Architecture Students Conquer Drakensberg Adventure to Tugela Falls

A group of third- and fifth-year Architecture students from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) embarked on an unforgettable adventure to the top of the Drakensberg as part of an educational and teambuilding hike led by part-time Architectural Studies lecturer Mr Bill Williams.

The expedition took students to the summit of the iconic Tugela Falls, regarded as the highest waterfall in the world, where they experienced both the physical challenges and breathtaking beauty of the Maloti-Drakensberg mountain range.

The journey began long before the students reached the mountains, with extensive logistical planning required to make the trip possible. Organising transport proved particularly challenging, as access to the Sentinel Car Park – the starting point of the hike – required 4×4 vehicles capable of navigating the rough mountain roads. Additional arrangements also had to be made to source hiking equipment such as rucksacks, sleeping bags, tents, and portable cookers.

Williams said the trip – which rekindled a tradition started by acclaimed lecturer Professor Barrie Biermann of the former University of Natal, Durban – was designed not only as an outdoor experience, but also as an opportunity for students to build resilience, teamwork and confidence beyond the classroom.

“Architecture is about understanding space, landscape and the environment in a very direct way,” he said. “Experiences like this take students out of their comfort zones and allow them to engage with nature and the built environment from a completely different perspective.”

After reaching the Sentinel Car Park, the group began the demanding ascent towards the summit. Students quickly realised that hiking at an altitude of around 3 000 metres above sea level presented a significant physical challenge, particularly for those unfamiliar with the thinner mountain air.

Despite the steep climbs and physical exertion, the group persevered and eventually reached one of the hike’s most famous obstacles – the chain ladders leading to the escarpment above Tugela Falls. For some students, overcoming a fear of heights became one of the defining moments of the journey.

Williams praised the students for their determination and courage throughout the climb. “The students performed admirably and supported one another every step of the way,” he said. “For some, climbing the chain ladders was a major personal challenge, but everyone encouraged each other, and nobody gave up.”

Once safely at the top of the ladders, the group continued the final stretch of the journey to the top of Tugela Falls. After the strenuous ascent, the relatively gentle walk to the waterfall offered an opportunity to appreciate the dramatic scenery surrounding them.

The students were rewarded with sweeping views across the Drakensberg escarpment, with the landscape transformed by the golden light of sunset. As evening approached, a full moon rose over Devil’s Tooth Peak, creating what many described as one of the most memorable moments of the trip.

The adventure, however, was far from over. With temperatures dropping rapidly after sunset, the students still needed to pitch their tents and establish camp before nightfall. The group had prepared for the notoriously cold mountain conditions, knowing that strong winds and freezing temperatures were likely during the night.

Shortly after sunset, ice particles began forming on the tents, confirming just how harsh the conditions on the escarpment could become. Despite the freezing temperatures, the students successfully endured the night in their temporary mountain campsite.

The following morning, after packing up camp, the group prepared for the return journey. Before leaving, one adventurous fifth-year student braved the icy waters of the Tugela River for a quick swim in one of the mountain pools, adding another memorable moment to the experience.

Williams said the trip left a lasting impression on everyone involved. The hike highlighted the importance of experiential learning and camaraderie, while giving students an opportunity to appreciate one of South Africa’s most spectacular natural landscapes.

“We all returned home safely and without incident, but more importantly, the students came away with memories and experiences that will stay with them for the rest of their lives,” he said. “There is something incredibly powerful about facing challenges together in a place as extraordinary as the Drakensberg.”

Words: Sally Frost

Photographs: Supplied