Challenge yourself to experience the legendary Amatola Hiking Trail
The Amatola Hiking Trail is not a gentle walk in the mountains. It is wild, steep, wet, beautiful, remote and properly challenging.
Over six unforgettable days, you hike through indigenous forest, mountain grasslands, waterfalls, river valleys, high ridges and some of the most dramatic scenery in South Africa.
It is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s toughest and most rewarding multi-day hiking trails.
Prices at a glance
Choose Your Adventure
We offer two trail options to suit different preferences and time constraints
6 Day Amatola Trail
The 6 Day Trail is the classic Amatola Hiking Trail: long hiking days, basic huts, indigenous forest, waterfalls, river crossings, mountain climbs and serious wilderness.
Price: Adults R3 125 per person | School Children R2 125 per person including permit.
This is the legendary Amatola experience. It is tough, beautiful and unforgettable.
- 6 hiking days
- 5 nights on trail
- Self-guided hutted trail
- Very challenging
- Suitable for fit hikers who want a proper wilderness experience
Prices valid until 31st March 2027. Expect +- R200pp increases each calendar year.
2 Day Zingcuka Loop
The 2 Day Trail is a shorter Amatola hiking option for groups who want a proper mountain experience without committing to the full 6 Day Trail.
Price: Adults R1 500 per person | School Children R1 300 per person – including permit.
This is a good option for school groups, families and weekend hikers who do not want to take time off work, but still want a shorter and adventurous Amatola experience.
- 2 hiking days
- Shorter Amatola mountain experience
- Challenging, but less demanding than the full 6 Day Trail
- Good option for groups with limited time
Prices valid until 31st March 2027. Expect +- R200pp increases each calendar year.
Our packages are designed to provide you with a seamless hiking experience, covering essential aspects such as permits, accommodations, transportation, parking, and assistance. Whether you choose the 6 Day Amatola Trail or the 2 Day Zingcuka Loop, you can expect a well-organized and enjoyable adventure in the Amatola Mountains.
Things to know
Who should do the Amatola Trail?
The Amatola Trail is suitable for hikers who:
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- Are reasonably fit – fitness trumps experience.
- Have multi-day hiking experience, or are willing to prepare properly
- Can carry a backpack over rough terrain
- Are comfortable with basic huts
- Understand that weather can change quickly
- Want a proper wilderness hiking experience
- Want a highly rewarding challenge
- Enjoy being immersed in nature
It is not suitable for hikers looking for an easy, guided, luxury or casual walking holiday.
Pre & Post Hike Accommodation:
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- Dorms at Away with the Fairies Backpackers: Included in the package price, suitable for hiking groups and single hikers. There are 4, 6 and an 8 bed dorms.
- Camping at Away with the Fairies Campsite: available for those with their own camping equipment.
Away with the Fairies Nature Lodge and Backpackers
The Pre and Post hike accommodation is at Away with the Fairies in Hogsback, The standard Dorm Accommodation that is included in the package is located at the property’s main house which is the backpackers. The backpackers has 3 different dorms (4,6 and 8 sleeper), a lounge with fireplace, kitchen and 2 bathrooms, and is next door to The Green Dragon Café.
The Green Dragon Café
The onsite Green Dragon Café is open 7 days a week and offers a hiker friendly menu for your pre and post hike meals, including the option of an early morning breakfast before the shuttle leaves.
Pizza and drinks can be supplied if you opt for a Goodie Drop for delivery at Pizza Hut (Hut 5)
The Green Dragon Café also sells bespoke Amatola Trail merchandise including: hiking sticks (R75 each), Mamma Alles dehydrated hiking meals, buffs clothing, gas bottles, badges and maps.
Trail Huts
There are 5 basic wooden overnight huts that provide a resting place for hikers. Each hut is secured with Trellidors and equipped with bunk beds, mattresses, potentially hot showers from outdoor donkey boilers, and basic braai areas. Please note that there is no electricity available, but firewood should be provided but not replied upon for braaing. Each hut can accommodate a maximum of 24 people.
How booking works
- Go to BOOK NOW on this website.
- Send us your preferred dates. Tell us when you would like to hike, how many people are in your group and any other relevant information.
- We check availability and confirm what is possible.
- We make the booking.
- You have 7 days to pay a non-refundable R1 800 per hiker deposit. Extra hikers can be added later if there is still space.
- We set up a WhatsApp group for you to add all the hikers. We then send the information you need before the hike, including packing guidance, goodie drop details where relevant, shuttle information and trail expectations.
- One month before the trail starts, you need to pay your permit fee directly to DFFE. We give you the payment information.
- The day before the hike, you arrive at Away with the Fairies in Hogsback for your pre-hike accommodation and 6pm briefing. Arrive with the right gear, the right expectations and a realistic understanding of the challenge.
- At 8am on the morning of the hike, after breakfast if arranged as an extra, we shuttle you to the start of the trail and you start your adventure.
Additional Information
- Trail Availability: The trails are open from 1st of September to 31st of May each year.
- Payment: The payments need to be paid in 2 x instalments.
- The first payment is to Away with the Fairies for your Pre and Post hike Dorm Accommodation, Shuttle to the Start of the trail and Safe Parking This is payable within 7 days of booking.
- The second payment is payable directly to DFFE and covers your hiking permits and overnight huts. This is payable no later than 1 month before the trail commences.
- Permits: Permits are required to hike on the trails and are organised by us for you. They cover the hiking trail and overnight huts and absolutely everything on the trail.
- Shuttle to the start of the trail: a shuttle service from Hogsback to the start of the hiking trail (approx. 2 hrs).
- Safe Parking: Parking for your vehicle is available at Acorn House, a gated property next to Away with the Fairies.
- Hikers Assistance: A comprehensive pre-hike briefing is provided, including information about the trail, a Trellidor Key, and WhatsApp assistance during the hike.
Optional Extras Customize your experience with these extras
Goodie Drops
Goodie drops are food and supply boxes delivered to selected huts along the trail. This means you do not need to carry all your food from the start.
Goodie drops are one of the best ways to make the Amatola Trail more manageable, but they do not make the trail easy. You still need to be fit and properly prepared.
These can be organised and paid for in advance, or at the pre hike briefing.
Goodie drops are not slack-packing. They are delivery drop-offs only. We do not collect unwanted gear, leftovers or boxes from the huts the next morning.
What can go in a goodie drop?
- Food for later hiking days
- Snacks and treats
- Stove gas
- Dry clothes
- Spare socks
- Warm layers
- Basic medical supplies
- Frozen or refrigerated goods
- Anything useful that you do not want to carry from day one.
How the goodie drop system works
The goodie drop boxes are at Away with the Fairies. You and your group put your goods into as many boxes as are required.
The boxes are delivered to the huts while you are hiking, so they are waiting for you when you arrive.
You do the same with frozen and refrigerated goods, where relevant.
We often do not see hikers when we deliver goodies. For that reason, we do not pick up unwanted gear or leftovers. This is what makes it a goodie drop, not slack-packing.
We don’t go back the hut the next morning to collect your stuff and drop at the next hut.
You pay per delivery drop-off, not per person, per box or per item. The cost is split by the number of hikers using the Goodie Drop.
Anything you put into a goodie drop must either be consumed, carried onwards or dealt with responsibly at the hut.
Airport Shuttle
- Service available between Hogsback and East London Airport.
- Cost: R2000 for 1 to 6 passengers or R3000 for groups of 7 to 12 passengers each way.
- Recommended to book flights to arrive at East London Airport and depart after the trail around lunchtime or early afternoon to avoid long waits at the airport.
Non-Emergency Extractions & Accommodation
- If extraction from the trail is needed, one of their 4×4 vehicles will be used.
- Prices vary depending on the collection location.
- Maden Dam: – R2000
- Gwili Gwili Hut: – R2000
- Dontsa Forest Station or Hut: – R2000
- Cata Forest Station R2000
- Cata Hut: – R2500
- Mnyameni Dam: – R2000
- Mnyameni Hut: – R2500
- Day 5 Wolf River dirt Road: -R1000
- Zingcuka Hut: – R750.
- Additional charge of R500 per hour applies if waiting or finding the hiker is required.
- Extraction Prices will be charged even if a Goodie Drop is being done simultaneously.
SATIB – Emergency Extraction Insurance
- Cost: R100 per hiker.
- Provides R500,000 extraction insurance and R500,000 medical insurance during extraction.
- An app with an emergency button is issued to those with the insurance.
- Payment can be made at the briefing, where the QR code will be provided.
Read more here
6 Day Amatola Hiking Trail
Day 1: Maden Dam to Gwili Gwili Hut
- Distance: 11.9km
- Ascent: 763m
- Description: The shortest day of the trail, but still a great day’s hiking. You will climb over 750m of vertical ascent through the Pirie indigenous forest. Gwili Gwili Hut offers stunning views, a separate braai area, and hot showers from a donkey boiler.
Day 2: Gwili Gwili Hut to Dontsa Hut
- Distance: 19.14km
- Ascent: 633m
- Description: The day involves traversing through indigenous forest with undulating terrain. It can be exhausting for those who are not physically fit, and hard on the knees. Carry enough water from the first stream after 1.2km to the overnight hut. Dontsa Hut is located next to a stream, with a braai area and hot water from a donkey boiler. There is also an impressive waterfall nearby.
Day 3: Dontsa Hut to Cata Hut
- Distance: 20.62km
- Ascent: 1024m
- Description: This is the longest and toughest day. You leave the indigenous forest behind as you ascend to the plateau with macchia grassland and wildflowers. Be cautious of the slippery rocks at the waterfall at the 4km point after rainfall. You will pass through the Hovald Forest, descend past the Cata Forest Station, and face a leg-destroying 550m vertical ascent climb in 5km through the enchanted Waterfall Forest.
Day 4: Cata Hut to Mnyameni Hut
- Distance: 14.56km
- Ascent: 634m
- Description: The second shortest day but considered the most beautiful. Start with a steep 600m ascent to the highest point on the trail, the Mighty Geju Peak (1880m). There is an alternate route if the peak is misty. Cross a meteorite crash site (if you’re not a geologist it’s a meteorite) and descend steeply through the enchanting Malan Forest (1000m descent) into the Mnyameni Gorge, crossing the stream 11 times. Relax and swim in the rock pools along the way. Mnyameni Hut is isolated and may not always have running water, but there is a stream nearby for washing and drinking.
Day 5: Mnyameni Hut to Zingcuka
- Distance: 19.42km
- Ascent: 991m
- Description: A superb day with many swimming spots. Most of the day is spent in open areas except for the last few kilometres through the dense Schwarzwald Forest. Zingcuka Hut is popular and provides a braai area and hot water from a donkey boiler.
Day 6: Zingcuka Hut to Tyume River
- Distance: 16.2km
- Ascent: 955m
- Description: The final day begins with fantastic waterfalls in the Schwarzwald Forest. You will then face a long ascent of 950m, almost reaching the main Hogsback peak (1845m), before descending into the Tyume River basin and the end of the trail. You can continue walking 4km to Hogsback or take the Amatola+ route through the Auckland Nature Reserve, passing Madonna and Child Waterfall and The Big Tree, and ending up in the garden of Away with the Fairies.
2 Day Zingcuka Loop
Day 1: Hogsback to Zingcuka Hut
- Distance: 22km,
- Ascent: 1041m •
- Description: Your journey begins with a short shuttle from Away with the Fairies to the start point, located just past Madonna and Child Waterfall. Embark on an adventure by following a steep path along a stream and hiking between Hog 1 and Hog 2 Mountains. Join up with Day 5 of the Amatola Trail and follow the stream, passing by mesmerizing waterfalls and refreshing swimming holes. Traverse along a cliff path that offers breath-taking views, then descend a steep precipice into the indigenous Schwarzwald Forest. Finally, reach Zingcuka Hut where you will spend the night. This day covers approximately 22km of intense terrain and high altitude, making it suitable for fit and well-prepared hikers.
Day 2: Zingcuka Hut to Hogsback
- Distance: 16km,
- Ascent: 955m •
- Description: On the second day of the Zingcuka Loop, you will embark on the final leg of the 6-day trail. Begin by ascending the back of Hog 1 Mountain, skirting the side of the peak, and gradually making your way down towards Hogsback. Along the way, be captivated by the unbelievable views that surround you. Follow a stream down a steep mountainside, passing by enchanting waterfalls and inviting swimming pools, until you reach the end of the 2/6-day trail. At this point, you have two options for further exploration: continue with the Amatola+ route, which takes you through the Auckland Nature Reserve, allowing you to visit Madonna and Child Waterfall and The Big Tree, ultimately ending at the Away with the Fairies Viewpoint. Alternatively, you can choose to follow Wolfridge Road back into Hogsback. This day involves a long hike, characterized by high altitudes and challenging terrain.
Important Information and Tips
Packing list for your 6-day trek
Here are the essential items to include
Clothing
- Good quality hiking boots
- 3+ pairs of thick outer socks
- 2 pairs of thin liner socks
- 3+ pairs of underwear
- 3+ pairs of quick-drying t-shirts
- 1 long-sleeve t-shirt or thin fleece
- 1 pair of quick-drying trousers
- 1 pair of shorts
- Thick fleece
- Knee-length gaiters
- Quality rain jacket/poncho and waterproof trousers
- Beanie, gloves, and thermals (top and bottom)
- Hat (peak cap or lightweight full-brim hat)
- Swimming costume
- Tracksuit pants, t-shirt, and flip-flops to wear at the hut
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toilet paper and lightweight trowel in a water-tight zip-lock pack
- Facecloth
- Biodegradable body/face wash and other personal toiletries
- Quick-drying towel or kikoi
Other
- Good quality backpack
- Backpack waterproof inner liner or black bags
- Backpack rain cover
- Pocket knife or multi-tool
- Dry bags for sleeping bag and clothes
- Sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- 1-litre water bottle plus 2L bladder
- Plastic packets for rubbish
- Zip-Lock packets (for keeping electronics dry and other uses)
- Biodegradable laundry detergent, dish soap, and washing sponge/scourer
- Power bank and spare batteries
- Lightweight clothesline and washing pegs
- Hiking poles (available at Away with the Fairies)
- Sunglasses and hard case
Sleeping/Shelter Gear
- Sleeping bag (expect cold nights)
- Inflatable pillow or pillowcase stuffed with excess clothing
Cooking
- Gas stove, gas canister & cooking pot
- 2 x Lighters in separate, water-tight locations
- Firelighters
- Plastic plate, mug & cutlery
- Dishcloth
Emergency/First Aid
- Painkillers/anti-
inflammatories (paracetamol &
ibuprofen) - Plasters, bandage,strapping tape and gauze
- Antiseptic cream
- Antihistamine (Non-drowsy)
- Anti-chafe cream (use daily to prevent hip-chafe)
- Burn Shield
- Strepsils
- Waterless hand soap
- Rehydrate
- Rennie Antacid
- Zam-Buk
- Duct tape
- Emergency/space blanket
Food (Ideas/Suggestions)
Breakfast:
- Oats
- Rusks
Lunch:
- Seed-loaf rolls or crackers (ration per day)
- Cheese spread triangles (ration per day)
- John West tuna sachets
- Trail Mix
Dinner:
- Mama Alez dehydrated meals
Additional Items/Notes
- Thin liner socks help reduce the chance of blisters.
- The food items listed are guidelines for lightweight non-perishables. Adjust according to personal preference.
- If space and weight allow, consider bringing a fresh apple every day as a treat.
- Aim for a maximum backpack weight of 20% of body weight for adults (15% for children), considering fitness and experience.
Remember to review the packing list and adjust it based on your personal needs and preferences. Keep in mind the weight limitations and prioritize essential items. Proper preparation and a well-packed
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we make a Donation to keep the Huts up to spec?
Absolutely, and it’s extremely welcome!!! The roads getting to the overnight huts are extremely challenging, and it is prohibitively expensive keeping vehicles which are capable of getting to all the huts in extreme weather, on the road. It is also very expensive to keep the huts in a condition that is suitable for hikers to enjoy, which is an ongoing challenge. Goodie Drops and Extractions help, but don’t cover the costs, so if you would like the trail to improve and are in a position to make a donation, then please contact us at amatolatrails@gmail.com.
How much does the Amatola trail cost?
The 6 Day Trail is R3 125 per adult and R2 125 per school child. The 2 Day Trail is R1 500 per adult and R1 300 per school child. DFFE permit fees are paid separately and directly to DFFE one month before the hike.
Do you offer permit-only bookings?
No. Amatola Trails offers full packages only. Permit-only bookings are not offered through Amatola Trails.
Is the trail guided?
No. The Amatola Hiking Trail is a self-guided hutted trail. Hikers need to be responsible for their own group on the trail.
Where does the trail finish?
The 6 Day Trail finishes 4km outside Hogsback. Hikers then make their way back to Away with the Fairies either by hiking through the old forest route or by hitch-hiking along the forestry road.
What are the huts like?
The huts are constantly in a changing condition and are by nature very basic. The huts have bunks with mattresses and a trellidor that locks at night, there is also an axe, braai facilities, firewood, long drop or flushing toilets.
Is there hot water and showers?
There is hot water at most of the huts provided by lighting fires under donkey boilers. It is a big task to produce hot water, with cutting wood for kindling and building a fire which can be tricky in wet conditions. Sometimes it is worth the effort though!
Can I hike Alone?
I am afraid that due to the nature of the trail, intermittent cell reception and remoteness the minimum number of hikers is 4.
Can Children do the hike?
The hike is very long and very tough. No children under the age of 15.
When is the best time of the year to hike the trail?
The best time to do the Amatola Trail, in my opinion, is autumn and spring with May being generally the best month although beware of early snow. Summer can be very hot and very cold and very wet – but then again it can also be absolutely perfect. Autumn and spring have less chance of the extremes. Winter is the dry season, but there is the chance of snow and the days are shorter so the trail is closed for June, July and August.
Do I have to carry all my water?
No, not all. There is water most of the way along the trail with only day 2 being a concern where you will need to fill up at the first stream around 2 to 3 litres for the day. The water is safe to drink all along the trail, but if you are worried then better safe than sorry as you never know what is in the stream further up. After heavy rain the water can be very muddy, so you can filter through your clothes or bring a filter with you if the forecast is bad.
Do I have to carry all my own food?
No. Most 6 Day hikers use goodie drops so that they do not need to carry all six days of food from the start. Whatever you put in a goodie drop must either be consumed, carried the next day or dealt with responsibly at the hut.
How fit must I be?
You need to be hiking fit. The 6 Day Trail is a serious challenge with steep climbs, long days, rough paths and unpredictable weather.
Will our group have the trail to ourselves?
Not necessarily. The larger your group, the less likely there will be other hikers on the trail with you. For smaller group bookings, then there may be other groups booked at the same time and sharing the trail and huts, especially during peak hiking seasons.
Can we leave rubbish at the huts?
I’m afraid not. There are litter bins at each hut, but due to the challenge that the Dept. of Forestry face getting to the huts to empty them, we ask that all rubbish is carried out with each hiker. All paper and cardboard can be burnt and plastic rinsed out and carried to the end.
Ready to take on the Amatola?
This is one of South Africa’s great hiking challenges. It is tough, beautiful, wild and unforgettable.
Go to BOOK NOW and send your preferred hiking dates, group size and any special requirements.
We will confirm availability, explain the package, set up the booking process and help you prepare for the trail.
To read the full article, click 
Terms & Conditions
Indemnity
Amatola Trails offers only a service and no physical product and works as an independent Booking Agent linking Hiking Permits, Accommodation, Shuttle Services, Parking Venues and offering advice for the Hikers Assist – and as such cannot be held responsible or liable for any injury, death, loss, cancellation or unforeseen circumstance coming from any of these products for whatever reason or under whatever circumstance. All advice given before, during or after the Amatola Trail is taken completely at the hikers own risk.
Cancellation Policy
A non-refundable deposit of R1,800 per hiker is required to confirm your booking.
This deposit is non-refundable under all circumstances.
If the full balance has been paid, any amount paid over and above the R1,800 per hiker deposit is refundable if cancellation is made 30 days or more before the trail is due to commence.
Cancellations made within 30 days of the trail start date will result in all payments being forfeited.
Bookings may be postponed where possible, subject to trail availability. Hikers may also be substituted or transferred, provided the changes are confirmed before the hike and all outstanding payments are up to date.
Conditions*
Click here to read conditions
Friends of the Amatola Trail
With it’s world famous bath on the edge of a cliff and friendly staff Away With the Fairies Backpackers is your best destination for a fulfilling Hogsback experience.
Check out their website over here
Having moved from East London to Kleinemonde in January 2008 Dave saw the opportunity to start a canoe trail on the Kleinemonde West River. The canoe trail was established in October 2008
Check out some awesome hiking and canoe trails over here
Let’s Hike – East London. True friends to the Amatola Trail
Check out their Facebook page over here
