Cape Parrots and waterfalls
There are fewer than a thousand Cape Parrot left in the wild, making it one of our most endangered species.
This handsome green-andgold bird is our only endemic parrot, confined to a few pockets of indigenous forest.
One such pocket is in the Amatola mountains, where the Cape Parrot Project conserves wild flocks by regenerating their mountain forest habitat.
Seven members of the Oldenburgia club were therefore amazed to be greeted by noisy calls as they entered the indigenous forest near Cata village in the early morning while walking the Cata Loop trail.
One parrot postured and preened in full view for minutes, only flying off as the group moved on.
This sight alone was enough to recommend the walk to others.
Other advantages of walk- ing the trail are that many sections of the Amatola range are a convenient distance from Grahamstown.
Over the recent long weekend, Oldenburgia club members walked the two-day Cata Loop, near Keiskammahoek.
This loop incorporates most of the third day of the Amatola trail, and uses the Cata hut to overnight.
It also overlaps with sections of the Cape Parrot trails.
The overnight hut is a short but steep climb through indigenous forest alive with birds, and past spectacular waterfalls.
Recent rain had filled the pools and cascades, and indigenous bulbs such as paint- brush lilies were in flower.
The hut, which offers beds, hot water showers and open fire cooking, lies in a small plateau of macchia grassland backed by the Geju and Cata peaks.
Leaving their packs at the hut, the group climbed through a further gully of indigenous forest and onto the saddle before rock-hopping along the ridge to Geju peak, one of the highest points of the Amatola trail.
From there one can look westwards towards the Hogsback, and the magnificent peaks of the range, such as Gaika’s Kop and Hangklip.
The trail is clear and well marked and the hut can ac- commodate a group of twenty four. Conveniently for those traveling from Grahamstown, excellent accommodation and a meal is offered by the Cata village community.
Hikers are able to have a luxurious evening before the early start needed for the day’s walk. • The Oldenburgia Hiking Club does day trails and weekend hikes, mostly around Grahamstown but also further afield. Day hikes are open to the public and shared transport means it’s not essential to have your own. Weekend hikes are for club members only . To join or for more information about the club contact oldenburgiahikingclub@gmail.com. You can also go to the club facebook page at www . facebook.com/oldenburgiahikingclub.