwood forests and protea savannah where visitors can often hear the rumble of boulders in the Thukela River below after a fierce summer thunderstorm.

This beautiful camp has the distinction of being the closest of the KZN Wildlife Berg camps to the main Drakensberg escarpment. Dominated by the amphitheatre which changes mood with weather and season, often covered in snow in winter or with up to eighteen waterfalls cascading down the vertical cliffs after a storm, Thendele is a very special place to visit and is KZN Wildlife's most popular camp.

Home to the Bearded Vulture (Lammergeyer) and Black Eagle who often disport themselves for visitors in the thermals that rise above the Mont aux Sources plateau, the surrounding valleys and ridges offer superb walks through an ever changing landscape with many upland birds and flowers.

The camp, which is split into upper and lower sections, consists of 26 comfortable self-contained chalets that accommodate either two or four people each. There are also two delightful 6 bed cottages and the luxurious Thendele Lodge with 3 en-suite bedrooms and other facilities in keeping with 5-star accommodation in its own special space well away from the main camp.

The cottages and the lodge each have their own cook who will prepare delicious meals from the provisions supplied by the visitors. The camp shop has a wide range of curios and sells basic groceries and supplies for visitors convenience.

Rates Include:
Accommodation, community levy, emergency rescue levy and 14%VAT.

Rates Exclude:
Optional extras and excursions

Gate Opening and Closing Times:  Summer (October to March) 05:00 to 19:00
Winter (April to September) 06:00 to 18:00

Office Hours: The office is open from 08:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 16:30

Distance and Time from Gate to Camp:  3km to Mahai campsite and 6km to Thendele camp

Check Out Time: 10:00  Check In Time: 14:00

Shop: The shop is well stocked with curios and supplies.

Special Precautions: The weather is subject to change at short notice and hikers should be well equipped and fill in their details in the Mountain Rescue Register.

Facilities for people with disabilities: Limited

The nearest town, which has a full range of services, is Bergville 50km away.

Pets are not permitted into the reserve.