Amathole FKT
Known as "The Toughest 6-day hike in South Africa", the Amathole FKT traverses the Amathole mountains and mystical forests in the Eastern Cape.
Starting near King Williams Town and finishing in Hogsback.
Distance: 116km
Elevation Gain: +-5000m
Difficulty: Hard
The Amathole FKT isn’t a race; it’s about challenging yourself to achieve your personal best time or simply enjoying a day (or two) outdoors with friends.
Leaderboard
Current Fastest Known Time: 35 hours 14 minutes 9 seconds
Date: 16 December 2024
Crew:
Dominique Davies
John Carter
Paul Carter
116 km
4955m elevation gain
4349m descent
Link to FastestKnownTime.com: Amathole Plus (South Africa) | Fastest Known Time
Full list of submitted finishers available here:
Rules
You need to complete the trail on foot.
The clock starts at the beginning of the route and does not stop until the end.
You must have legitimate access to the trail (permits).
You must take a photo of each Checkpoint with your watch indicating the time of day.
You must follow the pre-determined route and not cut sections which may be simplified by roads.
The FKT Journal: You must break the previous finisher's seal to enter your name into the journal. You must then use the candle/crayon/wax and string you carried to re-seal the FKT journal after adding your story to the history.
Permits
Permits are required whether you plan to complete the route as a multi-day hike (self-supported / supported) a non-stop run (supported / self-supported or unsupported). Various options can be arranged by the trail administrators found at the link above.
Route Information
*Additional Compulsory gear: You must carry a candle/crayon/wax and 1m of string to re-seal the FKT journal at the finish after breaking the previous finisher's seal to enter your name into the journal.
Maden Dam to CP1 - Gwiligwili Hut
Distance: Approximately 12,5 km / +750m
The trail begins at Maden Dam, near King Williams Town. Expect a challenging ascent as you make your way toward Gwiligwili Hut. The surrounding landscape features lush vegetation, indigenous forests, and glimpses of wildlife. Keep an eye out for waterfalls along the way.
Gwiligwili Hut to CP2 - Dontsa Hut
Distance: Approximately 21,5 km / +630m
Dense, ancient indigenous rainforest dominates this section. Prepare for steep ascents and descents. The trail winds through enchanting, forested areas, with the sound of birds and rustling leaves.
Dontsa Hut to CP3 - Cata Hut
Distance: Approximately 24 km / +1024m
You’ll transition from forested paths to open macchia grassland. The landscape then changes dramatically, offering relentless steep and technical climbs, river crossings and descents through dense forest.
Cata Hut to CP4 - Mnyameni Hut
Distance: Approximately 15 km / +634m -1000m
Scenery: Enjoy panoramic views as you traverse the rugged terrain up exposed switchbacks. The trail takes you over ridges and down steep off chamber descents.
Mnyameni Hut to CP5 - Zingcuka Hut
Distance: Approximately 21,5 km / +1000m
This section involves steep ascents and descents but becomes more runnable. The trail leads through diverse landscapes, including grassy slopes and rocky outcrops. Take in the breathtaking views of the Amathole Mountains.
Zingcuka Hut to CP6 - Tyumie River
Distance: Approximately 16 km / +900m
This leg of the trail takes you up and over 'The Hog' then downhill toward the Tyumie River. Following a gradual descent the trail turns back into the forest down a steep and technical descent which leads to the end of the official Amathole hiking trail.
Tyumie River to CP7 - Madonna & Child Falls to CP 8 – The Big Tree to CP9 – Finish: The Green Dragon Café
Distance: 5 km
This section is a popular hiking trail along boardwalks and cut trail down to the valley and then a final 150m climb up to the finish at the doorway of Away with the Fairies’ bar.
The FKT Journal: You must break the previous finisher's seal to enter your name into the journal. You must then use the candle/crayon/wax and string you carried to re-seal the FKT journal after adding your story to the history.
Record your journey in the trail journal and complete the Online form to be captured in the FKT history.
Recommended Gear
Recommended gear for non-stop efforts. This is only a recommendation and each runner/hiker is responsible for ensuring that they make adequate preparations to keep themselves safe.
SATIB – Emergency Extraction Insurance is available for purchase and recommended - Information here.
All Nutrition for 115km route
Hydration pack and flasks
Space blanket x 2
Trail Shoes
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof pants
Thermal pants
Thermal top
Buff / Beanie
Cellphone + powerbank
GPS watch / device
Whistle
Gloves
Headlamp with backup batteries
Multiple pairs of socks
Bivvy bag for emergency
Announce your FKT attempt
Going for the Record?
History of this FKT
Amathola / Amathole Hiking Trail and the birth of the FKT.
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Geographical Origins:
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The Amatola Mountains, located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, are characterized by their lush forests, indigenous trees (such as white stinkwoods and yellowwoods), and peaks that reach over 2000 meters.
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The Xhosa people referred to these emerald mountains as “The Calves,” likening them to a herd of young cattle grazing in a grassy field.
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The region served as a natural fortress for the Xhosa people during various historical periods1.
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Frontier Country:
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Many settlements in the Amatola region have their origins in military outposts and frontier pioneering.
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Towns like Cathcart, Fort Beaufort, and Adelaide began as military bases, while Stutterheim was established for disbanded soldiers of the British German Legion.
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Other towns, such as Alice and the picturesque Hogsback, have more peaceful origins, with early citizens being farmers.
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The area’s rich cultural history is reflected in villages, mission stations, graveyards, and churches nestled in the valleys beneath the mountain peaks23.
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Afro-Montane Rainforests:
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The treasures of the Amatola region lie in its pockets of original Afro-Montane rainforest.
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The Knysna and Amatole forests are South Africa’s largest individual forests.
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The Amatola Hiking Trail, spanning 105 kilometers over six days, takes hikers through immense indigenous forests, waterfalls, crystal pools, and trout streams.
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It’s ranked as one of the country’s top mountainous forest-clad walks, offering both strenuous challenges and breathtaking natural beauty24.
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Amathole FKT
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In 2023 a few friends started to ponder whether the full route could be completed in a single non-stop effort. As numerous people have completed shortened versions of the trail in two, three and six days, and in the autumn of 2024 it was decided to make the attempt. The relevant administrators were contacted and route amendments were made as the official Amathole Hiking trail ends a few kilometers before the town of Hogsback. And so, the Amathole FKT was born and would be attempted in 2024.
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References:
Amathole mountains, Eastern Cape (GL) (southafrica.net)
Amathole Mountain Region, Eastern Cape | South African History Online (sahistory.org.za)
Amatola Hiking Trail (places.co.za)
Amatola Hiking Trail - Hiking South Africa
Amathole_Mountains
Southern Africa: Southern South Africa | Ecoregions | WWF (worldwildlife.org)