Amatola Forest Trail

The Amatola Mountains are one of the Eastern Cape’s most treasured natural environments — ancient indigenous forests of yellowwood, Cape chestnut and tree ferns draped in mist and lichen, threaded with rivers and waterfalls. The Amatola Forest Trail is a 35km advanced MTB route through this extraordinary landscape, arguably the finest forest riding in the Eastern Cape.

What to Expect

Technical singletrack and forest tracks weave through the Amatola indigenous forest on demanding mountain terrain. The forest creates an atmospheric enclosed riding environment — dappled light, mossy rocks and the sound of mountain streams throughout. Rocky technical sections on the climbs and descents require solid bike-handling skills. The forest opens periodically onto grassland ridges with sweeping views across the Eastern Cape midlands.

Amatola Forest

The Amatola indigenous forest is one of the Eastern Cape’s most biodiverse environments — home to rare forest birds, Cape parrots and samango monkeys. Ride quietly and you will encounter wildlife throughout.

Getting There

Access from Hogsback village or from the forestry roads above King William’s Town. GPS: -32.5923, 26.9234.

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🌐 Visit Official Trail Website →