Hogsback, Amatola
Once you've booked your Hogsback accommodation explore our pages for info on attractions and what to do in Hogsback.
On the western end of the forested Amatola Mountains lies a village, overlooked by mountains and surrounded by indigenous Afro-montane forests that are centuries old, called Hogsback. It lies only an hour-and-a-half’s journey from Grahamstown, yet Hogsback may as well be in another world.
The beauty of the surrounds is said to have inspired J.R.R Tolkein to write his Lord of the Rings trilogy, so you can imagine the dramatic splendour of the place. Hogsback is named after three mountain peaks, which look something like the wild hogs that frequent the forest, and trails through the forest are marked with hogs of different colours to denote various walks. The peace and quiet of the little village of Hogsback, the lower regions of which sometimes lie encased in snow during winter, are broken only by the intermittent call of the Knysna Lourie and the chatter of Samango monkeys; and if the forests don’t tempt you, the gardens of Hogsback will. Several exotic plants from Australia, Europe and further afield grace the gardens, and attract regular gardening tours from Cape Town and Johannesburg.
It goes to say that residents of Hogsback include numerous artists - potters, painters, musicians and poets - who choose the beauty of the place over the rush of city life. Walking, mountain biking, bird watching, mountain climbing and trout fishing are the attractions of the outdoors here, and the pure mountain air and waterfalls just add to the allure.
Additional Reading
View a collection of articles about Hogsback and attractions in Hogsback at Focus on Hogsback.
Get the Scoop
Hogsback Reviews
"Snow in SA!! Hogsback was white with thick snow on our visit, how awesome! The town is like something out of a book, hidden in the mountains and surrounded by ..." - Will, Port Elizabeth
Visitorials: We Love South Africa
Hogsback Visitorial
I Love Hogsback because ...
Featured in: Visitorials: We Love South Africa
We’ve asked those in the know to share their favourites things about Hogsback. Find out where locals go for the best cup of coffee, lunch suggestions and much more. We’re letting you in on all of their secrets ... I Love Hogsback because ...
Related Links
Featured Attractions in (or near) Hogsback
Amalinda Nature Reserve
The Amalinda Nature Reserve is situated less than 10 kilometres from the ever-growing city hub of East London in the Eastern Cape. Established in 1968, this reserve measures 134 hectares and boasts some of the stunning vegetation for which this part of the world is so loved. This includes an enormous ... more information
Fort Fordyce Nature Reserve
Set close to the little community of Blinkwater, Fort Fordyce Nature Reserve lies on the Post Retief road, almost equidistant between Adelaide and the historical town of Fort Beaufort, in the Amatola escarpment. This roughly 2 000 hectare reserve conserves scarce Dohne ... more information
Hogsback Hiking Trails
Situated in the Amatola Mountains and named after three ridges which look like the bristles on a hog’s back. Although there is plenty in Hogsback to amuse and delight our primary goal was to do some serious hiking and take in the truly spectacular landscape that the area has to offer ... more information
Related Links
Things To Do in Hogsback
Mountain Biking and Cycling in Hogsback
Where: Hogsback
How much (per person): Free
A great way to see and enjoy the marvellous scenery in this spectacular region of the Eastern Cape is on a bike! Mountain Biking trails in H ... more information
Horse riding in Hogsback
Where: Hogsback
How much (per person): R101 to R200
The sheer beauty of the Hogsback area guarantees a memorable ride. At Lowestoof you can experience one of the most exhilarating two hours yo ... more information
Related Links
Restaurants in Hogsback
Butterfly's Bistro
Where: Hogsback
You sense the atmosphere as soon as you enter Butterfly's Bistro: It is warm and friendly, with a feel of quiet quality. We are situated in a big, tranquil garden, with tables inside, on the veranda, ... more information
The Enchanted Treehouse
Where: Hogsback
The Enchanted Treehouse is an unusual, informal restaurant on the Main Road in Hogsback. Centrally situated, The Enchanted Treehouse is conveniently located within easy walking distance of several acc ... more information
Related Links
Events and/or Festivals in Hogsback
Related Links
On Holiday in Hogsback
• Hogsback Map
• Things to Do in Hogsback
• Hogsback - A Visitors Perspective
• Visitorial - I ♥ Hogsback because …
• Hogsback Accommodation
• Hogsback Hotels
• Eastern Cape Accommodation
• Amatola Accommodation
• Amatola Hotels
Visiting Hogsback?
Also see Things To Do in Amatola or check out Things To Do in Eastern Cape to view activities by category, including watersports, sightseeing activities, arts & crafts and many, many more.
- Introduction to the Eastern Cape
- Destination Guide
- Accommodation Guide
- Eastern Cape Accommodation
- Eastern Cape Hotels
- Eastern Cape Guest Houses
- Eastern Cape Bed & Breakfast
- Eastern Cape Self Catering
- Holiday Apartments & Suites
- Holiday Cottages & Chalets
- Holiday Homes & Villas
- By Special Category
- By Star Grading
- By AA Grading
- By Alphabetised List
- Special Offers / Discounts
- Search by Map
- Eastern Cape Conferences
- Wedding Guide
- Touring the Eastern Cape
- Transport & Travel Arrangements
- Out and About
- Südafrika Reise
Für Deutsche Besucher
Suedafrika-Reise.net bringt Ihnen das umfangreichste Angebot an Links, um Südafrika zu "bereisen": hier und jetzt auf Ihrem Bildschirm.
Urlaub im Östlichen Kap
2. Search by Map
3. TGCSA Star Grading
4. AA Grading
5. Family Friendly
