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The Amatola Hiking Trail
Once upon a time the only thing tougher than hiking the Amatola Trail, was organising everything else you needed to hike the Amatola Trail! No More!!!
The Amatola Trail is widely regarded as the toughest and best hiking trail 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 and very strenuous so one needs to be prepared, however the views, remoteness, pristine indigenous forest and endless waterfalls make it a true bucket-lister.
You must be fit and capable of hiking 10 hours a day, never knowing what Mother Nature might throw at you.
The beautiful village of HOGSBACK is the perfect place to safely base yourself before and after your epic Amatola adventure as it is the end point of the full six day Amatola Trail, and the start and end point of the two day Zingcuka Loop.
The Amatola Trail is owned and maintained by The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment,(DFFE), so all hikers require a permit only available through Amatola Trails.
About Us
Based at Away with the Fairies in Hogsback, we specialise in selling Packages which make the toughest hiking trail in South Africa a whole lot easier. A package includes a Hiking Permit (either for the 6 Day 5 Night Amatola Trail or the 2 Day 1 Night Zingcuka Loop), Pre and Post Hike Accommodation at Away with the Fairies, Shuttle to Maden Dam (the start of the Trail), Safe Parking and Hikers Assistance.
If you require more than a regular package then please go to EXTRAS where you can choose things such as an Airport Pick up and Goodie Drop off, and a hopefully never to be used Extraction Service. If you don’t need everything in the package, then you can pick and choose any part of it (but this works out more expensive than a discounted package!)
The concept is to book your package through Amatola Trails, and have your permits organised and waiting for you at Away with the Fairies the day before you begin the trail. Accommodation at Away with the Fairies the night before you start and on your return. The shuttle to the start of the trail departs from Away with the Fairies and you can safely leave your vehicle with us for the duration of the hike. Hiker Assistance which entails giving a Map Briefing before you set off and then being on the end of a phone (or WhatsApp) in case of problems during the trail and assisting you in sorting any problems out.
Trail Details Amatola Trail - 6 Day 5 Night - 100km - 4900m Ascent
Day 1: Maden Dam – Gwili Gwili Hut
11.9km, 763m Ascent
Gwili Gwili Hut is perched on the side of a hill with views forever and a separate braai area and hot showers.
Day 2: Gwili Gwili Hut – Dontsa Hut
19.14km, 633m Ascent
Day 2 looks on paper a relatively easy day as you traverse through indigenous forest the entire distance with the Keiskammahoek Valley below, but don’t be fooled. It’s a long day of undulations which can be exhausting for the less than fit. Fill up with water at the first stream and carry everything that you need for the whole day from there. Dontsa Hut is simpler than the other huts but cosy and inviting with a fireplace / braai and an impressive waterfall below it.
Day 3: Dontsa Hut – Cata Hut
20.62km, 1024m Ascent
This is the longest day, and is very tough, but there are lots and lots of outstanding views to make up for it. For the first time you leave the indigenous forest behind as the trail ascends to the plateau, where macchia grassland and a myriad of wildflowers grow. Be careful of the waterfall at the 4km point if there has been rain. You go through the Hovald Forest and then descend past the Cata Forest Station before a leg destroying 550m vertical ascent climb in 5km through the absolutely stunning Waterfall Forest.
Day 4: Cata Hut – Mnyameni Hut
14.56km, 634m Ascent
The 2nd shortest day starts with a cheeky 600m steep ascent to the highest point reached on the trail – The Mighty Geju Peak (1880m). There is an alternate route which bypasses the peak if it is misty – but if not, the awesome views are worth the extra sweat. Cross over a meteorite crash site and then begin the steep descent through the enchanted Malan forest (1000m of knee jarring pain) into the Mnyameni Gorge. Shorter than the other days, it’s a good opportunity to relax and swim in the many rock pools. Mnyameni Hut is the most isolated which occasionally doesn’t have running water, but there is a stream 10m away where you can wash and drink (not in that order).
Day 5: Mnyameni Hut – Zingcuka
19,42 km, 991m Ascent
My favourite day, but another toughie! There are many swimming places so get a really early start to make the most of them. Most of the day is out in the open except the last few kilometres through the dense Schwarzwald Forest, so the pools are warmer and more inviting than usual. Zingcuka hut is truly special and like all the other huts has a braai and donkey boiler to ease those tired bones.
Day 6: Zingcuka Hut – Tyume River
16.2 km, 855m Ascent
The last day begins with another series of fantastic waterfalls in the Schwarzwald Forest before a long ascent of 800m almost summiting the main Hogsback peak (1845m), before descending into the Tyume river basin and the end of the trail. You can easily walk the 4km to Hogsback and Away with the Fairies or even better take the Amatola+ through the Auckland Nature Reserve past Madonna and Child Waterfall and The Big Tree and end up at Away with the Fairies Viewpoint. This is another tough day, but the views from Hog 1 showing the previous 6 days hike and then forward to Hogsback are absolutely incredible.
Trail Details Zingcuka Loop - 2 Day 1 Night - 38km - 1896m Ascent
Day 1 – 22km – 1041m ascent
Advanced
A WORLD CLASS DAYS HIKING. With more ascent than any of the 6 days of the Full Amatola Trail. Set off from Away with the Fairies very early and hopefully get a lift along Wolf Ridge Road to (the end point of the 6-day trail / start of the 2-day trail) just past Madonna and Child Waterfall. Follow the stream up a ludicrously steep path and then hike between Hog 1 and Hog 2 Mountains. Follow the footprints to meet up with Day 5 of the Amatola Trail, following the stream to waterfalls and swimming holes. You then walk along the edge of a precarious cliff path with breath-taking views, and then down a steep precipice to the stunning indigenous Schwarzwald Forest and onto the Zingcuka Hut to overnight.
This day is around 22km, and very strenuous, through intense terrain and at high altitude. It must only be undertaken by fit and well prepared hikers.
Beginner / Bad Weather
Depart Away with the Fairies, hike through the Auckland Nature Reserve, then around two contour paths with valley views, and down a forestry road through eucalyptus and then indigenous forest to get to the Zingcuka hut.
This route keeps a low altitude so avoids the worst of any inclement weather.
Day 2 – 16km – 855m ascent
Advanced
Day 2 is the final day of the 6-day trail. Set off as early as you can, starting low in the indigenous forest at Zingcuka Hut and work your way up the back of Hog 1 Mountain. You skirt the side of the peak of the mountain then work your way down towards Hogsback. The views are unbelievable. Towards the end you find yourself following a stream down a steep mountain side with its many waterfalls and swimming pools to the end of the 6 day trail. Maybe opt to do Amatola+ which is to hike through the Auckland Nature Reserve visiting Madonna and Child, Bridal Veil and Swallow Tail Waterfalls and The Big Tree to end up in the Away with the Fairies Viewpoint. This makes a big day’s hike – huge. Alternatively follow Wolfridge Road back into Hogsback.
This is also a long day of hiking, over high altitude prone to adverse weather conditions and with a lot of hard hiking both up and down a mountain. It’s as good as it sounds!
Beginner / Bad Weather Option
If the weather is bad on either Day 1 or Day 2 then the Beginner / Bad Weather option mentioned above is advised, even if you do it both days (day 2 in reverse from Zingcuka to Hogsback).
Both day 1 and day 2 are in high altitude (apart from the beginner / Bad Weather option) and will be in clouds if the weather is bad, so the main route of both days should only be attempted in perfect weather conditions. Both days are also extremely strenuous so should only be attempted by people with a reasonable level of fitness, with suitable hiking gear and carrying all their supplies.
Packages Prices & Extras
Book your Permit, Pre and Post hike accommodation, Shuttle to the start, Safe Parking and Hikers Assistance – all in one go – and SAVE money!
6 Day – 5 Night Full Amatola Trail
The Amatola Package includes the permit for the full 6-day / 5-night trail, pre and post hike (dorm or camping) Accommodation at Away with the Fairies, Shuttle to the start of the trail, Safe Parking and Hikers Assistance.
- Amatola – Striders En-Suite per person sharing – R2750 per person
- Amatola – Fairies Dorm- R2300 per person – Special Offer – R2200
- Amatola – Camping Package – R2000 per person
- Amatola – Scholars* – Striders En-Suite per person sharing – R1950 per person
- Amatola – Scholars* – Fairies Dorm – R1500 per person – Special Offer – R1400
- Amatola – Scholars – Camping Package – R1200 per person
Please note that these options only apply to the pre and post hike accommodation. On the actual hike you will be sharing a hut at each of the stops with your fellow hikers
*Students and Scholars receive a large discount, but must supply a copy of each students Photo ID before payment is made.
2 Day – 1 Night Zingcuka Loop
The Zingcuka Package includes the permit for the 2-day/ 1-night trail, pre and post hike (dorm or camping) Accommodation at Away with the Fairies, Shuttle to the start of the trail, Safe Parking and Hikers Assistance.
- Zingcuka – Striders En-Suite per person sharing – R1500 per person
- Zingcuka – Fairies Dorm – R1100 per person – Special Offer R1000
- Zingcuka – Camping Package – R800 per person
- Zingcuka – Scholars* – Striders En-Suite per person sharing – R1300 per person
- Zingcuka – Scholars* – Fairies Dorm – R900 per person – Special Offer R800
- Zingcuka – Scholars* – Camping Package – R600 per person
Please note that these options only apply to the pre and post hike accommodation. On the actual hike you will be sharing a hut at each of the stops with your fellow hikers
*Students and Scholars receive a large discount, but must supply a copy of each students Photo ID before payment is made.
Prices from 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2023.
6 Day – 5 Night Full Amatola Trail
The Amatola Package includes the permit for the full 6-day / 5-night trail, pre and post hike (dorm or camping) Accommodation at Away with the Fairies, Shuttle to the start of the trail, Safe Parking and Hikers Assistance.
- Amatola – Striders En-Suite per person sharing – R3000 per person
- Amatola – Fairies Dorm- R2500 per person – Special Offer – R2400
- Amatola – Camping Package – R2200 per person
- Amatola – Scholars* – Striders En-Suite per person sharing – R2200 per person
- Amatola – Scholars* – Fairies Dorm – R1500 per person – Special Offer – R1600
- Amatola – Scholars – Camping Package – R1400 per person
Please note that these options only apply to the pre and post hike accommodation. On the actual hike you will be sharing a hut at each of the stops with your fellow hikers
*Students and Scholars receive a large discount, but must supply a copy of each students Photo ID before payment is made.
2 Day – 1 Night Zingcuka Loop
The Zingcuka Package includes the permit for the 2-day/ 1-night trail, pre and post hike (dorm or camping) Accommodation at Away with the Fairies, Shuttle to the start of the trail, Safe Parking and Hikers Assistance.
- Zingcuka – Striders En-Suite per person sharing – R1800 per person
- Zingcuka – Fairies Dorm – R1300 per person – Special Offer R1200
- Zingcuka – Camping Package – R1000 per person
- Zingcuka – Scholars* – Striders En-Suite per person sharing – R1600 per person
- Zingcuka – Scholars* – Fairies Dorm – R1100 per person – Special Offer R1000
- Zingcuka – Scholars* – Camping Package – R800 per person
Please note that these options only apply to the pre and post hike accommodation. On the actual hike you will be sharing a hut at each of the stops with your fellow hikers
*Students and Scholars receive a large discount, but must supply a copy of each students Photo ID before payment is made.
EXTRAS These extras are all included in your Amatola Trail Package
Permit Fees
6 Day – 5 Night Full Amatola Trail
The cost of the basic hike is R2000 per person. This includes your hiking permit and 5 nights in the hiker’s huts along the way.
Scholars – There is a nice discount for registered students and scholars and totals R1200 per person. Scholars must supply a copy of their photo student card before payment.
2 Day – 1 Night Zingcuka Loop
The cost of the basic hike for the 2-day/ 1-night trail comes to R700 plus an additional R100 p/person for Hiker’s Assist – totals R800 per person.
Scholars – There is also a discount for registered students and scholars. which for the 2-day/ 1-night trail comes to R500 plus an additional R100 p/person for Hiker’s Assist – totals R600 per person. Scholars must supply a copy of their photo student card before payment.
The minimum amount of hikers is at least 4, with the maximum amount of hikers during COVID-19 being 15,
Hikers Assist
We give a 1 hour Pre-Hike briefing going over all the points to look out for on the trail and giving advice on anything you may need to know. You are given your Trellidor Key and we go over the map during the briefing. If once on the trail you are unsure of anything or run into difficulties, please feel free to call us and we will see what we can do to help. This service is included when booking through Amatola Trails
Pre & Post Hike Accommodation
We have 3 options of where to spend the night before and after the trail.
Striders Shared Self Catering is tailor made for hiking couples who want to have a touch of extra comfort before and after the trail. The views of the Amatola Mountains from Striders Cottage are great. It is a short walk / drive of 250m to Away with the Fairies.The Striders Property sleeps 14 people in total, comprising of 1 large thatched cottage that has 3 Self-Catering Apartments (sleeping a total of 10 people) and close-by 2 thatched Self-Catering rondavels all allowing you to have stunning a self-catering space in a peaceful location. This provides a perfect place to prepare / recover.
Room configuration within Striders Cottage:
- X2 Self-Catering Rondavels – double bed
- X2 Self-Catering Family Apartment – double and bunk
- X1 Self-Catering Double Apartment – double
Camping at Away with the Fairies and Striders Cottage: Our campsite at Away with the Fairies is mostly located in and around the forest. Unfortunately, we do not provide any camping equipment.
Please let me know how many singles / couples within your group – so i can book your accommodation as best as needed but please note the price is per person sharing so 2 single hikers will be required to share a twin room.
Shuttle to the start of the trail
It is not recommended to leave your vehicle at Maden Dam for 6 days for security reasons. We offer a Shuttle service from Hogsback to the start of the trail for R300 per person min 4 pax – (discounted in the package). We depart between 06.00 and 08.00 on the morning of your hike. Departure time will be confirmed when you arrive in Hogsback for your pre-hike briefing.
The 2 Day Zingcuka Loop starts at the end point of the 6 Day Amatola Trail right here in Hogsback, 4 km along a dirt road from Away with the Fairies. A shuttle to the start is available and costs R50 per person, leaving at 6am in Amatola Trails vehicles (Free if you book a package).
Safe Parking
If you book a package through Amatola Trails then we offer Free Safe Parking at Acorn House as standard, allowing you to leave all your cars safely until you return. We charge R100 per vehicle if you haven’t booked through Amatola Trails.
Extra Extras Customize your package with these extras
Airport Shuttle
We run a shuttle services to/from Hogsback to/from East London and the airport. This costs R1500 for 1 to 5 people or R2400 for groups of 6 to 15 people each way.
Slack Packing/Goodie Drops
Due to the nature of the trail and accessibility to the huts we can’t offer a full Slack Packing Package. We can however offer a drop-off of your pre-packed (by you) goods to Dontsa Hut (after day 2) for R1500 per group (1 and 1/2 to 2 hours’ drive each way on shocking roads) and to Zingcuka Hut (after day 5) for R500 per group (you may have to walk the 300m to the road to meet us and carry your goodies to the hut).
We can deliver anything sold at Away with the Fairies including pizza and beers for the Zigcuka Drop after Day 5.
Frozen and Non-Refrigerated goods only please!!
Extractions
We offer an extraction service for – non-emergency – situations. Due to the nature of the trail it is extremely difficult / impossible to get to many parts of the trail in a vehicle. Some over-night huts are not accessible in bad weather. We can however get to all the Forestry Stations in any weather. We charge R1500 for the first 4 hours and then R500 per hour over that. (Almost all extractions are possible within 4 hours). If you need an extraction from Zingcuka then we charge R500, but remember, finishing in Zingcuka means you haven’t officially completed the Amatola Trail.
For Life Threatening emergencies we contact Emergency Medical Services (EMS). This is free for life threatening situations and very very expensive if it is abused.
Prices Valid until 1st January 2021
Payments
When making a booking we require The Hike Leaders name, address and contact number, the number of hikers and the preferred date to commence the trail. Once that has been done, in order to secure your booking, we require either a non-refundable 25% deposit or payment in full.
All Students must send through a photo copy of their student ID in order to get the Student Price.
Packing List
This is a checklist of what to pack for your Amatola Trails 6 day hike.
This is to keep weight down, so involves washing of some clothing along the way.
The items in Black are essential to bring, items in Green are optional/nice-to-have’s and the items in Blue can be shared in a group of 2 or 3.
Click here for a handy multi-day hiking checklist (printable) in PDF format
Clothing
- Good quality Hiking Boots
- 3+ Pairs of thick outer socks (or more if you prefer)
- 2 Pairs of thin liner socks (or more if you prefer)
- 3+ Pairs of underwear (or more if you prefer)
- 3+ Pairs of quick drying t-shirts
- 1 Long sleeve t-shirt/thin fleece
- 1 Pair of quick drying trousers
- 1 Pair of shorts
- Thick fleece
- Knee length Gators
- Quality Rain jacket / poncho & 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 & toothpaste
- Toilet paper & lightweight trowel kept in a water-tight zip-lock pack
- Facecloth
- Biodegradable body/facewash & other personal toiletries
- Quick drying towel (or Kikoi)
Other
- Good quality Backpack
- Backpack waterproof inner liner / black bags
- Backpack rain cover
- Pocket knife / multi-tool
- Dry-bags for sleeping bag and clothes
- R100 in a zip-lock packet
- Sunscreen, lip balm & insect repellant
- Headlamp & spare batteries
- 3 x 1-litre water bottles / bladder
- Map & compass (GPS)
- Plastic packets for rubbish
- Lots of Zip-Lock packets (to keep electronics dry and many other uses)
- Biodegradable laundry detergent, dish soap &washing sponge/scourer
- Power bank & spare batteries
- Lightweight clothesline & washing pegs
- Trekking poles (walking sticks)
- Sunglasses & hard case
Sleeping/Shelter Gear
- Sleeping bag – expect cold nights
- Inflatable pillow (or just stuff your excess clothing
into a pillow case)
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:
- Future Life or Wazoogles (ration per day)
- Rusks
Lunch:
- Seed-loaf rolls or crackers (ration per day)
- Cheese spread triangles (ration per day)
- John West tuna sachets
Dinner:
- Penne pasta or 2-Minute Noodles
- John West tuna sachets
- Smash
- Couscous (with dried veg)
Additional Items/Notes
Thin liner socks help to reduce the chance of blisters.
Leave a clean set of clothes in the car for the ride back.
The food items listed are merely a guideline for lightweight non-perishables. Chop and change to taste.
If you have space (and weight) to spare, a fresh apple every day is a treat.
Guide for backpack weight: 20% of body-weight for adults (15% for children), depending on fitness and experience
Frequently Asked Questions
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 are 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 through means of donkey boilers, but this changes regularly. There are hot showers at all the huts except Cata at the time of writing this. There is a stream right next to Mnyameni (and near all the huts) where you can get water and wash.
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. Summer can be very hot and very cold and very wet – sometimes all at once, 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. There are no villages above the trail so the water is safe to drink untreated, 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?
Yes, but we offer Goodie Drops (Below)
Is there porterage?
Kind of, but not really. As an extra we can drop off supplies at Dontsa (R1500) and Zingcuka (R350) huts but we don’t offer a full Slack-Packing / Porterage service. Read more here
What time do we have to start in the mornings?
I would recommend getting up before sunrise and be ready to hike by 6am. The days are long and there is lots to experience along the way. Leaving early allows you time to enjoy the places that you really love along the way.
How fit must I be?
You don’t need to be a super-athlete, with hikers of all ages (15+), shapes and sizes complete the trail regularly. It does however help to be a physically active person, and be capable of hiking up to 10 hours a day on 6 consecutive days.
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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
COVID-19 – If the trail is not open when your hike is due to commence then it will be postponed to a future convenient date (as dictated as being available by The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries or if no such date is known then moved exactly one year into the future, at no penalty to the hiker. We regret that no refunds of deposits are available.
The regular cancellation process for permits is a long and tricky one involving lots of paperwork that needs to be processed. The 25% deposit paid upon booking is non-refundable under any circumstances. Any payments made in full result in the extra 75% (over and above the deposit) is fully refundable if cancellation is made 30 days or more before the trail is due to commence. Cancellation made within 30 days will result in all payments being lost. Please remember that bookings can be postponed and the hikers can be transferred.
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
Hiking South Africa aims to serve and grow the South African hiking community as a central, national community resource.
Check out Hiking South Africa here for info on all things related to hiking in South Africa
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