27 December 2009    to      01 January 2010

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The Amatola trail was definitely not on our hiking list due to its difficulty level and reputation for bad weather, but after Sue convinced us that December is a dry month, plus El-Nino and the fact that actually we had nothing else to do over New Year, we gave it a go. We decided to take it easy travelling down to Hogsback and over-nighted in Aliwal North on the way down. The Saturday afternoon we all met at Kings Lodge in Hogsback. Sunday morning Sue had organized someone to give us a lift to King William's Town and the starting point of the 6 day 100km Amatola trail. The weather was perfect virtually for the whole trail and only on the last day did we have cloud and fog but no rain. The trail itself is very scenic with many waterfalls, indigenous forests and streams along the way. Facilities are also very good with all huts having Donkeys / Boilers for hot water and Braai / Barbecue facilities.

There was only one thing that really got us, and that was the fact that the trail is extremely strenuous with most of the distances between the huts are very long ranging up to 19.6km over very mountainous terrain.

Here our little group is still smiling at the start of the trail.

Past Maden Dam close to the start of the trail.

At this point the trail splits into the longer and shorter route's. The longer route is closed at the moment due to a bee problem along the way.

Having a break in the thick indigenous forest.

I don't quite know whether this refers to Lorinda or what!

Some of the beautiful forests that one walks through.

The first stretch of day one is quite flat and easy, but then there is a heck of a climb to GwiliGwili hut. Some thoughtful person had put an encouraging sign near the top of the mountain.

GwiliGwili hut and hanging out the washing.

Through the thick indigenous forest on Day Two. Day Two is relatively flat but very long at 19.6km.

Lunch next to a stream.

One of the huge Yellow-wood trees to be found along the trail. There are quite a few of these giants to be seen along the trail.

The mountainous terrain along which the Amatola trail runs.

Nearly at Dontsa hut which is situated in dense forest.

Day Three starts off with a steep climb of up to 500m, although there is a shallower option also available.

Our group having a rest and enjoying the views after our first climb.

One of the many streams and waterfalls along the way.

Cata hut in sight.

Our group enjoying a social evening in one of the rooms with a tot of Frangelico to sooth the sore muscles.

Day Four also starts with a climb of over 500m before descending again towards Mnyameni hut. We normally got up at 5am and started hiking by 6:45.

After reaching the highest point, the trail descends over these rocks that seem to have tumbled down the mountain.

One of the larger waterfalls along the trail.

Mnyameni hut has some stunning views with the mountains in the back and high cliffs and vegetation in front.

Day five also starts with a stiff climb but then there are some flatter options to take. Nevertheless the distance to Zingcuka hut is still at least 18.2km.

There are some very scenic areas once you cross the mountain and descend into the area beyond, with many streams and great swimming spots. The water is however quite chilly even in mid summer.

There are always a few brave ones to enjoy the cold water!

Made it to Zingcuka hut. Only one day to go!

The last day saw the whole area covered in heavy fog and cloud, so we decided to take the emergency exit route along the forest road instead of doing the 900m climb to Hogsback mountain in the fog.

Finally made it!

That evening we all celebrated at one of the nice Hogsback restaurants with a great big bottle of sparkling wine that Sue had won somewhere. Well, that certainly was a fitting end to toughest hike Silvia and myself had ever done! The trip back to Johannesburg we also split up over two days with a stop over in Reddersburg.

And last but not least a little article I found awhile ago....LOL!