The Nandi’s Falls hike is a delightful journey through the natural beauty of Monk’s Cowl, following the Sterkspruit River upstream to the picturesque Nandi’s Falls. This hike offers a moderate challenge and is ideal for those looking to experience the tranquillity of the Drakensberg. This moderate hike is perfect for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquillity of the Drakensberg. Pack a picnic and explore the lush surroundings and stunning waterfall.
Route
Return route from Monk’s Cowl Office to Nandi’s Falls.
Distance
8.5 km (round trip)
Duration
3.5 hours
Grade
Moderate
Main Features
The trail follows the Sterkspruit River, leading to the stunning Nandi’s Falls, a 25-meter waterfall surrounded by a lush forest. The area at the base of the falls is perfect for a picnic, with numerous gullies overgrown with yellowwood trees and Chi-chi bushes branching off to the right.
Description
The hike begins at the entrance of the camping area at Monk’s Cowl Forest Station. The first 200 meters pass through dense bush, opening up at a split in the path. Turn left here and go directly through a stile. Follow the clear path with erosion barriers to a pedestrian gate in the fence 300 meters further. After passing through the gate, turn sharp left.
At the next split, keep left (the right path leads to a pool in the stream). Two hundred meters further, turn left at the sign indicating “Nandi’s Falls” and “Hlathikhulu Forest.” At another split 100 meters further, keep left and go through a gate/stile in the fence a few meters ahead.
Continue down this path and cross the river over a wooden bridge. Two hundred meters from this bridge, the path goes through a stile and crosses the river on another wooden bridge. After crossing the river, the path runs along the left bank and begins to climb gradually. At times, the path veers away from the river, returning to it at a sign indicating “Pools.”
Keep straight at the “Pools” sign, as the path begins to zigzag in and out of the gullies. A major T-junction is encountered 200 meters from the “Pools.” Turn right here (the left path returns to the Office via Keartland’s Pass). From this junction, there is another split 200 meters further uphill. Keep left at this junction and enter the forest. Nandi’s Falls is 70 meters further into the forest.
To return, follow the same route back.
Notes
- The pools along the way are great for freshening up.
- The area behind Nandi’s Falls is accessible by climbing up the right-hand side of the falls. Be cautious, as the ledge may be wet and slippery.
GPS Coordinates
- Start/End of hike: S 29° 02′ 55.29″ E 29° 24′ 20.99″ (1478m)
- First junction: S 29° 02′ 41.68″ E 29° 24′ 14.22″ (1441m)
- Nandi’s Falls sign: S 29° 02′ 36.37″ E 29° 23′ 57.05″ (1388m)
- Keartland’s Pass split: S 29° 03′ 08.82″ E 29° 23′ 16.16″ (1525m)
- Nandi’s Falls: S 29° 03′ 18.51″ E 29° 22′ 56.46″ (1573m)
Highlights
- Sterkspruit River: Follow the scenic river upstream.
- Nandi’s Falls: A beautiful 25-meter waterfall, perfect for picnics.
- Lush Forest: Explore the forested area around the falls, with numerous gullies and diverse vegetation.
- Rock Pools: Refresh yourself in the pools along the route.