Amatola Hike – Eastern Cape – One of the most picturesque mountainous areas in southern Africa
The Eastern Cape is the second largest of South Africa’s nine provinces, the diverse landscape of the Eastern Cape ranges from the dry and desolate Great Karoo to the torrid forests of the Wild Coast and the Keiskamma Valley. The area also encompasses the fertile Langkloof, famous for its rich apple crops, and is cradled by the mountainous southern Drakensberg.
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Here, sprawling hills are juxtaposed with sandy beaches; Here, the small town in South Africa comes to greet you, graciously offering you hospitality and friendship without asking for anything in return. This is where the “ big seven ” roam, and where tropical forests share their space with abundant birdlife and nature at its most generous.
The coast of this province stretches from the Umtamvuna River in KwaZulu-Natal, to the mouth of the Storms River on the scenic Garden Route, in the west, and extends inland, to the north, on the border with Lesotho. Today, the Eastern Cape incorporates the previously independent “ homelands ” of Ciskei and Transkei. Despite its colonial past, the Eastern Cape is still home to the Xhosa-speaking South African people. With its nearly seven million inhabitants, the Eastern Cape has the third largest provincial population, living on some 169,600 km2 of land.
The climate of the Eastern Cape varies considerably, but it has a holiday climate throughout the year. The eastern coastal regions enjoy hot summers and mild winters and Port Elizabeth experiences a daily average of 7 hours of sunshine. The northern regions are much colder. Certain areas receive rainfall throughout the year, albeit irregularly.
This hike is located in the Amatola mountain range in the Eastern Cape, one of the most scenic mountainous areas in southern Africa. If outdoor hiking and otherwise wildlife is your passion, then this is one of the best hiking trails in South Africa, not to be missed.
The Amatola consists of several exciting circular trails and the main six-day trail, which is linear. The Amatola hiking trails offer a wide variety of adventures for seniors.
Although the Amatola mountain range does not reach great heights, it is a treasure chest for nature lovers. Indigenous forests steeped in history, cover the mountains without suffocating them.
There are secluded peaks and secret dark gorges, open grassy glades, and distant views of the mountains. Endless cascades, cascades and pools in rugged mountainous terrain, leave the hiker wishing there were more hours in the day.
Starting at Maden Dam near King William’s Town in the Eastern Cape, the Amatola Trail ends near Hogsback. However, it is not an easy hike, with days of up to 20 km and an average of 16.5 km in the 100 km.
What makes the trail interesting is that it traverses what was once one of ama Xhosa’s natural strongholds, during the long and protracted Border Wars of the 1800s, between British and Xhosa forces.
Some of the best hiking trails in South Africa can be traversed in the Eastern Cape. It is rated as one of the best hiking trails in South Africa. Below we have a description of the trail.
Day 1:
Maden Dam to Gwiligwili 15.3 km 8 to 9 hours
To fully enjoy this trail, you need to get in shape and start as early as possible each day. Starting in the picturesque setting of Maden Dam, walk along the edge of this trout fisherman’s paradise. To enter the Pirie forest is to enter another world, in a forest full of border war history (for more information about the historical tours we take, give us a call). This is also one of only two places where a forest railway operated in South Africa and the remains of an old wooden ramp are still visible. This was where the giant golden mole, which is endemic to the Eastern Cape, was first recorded. There is an optional shortcut, but you will miss the best of the day’s hike and a great place to swim. The Gwili Gwili (Hut) accommodation with its magnificent views is situated in the basin of the Buffalo and Keiskamma rivers. Much of the ascent in altitude has been done in the last 3 km.
Day 2:
Gwili Gwili to Dontsa 19.6 km – 8 hours
Day one and two sections can be very slippery in wet conditions. The longer distance can make this day just as demanding, and some may find it to take longer than 8 hours. The lower route at Dontsa Forest Station cuts some distance past some wells and waterfalls, but leaves some climbing near the end. The upper route, although a bit longer, follows the contour more closely. The day’s hike passes through the woods as it snakes along the side of a long ridge, linking the poorts of the Buffalo with the main Amatola range. There isn’t a lot of water along this section of the trail and hikers need to carry a bit more here than elsewhere. Hikers, who only have a limited time at their disposal to enjoy the Amatola trail, can start from Dontsa Forest Station. The Dontsa cabin accommodation overlooks what is called the Hole of Anta. Anta was the brother of Chief Sandile, the forest tiger, who was buried at the foot of Mount Kempt.
Day 3:
Dontsa to Cata 18.9 km – 8 to 9 hours
The route over Doorn Kop has beautiful panoramic views, but less water along the way. The lower route is not shorter, but runs through indigenous forest, which makes it cooler on hot days and has more streams along the way. Other options arise once you reach the Eseka stream, which is a good place to arrive at lunchtime. The section through the waterfall forest, either on the middle or lower route through the forest station, is a lovely walk, but those who find the trail difficult should take the upper route in the final section to the cabin. The last section through Waterfall Forest has a tail bite as there is a steep climb next to the last waterfall. If your group decides to break up and take different routes, make sure each group has a trail map with them and that each knows what the other is doing. The Cata Hut accommodation is known for its thunderstorms, but a burro boiler ensures that you can enjoy a hot shower at the end of the day. Carry lighters and use wood sparingly.
Day 4
Tasting at Mnyameni 13.5 km 7 to 8 hours
One of the best hiking days you are likely to experience is day 4 of the Amatola trail. One has the option of taking a shortcut directly over the neck, which is the route to follow in bad weather conditions. Otherwise, the longer route takes you to the top of Geju Peak with its spectacular mountain views. Watch out for the black eagles, they nest on the cliffs! The trail was not designed to just take you from A to B, but to take you past the most spectacular and scenic spots you could wish to see. Going down you will pass twice a periglacial scree. The Mnyameni Gorge has a series of spectacular waterfalls and several stream crossings that can pose a challenge after heavy rains.
Day 5:
Mnyameni to Zingcuka 18.2 km 8 to 9 hours
The day begins with a tough climb through another lovely forest, but otherwise the day is fairly uneventful. To enjoy the many lovely jumps you can have in the various rock pools, you need to start early. There are no optional routes on this day, but there is an exit to the Zingcuka forest station towards the end. The first pool near the 7km mark is a good spot for a mid-morning break and the last pool at the 11km mark is a nice spot for a late lunch stop. The water is not as cold here as in the other pools!
Day: 6
Zingcuka to Tyumie River 15 km 7 hours
The last day has an optional route near the start, where you can follow an old access road through the forest, instead of following the path that goes down to below the Baines Waterfall. Although not a marked optional route, some hikers choose to follow the forest path to the end point in bad weather or if they don’t have the energy left to climb Hogsback Peak. Following the full route there are as many waterfalls as on day 4, including the highest waterfall in Amatola and equally spectacular views. Fill your water bottle for the long section, along which you won’t find any water. It is 2 miles from the end of the trails, up to Hogsback.
Hikers traveling from afar will need to arrange their own accommodation before Day 1. You should start the first day as early as possible as it is 15.1 km and not the easiest day of the 6 day trek. The closed city is King Williams Town, where the Amatola office is located.
