Amphitheatre Hike: Northern Drakensberg Adventure
Join us on this incredible journey to the Amphitheatre Hike in South Africa this December 2025!
Support the CLF “Trek for Education” by making a donation.
Perfect for: Hiking lovers and families, adventure seekers, and anyone wanting to start the new year on a high (literally!).
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✽ The Why ✽
There are few people in this world who live so whole heartedly that just by mere proximity you are made better. Even try to explain the story of Chandu is one of mystery and magic. "To know him is to love him."
After Chandu got sick, his wife - Purnima slowly started to figure out just how many parents and kids Chandu was supporting. New school shoes because the size is way too small? Need transport back to your village to see a sick parent? Need work in order to pay your children's school fees? Chandu had his hand in so much more than he ever let on. Quietly, and with a full belly laugh, this man shared his light with all, for he knew no strangers... His legacy lives on!
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✽ The What ✽
Chandu Lodhia Foundation (CLF) raises funds for underprivileged students who show a commitment to higher education. Our due diligence process is simple; we look for students who are open, honest, and passionate about education. We build a strong connection and relationship with our students because we are interested in investing in the whole person, not just in their school fees.
We are fundraising for 5 new students, who have started vocational training or college courses in October 2025. Everything you give goes directly to our students - towards their school fees, living expenses and well-being.
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✽ The How ✽
By joining this hike—or donating to support those who are—you’re helping new and current CLF students pursue a brighter future.
Experience one of South Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes, celebrate the New Year surrounded by nature, and stand atop the world-famous Tugela Falls!
Whether you take on the trek yourself or sponsor a friend, your support directly impacts the lives of five Tanzanian students entering our sponsorship program.
Interested in joining? Check out the itinerary, see the estimated costs, and start getting excited!
Testimonies: Nepal 2024:
“Super excited to be able to combine two of my loves, hiking and doing good again. Always been blessed with having the opportunity to study as much as I want without financial contribution in Finland, so it feels important to offer that possibility for others as well, especially in Tanzania, a place that is close to my heart.” (Dec 2024)
”We all made it to the ABC. Emphasis on the we. This was truly a group adventure. Amazing people gathered from different parts of the world to do a beautiful thing together - and for a good cause. Being one of the hardest trecks so far thanks to falling sick up in the mountain (flu and fever), I could not have asked for a better crew to do it with. Breathtaking scenery, laughter, everyone taking turns in telling stories to pass the endless amount of stairs and exhaustion more easily. My most fond memory of the hike being people telling me over and over ”I can’t believe how everyone can be this nice”. My forever love for the mountains persists. So grateful to combine that love for doing something good in the world through CLF.” (Jan 2025)
-LEENA SUOJANEN
“I am looking forward for the ABC hike because I wanted to challenge myself for a physical adventure. Traveling with friends makes it even sweeter. As for the cause, I am a product of a studet sponsorship program. Growing up as a kid in India, all of my schooling untill high school was sponsored. From first-hand experience, I know how transformational this can be and how grateful I am for the sacrifices made by the sponsors. God has been good to me so now it’s my turn to give back.” (Nov 2024)
”Annapurna Base Camp Trek has been the most physically challenging expedition in my life. Every day of the trek had its own sets of challenges with varying terrain and unending stairs. In spite of the pain & exhaustion, I looked forward to reaching our resting place every single night. The reason? Not just to relax, but to share stories, infinite laughs, and create countless memories with people from all walks of life. I am grateful to CLF for inviting me to be a part of this unbelievable trip!” (Jan 2025)
-SAMARPAN (SAM) SHEJULE
Make a donation.
You can donate below using the Stripe platform. Choose to donate to the Amphitheatre hike or enter a custom amount. All donations will support the same cause—raising funds for our 5 new students. If you'd like your donation to go toward something specific, please email us at info@chandulodhiafoundation.org with your request.
FAQs
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For starters, it is one of the most magnificent mountainous wilderness areas in Africa. Famous for popular hiking routes that draw thousands of adventurous souls every year and trails suitable for families too. The Drakensberg is home to towering cliffs, magnificent waterfalls and ancient rock sites.
Iconic Amphitheatre Formation: The hike leads to the dramatic Drakensberg Amphitheatre, a massive, near-perfectly symmetrical cliff wall, stretching approximately 5 km (3 miles) in length and rising up to 1 km (0.6 miles) from the valley floor. This stunning geological feature provides breathtaking panoramic views.
Access to the Escarpment: The Amphitheatre hike is uniquely accessible, allowing hikers to reach the top of the Drakensberg escarpment, a feat that usually requires multi-day treks. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for both experienced and novice hikers alike.
Tugela Falls (World's Second-Highest Waterfall): Hikers are rewarded with close-up views of the majestic Tugela Falls, which plunges from the edge of the Amphitheatre cliffs. These falls are considered the second-highest in the world with a staggering total drop of 948m (3,110 ft).
Breathtaking Views: The hike offers spectacular views throughout the entire journey, not just from the summit. Hikers will witness dramatic mountainscapes, lush valleys, and potentially even catch glimpses of snow-capped peaks in winter months.
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Most of the students we sponsor come to us through referrals or by reaching out to Roshni directly. Roshni, the daughter of Chandu, is a talented photographer who travels extensively across Tanzania for her work. Through her travels, she meets numerous students during her shoots and takes the time to engage with their families. This personal connection allows her to understand the support needed.
Once a student is identified, the CLF team carefully evaluates their needs. We assess factors such as financial necessity, academic ability, test results, personal drive, and the level of family support. Based on this evaluation, we make informed decisions about offering sponsorships, ensuring that our resources go to students with the potential to thrive with the right support.
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Contact info@chandulodhiafoundation.org before August 20th 2025. We look forward to hearing from you.