Hogsback is a place of magic, myths and fairytales. It is said that J.R.R. Tolkien spent some time here and the surrounding area inspired him to write the famous trilogy ‘Lord of the Rings’.  There is an overwhelming sense of quiet in Hogsback, broken only by the chatter of monkeys or the shriek of the Cape Parrot – Hogsback is one of the Cape Parrots last refuges of this beautiful bird in South Africa.  The village, located high up on the Amatola Mountains and surrounded by centuries-old indigenous Afro-montane forests, has a dramatic natural beauty with several waterfalls cascading over the escarpment.

Janine visited Hogsback with her husband in January this year for a few days. It was her first visit, but definitely not her last, and from the moment she arrived, she felt that she had found a place where I could feel totally at peace.  Days were spent wondering around the interesting village visiting the Ecology Shrine, built to celebrate the fact that we are all an integral part of the earth and indeed the universe; the Labyrinth overlooking the escarpment edge (one of the largest in the world); the Camelot Fairy Meander; as well as hiking and mountain biking. The village is surrounded by kilometres of hiking and mountain biking trails and one can easily spend a week here without getting bored. For nature lovers, the village and surrounding area is a paradise.  The lush forests support plenty of birds as well as other wildlife and the scenery is absolutely spectacular. In summer, one can swim in the mountain streams and in winter the village is often covered in snow.  Plenty of artists make their home here, which gives the village a character of its own and the people all have their own tales and stories to tell.

There is plenty of incredible accommodation available to suit all tastes from the historical Hogsback Inn to self-catering cabins. So why not venture ‘off the beaten track’ a little on your next holiday to South Africa ….you will not be disappointed!