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The Amatola trail, or as it is also sometime spelled, Amatole Trail essentially starts about 20km
outside King Willians Town and ends in Hogsback. It's a 6day 100km long trail with various smaller
options in-between. It's one of the most strenuous hiking trails in Southern Africa but at the
same time very scenic. Most of the trail runs through indigenous forest over mountainous terrain.
The days usually are very long, so its advisable to start early, say no later than 7 in the
mornings except maybe the first day when the route is shorter. All the huts are equipped with
"Donkeys" / Hot Water Boilers. The huts along the trail are all relatively new wooden huts
with between two and four rooms.
Day One takes one past Maden Dam along a relatively flat stretch before climbing steeply
almost 700m to Gwili Gwili Hut on Mount Kempt. At time of writing, the longer route was closed due
to a bee problem, so take the shorter route instead. Day one runs almost entirely through
indigenous forest. The views from Gwili Gwili Hut are quite spectacular down into the valleys
below.
Day Two is up to 19.6km long but relatively flat along the top of the mountains. There are
many very nice views into the valleys below along this part. Again most of day two runs through
indigenous forest containing quite a few very large old Yellow Wood Trees. The end of the day
takes you to Dontsa Hut which is situated inside the indigenous forest.
Day Three is between 16.8 and 19km long and involves a 300 to 500m climb depending on what
route one takes, before descending to Cata Hut. This day contains some grassland and Protea Bushes
that one passes through. There are also some lovely streams and waterfalls along the way.
Day Four start with a almost 600m climb to Geju Peak before descending almost 800m down to
Mnyameni Hut. Even though the route is only 13.5km long, the descent is very steep along a stream
with many waterfalls and does stretch quite a bit through the indigenous forest. There are many
beautiful pools along this stretch for a bit of swimming or cooling off. Mnyameni Hut has a very
nice lay with great views.
Day Five is probably one of the longest and toughest days, but also very scenic. Its
approximately 18.2km long and again starts with a 400m climb. Some of the trail is quite overgrown
and slow going, but once one gets into the next valley there many pools and streams to swim in.
Most of the day runs through grassland and small patches of plantation. It contours quite awhile
along a cliff with the Wolf River Main Forest below before descending steeply to Zingcuka Hut
through a piece of indigenous forest. Zingcuka Hut is situated next to a sort of wetland swamp.
Day Six has two options. One involves the 900m climb up to The Hogsback if there is no fog
and mist, or one can also take the easier route along the forestry road back to Hogsback.
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Don't underestimate this trail! The area gets a lot of rain and the trail becomes very slippery
along parts. December is probably the best and driest month to do it in. There are many waterfalls
and pools along most of the days, but the water is quite cold, even in mid summer. The winter
months can get snow in this area, so always be prepared for any weather, even in summer. The trail
actually ends about 3km outside Hogsback, so take that into account as well. Otherwise it's a
lovely trail to do and well worth the sweat!
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