AMATOLA TRAIL
Considered by many as one of the most challenging of all South Africa’s hiking routes, the Amatole Trail runs from King William’s Town to Hogsback. It is also one of the most beautiful - there are spectacular mountain views, pristine indigenous forests and breathtaking waterfalls. It is advisable to stretch the 121 kilometres over six days, overnighting at huts above the villages of Gwiligwili, Dontsa, Cata, Mnyameni and Zingcuka. Alternatively, start at the easily-accessible Dontsa hut and leave the first two days out (but missing some wonderful views of the Amathole mountains). Note that you should not start the hike in a group of less than three people (in case of an emergency: one person can stay with the casualty).The trail can be booked via the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry.
ph 043 642 2571
email: amatolhk@dwaf.gov.za
Click here for more info.
A slightly easier version of the hike is the Amatola Community Trail, which covers three days of the longer trail. It also has the advantages of linking in with local communities, so that some catering is covered (less to carry!) and benefits flow to the people who live in the area, and the focus isn’t entirely on nature.
Latest News
Feel the heartbeat of an ordinary Xhosa village - opt for a homestay and live with one of the Cata families for the duration of your stay. Perhaps you might like to have your evening beer at the local tavern and meet your neighbours. read more
From the newly-built chalets you can enjoy the view of the mountains and the Cata Dam on the road to Keiskammahoek. You can opt for self-catering or have meals prepared for you in traditional Xhosa style. read more
Cata is a paradise for children… bicycling or horse-riding or learning a little of the local language. And, of course, they could meet the local children and together with them, look for cattle in the afternoon.
But Cata is not as ordinary as you might think first when you enter the village. During apartheid the village underwent a complete forced removal from the hills to the valley. This programme was ironically called “betterment“ and affected millions of people all over South Africa. This, and the successful fight for restitution, is documented in the Cata museum. read more
