Accommodation Away With The Fairies | Hogsback Central | South Africa | Backpackers Hostel

Experience the inspiration behind J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit," and visit South Africa's very own mystical fairytale land. This perfectly located and very relaxed backpackers commands a stunning view of the Hogsback mountains, part of the Amatola range in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province. It's an ideal place to kick back and relax, or wander through the forest to the nearby waterfalls with beautiful hiking trails starting in the back garden.

We have the worlds scaries treehouse and a bath tub perched on the edge of our cliff, next to the abseiling all with staggering views.

Flora and Fauna is abundant. There are species of bamboo and butterfly which are only found on Hogsback's mountains. All sorts of fungi and mushrooms add to the magical feeling. The prescence of delicate mosses and Old Man's Beard indicates extremely pure air, as only a small amount of pollution will kill them. Extremely rare species such as the Cape Parrot (only 300 left in the world) and Samango Monkey are seen daily. For serious hikers, Hogsback is also the endpoint of the Amatola Trail, a demanding 106km, 5 day hike. We also offer activities ranging from hour-long forest walks to day hikes and abseiling.

Hogsback is the end point of this spectacular 106km, 6 day trail. We often have hiking groups staying with us before and after the trail - we organise for groups to be dropped off at the starting point, with safe parking for vehicles to ensure peace of mind. We also have amazing 1-8 hour trails starting in the back garden so it couldn't be easier. Hogsback is surrounded by rare Afromontane forest - one of only 2 places in the country, and the trails (many have board-walks) take you to wonderful waterfalls, mountain peaks and spectacular viewpoints. Free maps are available from the hostel.

ROCK CLIMBING is now a major activity in Hogsback. Recently there have been 60 challenging routes bolted in the area all with amazing views. There is also a beginners climb at the bottom of the garden and a quick abseil back down to do it all over again.
ABSEILING: A day's abseiling includes training at the cliff at the bottom of our garden, progressing to a 35m drop off the Madonna & Child waterfall or similar location.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Hogsback offers photographic oppurtunities which are unique in South Africa - winter snowfalls are frequent and year-round it has wonderfully atmospheric light, misty mountains, forests and waterfalls.
4x4 TRIPS & MOUNTAIN BIKING: Although at present no organised trips are available, Hogsback is an ideal area for these activities if you have your own equipment.