Royal Natal National Park, South Africa: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Royal Natal National Park, South Africa? If you're planning to go to Royal Natal National Park, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Royal Natal National Park
  2. Important essentials for Royal Natal National Park
  3. Activities for Royal Natal National Park
  4. Royal Natal National Park in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Royal Natal National Park in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Royal Natal National Park in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Royal Natal National Park in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Royal Natal National Park in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Royal Natal National Park in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Royal Natal National Park in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Royal Natal National Park in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Royal Natal National Park in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Royal Natal National Park in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Royal Natal National Park in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Royal Natal National Park in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Royal Natal National Park, South Africa

Based on the climate and weather in Royal Natal National Park, South Africa, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Royal Natal National Park, South Africa

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Royal Natal National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Royal Natal National Park, South Africa by month

January

If you are traveling to Royal Natal National Park in January, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Royal Natal National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Be careful to pick the right type. Most adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

If you go to Royal Natal National Park in February, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Royal Natal National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Be sure to pick the right kind. Many adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

March

If you go to Royal Natal National Park in March, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Royal Natal National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Be sure to choose the correct type. Most adapters available are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

April

April for Royal Natal National Park is cool. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost a bit less than half of the time. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Royal Natal National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Take care to find the correct type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

May

Traveling to Royal Natal National Park in May, you will notice that it is cool. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 40s F (single digits C). There is frost about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Royal Natal National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Make sure to choose the correct kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

June here is cold. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Royal Natal National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Make sure to choose the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

July in this region is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Royal Natal National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you find the correct type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

August

If you are traveling to Royal Natal National Park in August, you will notice that it can be brisk. Expect it to rain once in a while. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 40s F (single digits C). There is frost about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Royal Natal National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you find the correct type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

September

Traveling to Royal Natal National Park in September, you will notice that it is cool. Expect it to rain occasionally. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Royal Natal National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Take care to pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

October

October in Royal Natal National Park can be chilly. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost occasionally. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Royal Natal National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you find the right kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

November in this region is mild. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (mid 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Royal Natal National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Check that you find the right kind. A lot of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

December

December in Royal Natal National Park is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    South Africa has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Royal Natal National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Take care to get the correct type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

What to do in Royal Natal National Park, South Africa

The Royal Natal National Park is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in South Africa. Situated in the northern Drakensberg mountain range, it is located just two hours drive from Durban and four hours from Johannesburg. The national park is famous for its beautiful scenery, including stunning mountains, gorges, waterfalls, rivers, and forests.

Here are the top tourist attractions to visit in the Royal Natal National Park:

1. Amphitheatre and Tugela Falls

The Amphitheatre is a rock formation that is 5 kilometers long and 500 meters high. The Tugela Falls, which is the second highest waterfall in the world, drops down from the Amphitheatre. Visitors can enjoy a scenic hike up to the top of the Amphitheatre and take in the breathtaking views of the landscape.

2. Tugela Gorge

The Tugela Gorge is an incredible natural attraction in the Royal Natal National Park. Visitors can hike through the gorge, which takes about four hours, and marvel at the stunning rock formations, pools, and waterfalls.

3. Mahai Campsite

The Mahai Campsite is located in the heart of the Royal Natal National Park and offers a great base for exploring the area. It is situated on the banks of the Mahai River, and visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and picnicking in the area.

4. Royal Natal Hiking Trails

There are several hiking trails to explore in the Royal Natal National Park, including the Gorge trail, the Crack trail, and the Echo valley trail. These trails offer visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the park up close.

5. Cascades Waterfall

Cascades Waterfall is a beautiful 95-meter waterfall situated in the northern part of the Royal Natal National Park. Visitors can take a short hike to the waterfall and enjoy the stunning views of the surroundings.

6. Sterkspruit Falls

Sterkspruit Falls is another beautiful waterfall in the Royal Natal National Park. The waterfall is about 30 meters high and is surrounded by stunning natural scenery.

7. The Cavern

The Cavern is a resort situated in the Royal Natal National Park, offering comfortable accommodation and a range of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy horse riding, golfing, fly fishing, and mountain biking while staying at the resort.

In conclusion, the Royal Natal National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With its stunning mountains, waterfalls, and hiking trails, the park offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of South Africa's natural landscape up close.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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