Amatola Hiking Trail

Description

What it does have to offer is a little bit of everything. Whole days are spent in high climax Afro-montane forest. There are rolling mountain plateaux swathed in rich mountain fynbos and sprinkled with with wild flowers. Countless rivers, streams, waterfalls and pools. There are isolated peaks and dark secretive gorges, open grassy glades and distant views across the Evelyn, Keiskamma, Wolf, Tyume and other lush river basins.

This trail is a definite must. It is not, however, an easy hike, with days as long as 22 km and averaging 17.5 km over the 105 km, six day trail. But aside from the overwhelming natural environment, an aspect of the trail that makes it even more fascinating is that it was the focus of some decisive battles between British and Xhosa forces in the 100 years of the Frontier Wars. Amatola means 'place of many calves'. The meadows here were used as grazing lands by the Xhosa, and by the Hottentots before them.

Summary

Rating : greater than 15 km's per day, moderate pace (3km per hour or more), strenuous terrain. Distance : 105 km's.

Duration : 6 days. Terrain : dense forests, high mountain ranges.

Climate : summer rainfall with mist & drizzle, snow in winter.

Elevation : 518-1858 meter's Access road : gravel road with parking area at Maden Dam. Shuttling of vehicles required.

Accommodation : comfortable huts, firewood, water, toilets, some with solar lighting.

Group limit : 16 people. Features : spectacular waterfalls, mountain views, natural forests, indigenous fauna, snow.

Possible hazards : veld & forest fires, sudden weather changes.

Booking authority : Pat Spiers-Ken Agency, +27 43 642 1747

Permit needed : yes.

Cost : R143 p/p (28/08/98)

Fauna Knysna loerie, cape parrot, crowned eagle, barbets, woodpeckers, flycatchers, robins, Amatola toad, Hogsback frog, giant golden mole, Amatola giant earthworm, bushbuck, grey & blue duikers, porcupine, bushpig, otter, baboon, samango & vervet monkeys and many others.

Flora Giant yellowwood , sneezewood, wild olive, lemonwood, multi coloured fungi, ground & tree orchids, flowers and many others.

Updated Mon, 24 September, 2001 http://www.rocksport.co.za