This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Hogsback.
Guess what? Hogsback is also named and spelled Amatola Mountains - It is the same destination. Goodbye confusion.
Hogsback is a very small town located in the mountains of the Eastern Cape, out of the way of everything else. It is an eccentric town with a magical feel to it that makes the place seem almost enchanted. The place has such an effect that it is claimed to have been an inspiration for J. R. R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," since he used to visit the place many times prior to the publishing of the book.
When it comes to activities, Hogsback is replete with plenty of ways to take in the nature of the area. Despite the town's small population, there is a tourist office that can provide you with all the information you need to get started. There are a number of hiking trails that navigate the nearby terrain and an equal number of waterfalls in the area that make for good opportunities to stop and have lunch, or soak in the natural beauty of the town. Some of the Hogsback hostels even have their own hiking trails leaving right from their own property. If hiking is too slow paced for you, grab a bike! There is plenty of mountain biking to do as well as horseback riding throughout the area. There are even a number of rock faces where one can abseil down from the top.
There are a few Hogsback hostels in the area, and if you have your own tent you should have no trouble finding a green patch of ground to call your own for the night. If it is the busy season, it would be best to call ahead, however.
For accessing Hogsback, the best road is from the south along the R345. If accessing Hogsback from the north, the R345 is unsealed but it can be done in a two-wheel-drive with enough patience, although some ground clearance is recommended.
Written by local enthusiast for Hogsback hostels
Richard Ballentine