Things to Do in Drummond

Lying on the edge of the commanding Winterberg range, Tsolwana Nature Reserve’s landscape is one of austere beauty. The climate can be extreme with greatly varying temperatures and unpredictable heavy summer rain storms with hail. In winter snow falls frequently and cold, wet southerly wind spells can cause wildlife losses, particularly in plains antelope species. Animals and birds to spot include ant bear, bat-eared fox, black backed jackal, black wildebeest, blue crane, Cape mountain zebra, mountain reedbuck, oryx, blesbok, Cape vulture, baboon, springbuck, dassie, eland, gemsbuck, kudu, lynx, mongoose and suricate. Tsolwana's friendly rangers take visitors on unique game drives, combining a 4X4 adventure with excellent plains wildlife viewing. There is also the option of guided or unguided hiking, horse riding, bird watching and rock art trips.

The challenging six-day Amatola Hiking Trail traverses the Amatola Mountains through the most breath-taking landscape imaginable. The route rambles between indigenous forests and glades, grasslands and pine plantations. The trail starts at Maden Dam near King Williams Town and finishes at Tyume Forest station three km from Hogsback. The lovely little village of Hogsback is an ideal base and all that’s needed is an arranged transfer to the start of the trail. Most of the route passes through ancient indigenous rainforest with towering Outeniqua yellowwood, sneezewood, wild olive and lemonwood. Colourful fungi, orchids, watsonias, falling stars, and red hot pokers contribute to the enchanting forest scenes. Hikers have no shortage of cascading waterfalls and swimming pools to cool off in. Parts of the trail are steep and strenuous but the effort is rewarded by the magnificent views alone! The Amatola Mountain range is home to leopard, bushbuck, duiker, porcupines, bush pig, otters, baboons, and Samango and vervet monkeys. Birds you might see include Knysna turaco, Cape parrot, Cape sugarbird, crowned eagle, barbet, woodpecker, flycatcher, robin and black eagle. Look out for the giant earthworms! Overnight huts with bunks and mattresses, braai facilities, firewood, water and toilets are provided. The weather is extremely variable at all times of year and hikers need to be well-equipped for rain, snow and very hot weather. Not recommended for unfit hikers.