Amatola Trail

 Amatola Trail 

On the way to start the Amatola Trail enjoy the rural scenery and the cows. The Amatola Trail is widely regarded as the toughest and one of the most amazing hutted hiking trails in South Africa. A six-day and five-night hike starting at Maden Dam near King Williams Town, traversing the incredible Amatola Mountains and ending in the iconic village of Hogsback. 

The Amatola Trail is truly amazing. One of the most beautiful hikes I have ever hiked. I consider it as the Comrades of South Africa’s Hiking Trails 👣 

Day 1

Maden Dam – Gwiligwili Hut (11km)

Day 1 is the easiest and Day 1 Maden Dam – Gwiligwili Hut (11km) shortest day of the whole trail, and the only day you don’t need to set off at Daybreak. Dan ftom Away with the Ferries will take you to start at Maden dam and then you climb 700m on the first day. You climb through a beautiful indigenous forest  You will notice what looks like fresh dog poo everywhere, it’s digested soil, from giant earthworms and they often grow to 1m in length !

Gwiligwili Hut is perched on top of a hill with views forever and beautiful sunset.

Water: Take 1 liter to 1.5 liter of water with you. There are one or two opportunities on way to fill up at streams 

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Day 2

Gwiligwili Hut – Dontsa Hut (18km Or 19.6km)

Day 2 Traverse through indigenous forest the entire distance with the Keiskammahoek valley below. It is a long day of undulations which can be exhausting for the less than fit. Dontsa hut is in one of the few patches of pine plantation that you will pass through. Pine on one side and indigenous forest on the other. 

Water: Take enough water with. The water in the streams below Hut 2 is not safe to drink

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Day 3

Dontsa Hut – Cata Hut (20,62 km 2024m Ascent)

This is a very long tough day, with lots of outstanding views. For the first time you leave the forest behind as the trail ascends to the plateau, where macchia grassland and a myriad of wildflowers grow. 

The day tarts up up up, initially in indigenous forest, then along the escarpment.  Be careful of slippery rocks at the waterfalls. Rather do not go over the top of Doornkop, it's not marked, one can essily get lost.

At Hairpin Bend, it is  decision time.   Either,  go left down the hill to Waterfall Forest (Rivendell) past the Cata Forest Station if the weather is good and you are in good health.  

Waterfall Forest is a huge highlight. After Cata Forest Station on the corner of the Forestry road, look for a rock with S25 and arrows and a footprint.  Take the trail at the split following the  footprint and leave the forestry road. 550m of ascent between Cata Forest Station and Cata Hut. Absolutely worth it. It is beautiful. 

Or

If weather very bad, it's past 2pm or a hiker is struggling then turn right and go up the Forestry Road and take middle route (Mordor).    Markings are quite poor.  

Water: You can drink all water from Hut 2 onwards,  except from the green tanks. Enough water on way to fill up.

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Day 4 - Cata Hut to Mnyameni Hut (14.56km 634m Ascent)

Big climb - lots of up and then nearly 1000m down. 

Geju Peak - In good health and good weather, definitely go over Geju Peak, which is a huge highlight. If not, take SC (Short Cut) marked on a rock at the split.  The Short Cut through the saddle is only recommended in bad weather or if a hiker is injured.

The 2 trails meet again at the Meteorite. Hit with some of the stones with your hiking pole to hear a lovely musical noise.

Steep switchbacks and cliff edges into Malan Forest, an enchanted forest. Cross the river 11 times on the way to the hut. Spend time in the pools. 

Water: Fill up at least 1L of water in pools on the way up before the peak.   No water until well after the meteorite. 

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Day 5 Mnyameni Hut to Hog 3 (19.42km 991m Ascent)

Caution!! Inkanyamba / Smaug, the dragon lives here!  

Start early so that there is sufficient time to swim at least 3  times in the heavenly pools.  

The day starts off steep (and normally is prone to being overgrown) until Hog 3 and then follows the stream out in the open. 

Incredible scenery and lovely waterfalls and pools to swim in.

Watch out for the cliff edges during the first climb under the mountain. 

Towards the end of the day, along the cliff edge, there is a small land slip. Be extra careful.

Water: Plenty if good equality drinking water on he way.

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Day 6 Hog 3 to Hogsback (16.2km. 1000m Ascent)

Visit Baines Falls, before setting off on last day of the trail. The trail goes up up up 900m (past the dam and water full up) ascent to Hog 1.  At top of the climb you are on the edge of Hog 1 from where you can see the whole route you've hiked and forward to Hogsback. Beautiful!

After the sign congratulations g you know finish the trail, take the turn off to walk back via Madonna and Child waterfall and  the Big Tree. It is a beautiful trail through the forest. Absolutely worth it to this which is also known as The Amatola Plus.

In extreme weather or injured, do not attempt the peak take other roads back to Hogsback.

Water: Fill up water at Zingcuka Hut in case cows have dirtied water at the dam at the top of the Ridge.  Then fill up after the dam,  just over the road before the big push up behind Hog1.  There is no water from here until you're coming down Tyumie Falls near the end. 

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