The Khologha Forest Hiking, Biking and Birding Trails
The Khologha Indigenous Forests, the second largest in South Africa, after the Knysna Forest, are a magical outdoor experience. The wonderful canopies keep you shaded and are home to wildlife and birds, waterfalls and streams.
The Kologha Forest Trails are located in the eastern end of the Amatola Mountains which are near Stutterheim in the Eastern Cape. These mountains are covered in indigenous forest and montane grassland; making for a special experience for the hiker, biker, horse rider and birder alike.
For the hiker, the magnificent yellowwoods and stinkwood trees of the Kologha State Forest provide cool shade – perfect for walking! The forest is home to bushpig, bats, monkeys , duiker and numerous birds (more about birding later!). There are six different trails, all of which are marked and take in both waterfalls and trout fishing. Mountain biking and horse riding are allowed on some of the trails but please check at the Plantation Office before embarking on your chosen route!
The Plantation Office is approximately 7kms from Stutterheim on the R30 and all the trails both start and end at the Kologa Picnic Site. The trails also vary in distance from 3kms to 17kms so whatever your speed or fitness level you should be able to find one to suit you.
For those who enjoy a longer walk, the 17km Red Day Walk would suit you. This is a circular route which passes through indigenous forest and grasslands. Along the way are three waterfalls – it is safe to drink this water should you have run dry along the way.
The 8km walk is along the road to Andersons Dam – an easy walk and once at the dam you can enjoy lunch before returning to the picnic spot.
The Yellow Day Walk is a kilometre shorter at 7kms and the circular route follows part of the longer Red Day Walk.
The Blue Day Walk, although shorter at 3kms is just as beautiful and takes in three waterfalls along the way.
Two mountain bike and horse riding trails are provided; one is a 17km circular route along a car track passing through the forest and plantation and the shorter 8km trail makes its way to Andersons Dam and back again.
The Plantation Office is approximately 7kms from Stutterheim on the R30 and all the trails both start and end at the Kologa Picnic Site.
For the birder, are a series of trails laid out from the forest picnic site and most are between one and four hours long and relatively easy going. Keep your eyes open for, among others, the Cape Parrot, White-starred Robin, Cape Sugarbird and Grey Crowned Crane. Maps are available from the forest kiosk. Stutterheim’s best kept secret is its abundant birdlife.
Toilets, braai facilities and picnic tables are provided at the picnic site so one really can make a day of exploring and enjoying the Kologha Forest Trails. Telephone: +27 (0)43 683-7323 OR 043 683 5247
Map taken from the Escape Routes Website - Click for enlarged map
| More info on the town of Stutterheim | More info on the Amatola Region |
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