Amatola Hike – Adventure Junkies Africa
Event Date: 9th – 14th September 2023
Start:Ā Maden Dam in King Williams Town
Finish:Ā Hogsback
Duration:Ā 100km over six days and five nights, 100kms – 4900m Ascent
Fitness:Ā Not for the unfit; considered tough
Beauty: 4/5
Our tip:Ā take extra pairs of socks as there are numerous river crossings
The Amatola Hiking Trail is considered one of South Africa’s top hikes. It is up there with theĀ Otter TrailĀ and theĀ Whale Trail in terms of difficulty and popularity. The trail is set in the Amatola Mountains involving days of wandering rich indigenous rainforests complete with yellowwood and redwood trees, rolling mountains, mountain fynbos, wildflowers, and water – in the form of streams, waterfalls, and pools – in abundance.
The average day’s hike is 16.5 km to 19 km, and your evenings are spent in wooden huts – most of which are set in amongst the surrounding forest, with hot water donkeys to heat showers, and toilets that range from a long drop to flush.
Weather in the mountains is variable throughout the year. All-weather clothing is essential as you can face anything from intense heat to freezing cold rain.
Cost: R2900 pp
What’s Included:
-Trail Permit
– Pre and Post Hike Accommodation (night before and after the hike at Away With The Fairies Nature Lodge)
-Accommodation (5 Nights) during the trail. (Bring your sleeping bag)
– Conservation fees
– Transport to starting point from Pre-hike accommodation
What’s Excluded (Not Included
-Luggage Transfer/Porterage (Not available)
-Guide (We hike as a team. Trail is well marked)
-Meals and beverages
-Alcohol
-Equipment
If you need transport from East London Airport to Hogsback and back to East London Airport, Amatola Trail admins offer a shuttle at an extra cost of R2000 per group of 1-8 people each way making a total of R4000 for a round trip. This cost is shared amongst the number of persons interested. But you are free to use your own transport. 
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The hike is scheduled for 9th – 14th September 2023. The 8th and 15th are the arrival and departure dates at and from Away With The Fairies Nature Lodge.
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Day one: 11.9km, 763, Ascent
Maden Dam to Gwiligwili Hut (atop a hill with incredible views) is a steep climb through the indigenous Pirie forest, although there is a shortcut that can save you 5 km.
Day two: 19.14km, 633, Ascent
to Dontsa hut (set in a pine plantation), a somewhat easier day through an indigenous forest with the Keiskammahoek valley below you.
Day three: 20.62km, 1024, Ascent
to Cata Hut (modern with a gas-fired geyser) leaves the forest and climbs to the plateau. Walk in amongst wildflowers and macchia grasses, after which you can choose to climb Doornkop or enter the Hovald forest.
Day four: 14.56km, 634, Ascent
to Mnyameni hut (the most isolated hut) ā the easiest and shortest day with an initial climb up Geju peak with incredible views, followed by a descent into Mnyameni gorge and Malan forest.
Day five: 19.42km, 991, Ascent
to Zingcuka hut ā a tough day with a steep climb; optional swimming pools ease the walk, and dense forest shades the last few kilometers.
Day six: to Tyume River 16.2km, 855, Ascent
a day peppered by waterfalls in the forest with a long ascent up Hog 1 and then down to the Tyume River basin.
Trail Map
At a glance
The Amatola Trail (six-days and five-nights, 100kms) is marketed as āThe Toughest Hike in South Africaā and we think it lives up to the title. You must be fit and capable of hiking 20km+ / 10 hours a day, never knowing what Mother Nature might throw at you.Ā
