Step into a land of fairy tales and natural wonder when visiting Hogsback in the Eastern Cape.
Scenes of The Shire in The Lord of the Rings may spring to mind when visiting the village of Hogsback. It’s as lush, green and magical as J.R.R. Tolkien described the land he imagined in his books. Fortunately, you don’t have to travel to Middle Earth to enjoy its beauty. Visit the Eastern Cape, and you’ll find the village and its population of just over 1 000 people less than two hours from Grahamstown, hidden in the Amatola Mountains, the Tyumie River flowing through its forests.
Small but mighty, it is a must-visit area for anyone looking for peace away from the rat race.
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Where Hogsback got its name
While the origin of the village’s name is unclear — some say it refers to the shape of a hog that the mountain’s three peaks seem to make – what is certain is that it is a ‘place of mist-wreathed forests and fantasy’. ‘Here, the great curve of the Amatole Range holds in its embrace a valley of grace and beauty, equalled in few other places and excelled in none in South Africa,’ said Author Basil Holt.
Hogsback for history seekers
Although Hogsback was originally home to tribes of nomadic San people whose paintings are still on the walls of the area’s caves, English farmers established the village after the frontier wars. It is believed one of the settlers, Thomas Summerton, was a gardener responsible for planting many of the area’s flowering plants, hazelnut avenues and apple orchards.
Hogsback for laid-back explorers
A popular landmark in Hogsback is the Edge Labyrinth. The total walking distance is approximately 1.5 km and it features a pathway that stretches 700 m. Stroll from one side to the other – there’s no rush to complete it unless you’ve made a friendly wager while sipping a cold one at one of the local eateries. Try The Lighthouse Ranch, a family-run steakhouse where locals and visitors enjoy a broad selection of offerings while catching up indoors near a warming fire in winter or on the spacious outdoor deck beneath the trees in summer.
No matter which of the natural or adventurous wonders you explore, they will all leave you in awe.
Hogsback for adventure seekers
Its natural beauty aside, Hogsback is where you can find adventure while becoming one with nature. The area boasts 22 hiking trails that are second to none. From Level 1 walks to Level 2 scrambles, there is one for everyone, no matter your fitness level.
Hike the trails and spot the few remaining Cape parrots and colourful touracos that call the forest home. Follow the trails as they lead you to one of the area’s 36 waterfalls. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, abseil down the steepest waterfall (150 m), the Madonna and Child. Others to explore include the Kettlespout Falls, Swallowtail Falls and the 39 Steps Waterfall.
The 39 Steps Waterfall is in the Hogsback Arboretum. Dating back to 1884, it is one of the oldest gardens in the area. It’s considered a living tree museum filled with various trees from across the globe, including Australian wattles, North American Monterey pines, English oaks and Japanese cedars. It is also home to the largest California redwood in South Africa and the tallest yellowwood in the Eastern Cape, the latter of which is approximately 800 years old and is 36.6 m tall.
If you’re not up for walking, why not saddle up and explore the area on horseback? Lowestoffe guided horse rides are operated by Lowestoffe Country Lodge and have horses suitable for beginner to experienced riders. Their two-hour guided tour will take you through grasslands, wetlands, indigenous forested kloof, mountains and rocky ridges, where you will spot various flora and birdlife, including hawks, buzzards and falcons.
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This article was written by Megan Paulse, originally published in May 2024 print issue of Getaway. Find us on shelves for more small town spotlights!
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