With stunning mountain scenery such as the three peaks that make up the Hogs, Tor Doone which provides a backdrop to the village and the indigenous forest with its many waterfalls and clear streams, you will find that most activities in and around Hogsback are related to experiencing the outdoors in one of the most beautiful parts of South Africa.
And after all that walking when your muscles are aching, treat yourself to a massage or relax in the sauna at the spa.
In the evenings dine and enjoy drinks at one of the several cosy restuarants and pubs the village has to offer and take a leisurly stroll back to Lothlorien and enjoy the breathtaking view of the stars in the night sky.
The Arminel Hotel provide traditional country cooking at its best. Either dine inside, or enjoy your meal one their lovely patio. They provide sumptuous three-course meals with their menu changing with the seasons. Given enough warning, their chef can accommodate almost any dietary requirements. They have an extensive selection of South African wines which will complement every dish.
They also have a cosy pub called the Hog & Kat where you can either start or end your evening.
Tel: 043 743 3433.
They offer dining in their large historic and traditional dining room or you can dine outside on the patio.
They also have a intimate cozy bar which has a relaxed atmosphere where one can enjoy drinks, a pub style lunch or light meal.
Your hosts Brian and Neil. Tel: 045 962 1024. Cell: 083 518 2544.
Hogsback Inn offer dining facilities in their wood pannelled dining room.
Their Old English style pub called the Hogshead is the perfect place to sit next to the fire and enjoy a glass of red wine or sherry.
Tel: 045 962 1006 / 045 962 1231. Cell: 082 882 2716.
Whether it be for two or forty, Nutwoods Park is the place to dine while in Hogsback. For that special occasion or just for a good meal, relax and enjoy our special treatment. The house, full of character and old-worlde charm is under thatch and decorated with antiques and collectables.
Dine in the romantic atmosphere of our dining room with the log fire blazing, tables aglow with candle light and gentle background music adding to the charm. Allow us to spoil you with attentive service and superb cuisine prepared by our Continental chef. We cater to all tastes and vegetarians are a speciality.
As we are not a restaurant, all meals are specially prepared for your enjoyment and so it is essential to make a reservation, preferable 24 hours in advance, in order that we can prepare the freshest and best fare for you.
We are at the moment not licenced so you may bring your own wine etc.
Your hosts: Neil and Atila. Tel: 045 962 1043.
You sense the atmosphere as soon as you enter Nina's Restaurant and Deli: 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, and under the large oak tree.
On cold days you can warm yourself by our ceramic wood-burning fireplaces.
We have tourist information on display. Enjoy our offerings while you plan your next activity on Hogsback.
* Delicious Pizzas and Pastas
* Pizza take-away
* Delectable Deli items
* Fresh home-made bread daily
* Teas, Coffees, Cake & Scones
* Our Restaurant is fully licensed.
* We also offer a selection of authentic gifts and mementoes.
Your host: Alistair. Tel: 045 962 1326.
Don't forget to book with Ivan Harris who produces delicious teas, lunches and dinners in his spacious thatched Hogsback Home to end off your Plaatjieskraal Trail Experience.
Host: Ivan Harris. Tel: 045 962 1037.
Tea Thyme is a cozy, informal restaurant in the garden at The Edge, located in the same building just beyond the Edge's reception. It serves delicious breakfasts, light lunches, dinners, tea and coffee as well as yummy homemade cakes and scones with thick farm cream!
On those cold and snowy days, hot chocolate and gluhwein is served in front of the log fire.
Your host: Wouter. Tel: 045 962 1159.
The Saw Pit is an informal restaurant on the Main Road in
Hogsback.
Sit outdoors, under the large oak trees on hot days, or inside, around the
large pot-belly fire when it is cold.
We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. We also provide take-aways.
While we specialise in steak for lunch and dinner, we offer vegetarian
options for all meals.
We have scones and crumbles available, to go with coffee, tea or soft drinks.
Wine, malt and spirits available.
See our collection of candles for sale, made by The Little Candle Factory.
Your hosts: Derek and Pearl
Tel: 072 224 9886 / 082 842 5955
For the more adventurous:
* High and low ropes
* 100m foofy slide
* 9m ladder
* Sky frame trapeze
* Abseiling on training towers and various rock faces around Hogsback
* Paintballing
* Ballistics
* Climbing Wall
* Raft building and white water rafting in the Fish River
* Canoeing
* Numerous other activities
These activites depend on group sizes, the season and weather and other conditions and should be booked in advance. Ensure you are healthy and of adequate fitness before booking these. Check with your doctor if you are unsure.
Click here or email hobbiton@execunet.co.za for more details
Click here for prices.
Many of these shops are found on the Plaatjieskraal Art & Craft Trail
The Voice of the Earth Eco-Shrine (5 mins walk)Diana Graham built the Voices of the Earth Eco-Shrine to celebrate the
fact that we are an integral part of the earth and indeed the universe,
not its master or guardian.
The Eco-Shrine is a unique outdoor garden installation with paintings and sculpture overlooking the Hogsback mountains/Tyume Valley.
Diana gives visitors a guided tour of the
Eco-Shrine and her art studio, where some of her art is for sale.
Constructed in 1995, it has since become very famous and over the years
it has become one of the major tourist attractions in the
Hogsback area. The Eco-Shrine has won several international and local awards including
the Green Dove Award from the United States, a Mail and Guardian Green
Trust Award, and an Eastern Cape Premier's Award.
The Eco-Shrine is definitely not linked to one particular religion though
as the name suggests, this beautiful place is imbued with a sense of
homage.
Entry to the Eco-Shrine is R15 per adult and is open, weather permitting, every Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday, public and school holidays. Open every day in season.
Click here for more details on the Eco-Shrine which is well worth a visit and is even featured in the Lonely Planet Guide.
Diana Graham can be reached on diana@ecoshrine.co.za or Tel: 045 9621136
General Store which stocks bread, milk, food, drinks, forgotten items such as toiletries, braai/BBQ packs, petrol and various other supplies.
Location: Main Road near the entrance of the village.
Gifts and toys, Homemade jams, chutneys, sauces, Coolin water, cooldrinks, large variety of different foods, sweets etc. Hogsback clothing, beanies, scarves, jackets, peaks, hiking bags etc. Cushions and throws, cottage furniture, bean bags. Candle holders, candles, hand bags, and a very large variety of gifts. A shop not to be missed. Info on computer for all walks etc, free for all to use.
Location: Main Road.
Imaginative, long-lasting candles, made in Hogsback. Come and visit us to view our unique everlasting candles.
We create our own designs, but will be more than happy to create candles to your design for weddings, corporate functions/launches or birthday gifts, e.g. 21st or 60th.
Contact Pearl on Tel: 082 842 5955.
Location: Main Road.
Luyanda and Willie Mafika produce domestic ware and garden pots with a
growing collection of cultural crafts. This home-grown family business is
a Department of Arts & Culture project.
Tel: 072 496 2770.
Geoff Powell brings together his carpentry and metalwork skills producing
art objects for the home.
Tel: 083 294 5045.
Anton van der Merwe practices the art of flame fired pottery, perfecting
the rare skills of reduction firing. He produces luscious pots with flame
flashes and lustrous glaze effects on tall vases, large platters, tiny
ornaments and wall hangings. On the walls of his fascinating stone
textured forest studio he hangs his paintings in oils and water colour
depicting his “nature-plus” landscapes. Starways' Ceramic Jewellery and
herbal oils also available.
Pop in for a refreshing cup of Starways Mint
Tea. Well worth the visit.
Tel: 045 962 1174 or 045 962 1344. Cell: 082 953 7840 or 082 928 5770.
Treat yourself to a browse of the art on the walls.
Host: Ivan Harris. Tel: 045 962 1037.
There are over 100 species of birds to spot in the Hogsback area. The numerous habitats make the area a bird watcher's paradise. Some of the birds to look out for are the Cape Parrot, Crowned Eagle, Ground Woodpecker, Knysna Loerie and many more. Remember to bring your binoculars and a field guide.
Click here for more information on the birds found in the Hogsback area.
Guided tours visiting Bushman painting sites within an hours drive of Hogsback will be available soon starting at around R350 for up to 4 people. For each additional person add R80. Please note that the tour guide will be travelling with you in your vehicle. The tour is only available for people with suitable 4x4 vehicles.
These tours must be booked at least 24 hours in advance as the tour guide lives in a town near Hogsback. Confirmation of the tour 2 hours before the tour is needed and depends on the weather conditions of the day. Payment is in full before the tour commences.
This tour should be considered as a day excursion and involves some hiking as well, Children under the age of 12 are not allowed. Due to limited capacity, on some days you will be joined by a second group or you may have to take the tour on another day due to non-availablity. Please contact us if you are interested in this tour.
After the tour completes you will be given the opportunity to purchase hand painted replica Bushman art painted by the tour guide himself. Replica Bushmen art items are priced individually and each is unique with its own character.
In the cottage we provide several family games to keep yourselves entertained in the evenings. Some of the games we provide are playing cards, Monopoly, puzzles, Chess, Backgammon, Drafts, Snakes & Ladders and other board games.
There is a bowling green at King's Lodge which may be used with permission. A greens fee may be charged. The local Hogsback Bowls Club meets every Tuesday at 14h00.
Please enquire at the hotels reception or Tel: 045 962 1024. Cell: 083 518 2544.
Lothlorien has a fantastic new outdoor dining and braai/BBQ area which easily can seat 6 people. It is well lit at night using a switch in the cottage for braais under the stars.
Firewood you can purchased at R10 per wheelbarrow load from the Lothlorien caretaker who lives on a neighbouring property. A contact telephone number is provided on the coffee table in the cottage. Please order your wood using this number and our caretaker will deliver it. Please have the money ready when he delivers. Limited supplies such as braai/BBQ packs, wine etc. are also available for purchase at The Edge's reception. Meat and drinks etc can also be purchased at the village shop.
One of the smallest churches in South Africa, Hogsback's famous chapel - the interdenominational St Patrick's-on-the-Hill is well worth a visit. Its charm makes it an ideal place to have a wedding or to recharge spiritually.
A qualified Doctor is available at the Hogsback Inn from 09h00-12h00 and 16h00-17h00 daily, but she is also permanently on call.
Contact the Hogsback Inn on Tel: Tel: 045 962 1006 / 045 962 1231. Cell: 082 882 2716.
The Drumming Circle meets on Monday evenings between 18h00 and 19h30 at the Arminel Hotel.
Farming activities such as shearing, lambing, calving, Holistic farming practices etc. can be viewed at Lowestoffe (24km from Hogsback).
Tel: 045 843 1716 or 083 654 5935.
* Fishing in a dam located in Wolf Ridge Road. Please bring own equipment.
* Lowestoffe (24km from Hogsback) offer trout/fly fishing at around R60 per rod per day with a limit of one fish per rod per day. They encourage a catch and release and a barbless fishing policy. You can choose from one of four big dams stocked with Rainbow Trout and a smaller bass dam. They also offer trout fishing along 17km of the beautiful Klipplaat river - a trout fisherman's paradise!
Tel: 045 843 1716 or 083 654 5935.
* Coolin Trout Lodge offer trout fishing in a dam and a stream.
Tel: 045 962 1040.
Treat yourself to a cruise past the Hogsback Dam due west into the sunset. In front of you are the breathtaking sunset effects over Seymour Valley of hills, and behind you the pink reflections on the Three Hogsbacks and Gaika's Kop. Suitable for normal cars.
In Hogsback be sure to lookout for any Samango monkeys which swing through the trees. On the Lothlorien grounds they seem to generally appear during the mornings and late afternoons. These monkeys live at the southern limit of their range. Also lookout for wild hogs (we know of at least on resident on the Lothlorien grounds), but they can be difficult to spot. In Hogsback you may also see deer and buck on walks through the forest.
If you go horse riding with Lowestoffe, you may have opportunities to see black wildebeest, fallow deer or Blesbuck up close. You may even catch glimpse of a Mountain Reedbuck, Grey Rhebok, Steenbokkie or Duiker.
The following game reserves and national parks are located within reach of Hogsback or you can visit these on your way home:
* Mpofu Game Reserve
* Double Drift Game Reserve
* Tsolwana Game Reserve
* Addo Elephant National Park (near Port Elizabeth)
* Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Trustworthy horses both for beginners and experienced riders
Come and experience one of the most exhilarating 2 hours you'll spend in a
long time. It is one of the best ways to view this magnificent land.
Ride up the mountain and see the black wildebeest, fallow deer or blesbuck
close up. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the Mountain
Reedbuck or even the Grey Rhebok, steenbokkie or duiker.
5 500 hectares of riding pleasure - go wherever your heart desires - along
the river - up the mountains, and rest assured that your guide will be
there to help you in any way in which you would like to be accommodated.
If you're used to being in the saddle and would like a longer ride, it can
easily be arranged.
Home to Africa Appaloosa Sport Horse Stud.
Your hosts Robyn Conroy or Neil Evens. Tel: 045 843 1716 or 083 654 5935.
Offer horse riding by arrangement
Your hosts: Ron and Elizabeth. Tel: 045 962 1040.
Hogsback provides some good opportunites for mountain and rock climbing enthusiasts.
Click here for more details.
Bike trails include the Holy Cyprus Loop (8km), Deodar Loop (14km), Madonna Loop (22km) and the Complete Trail (28km). Maps available at The Edge or Hogsback Tourist Office.
Arminel HotelRent mountain bikes for around R20/hour and a refundable deposit is payable.
Tel: 043 743 3433.
Rent mountain bikes. Bring own helmuts for bikes.
Tel: 072 224 9886 / 082 842 5955.
Azaleas, trees and other unusual plants can be obtained from Etienne and
Lois Paroz's Nursery.
Tel: 045 962 1152.
Experience the Beauty of Hogsback at Applegarth Gardens and Nursery! The
Gardens, established by Herbert and Mary Wilson in the early nineteen
forties, have matured into one of the finest temperate climate gardens in
South Africa. A range of frost-hardy plants is available in the nursery.
They are members of the Royal Horticultural Society. The optimum time to view the Gardens is early morning or late afternoon, i.e. in the cool of the day. The very rich bird life is also best seen at these times.
Entrance is R10 per adult (children free). Visits to the Gardens and the Nursery are by arrangement.
Tel: 045 962 1228. Cell: 083-234-6840 / 082-840-4034.
Click here for a complete list of gardens open to the public.
Lothlorien cottage provides a collection of books and magazines that should suite most peoples reading needs. Otherwise be sure to browse through the village library if your stay is longer. The library is located at the Tourist Information Centre.
Workshops in Tension Free Singing are presented by Gwyneth Lloyd who has a Masters Degree in Music from the University of Stellenbosch on "Teaching Singing and Performing based on the F. M. Alexander Technique" on which subject she is now a world authority. She is certified as an Alexander Technique teacher, has an Honours Degree and Post-Graduate Certificate in Education from a University College of London and a Licentiate in Singing Performing from the Royal Schools of Music.
Tension Free Singing has been evolved by Gwyneth Lloyd as a course of movements and sounds based on the teaching procedures used in Alexander Technique lessons. The overall objective is to relieve the vocal sound and body movements of any signs of strain while singing and moving on stage. This leads to healthy voices and releases energy for projecting sound and interpretation of roles.
All aspects of singing performing are included in the series of workshops:
* Breathing
* Vocal Focus
* Singing in Motion
* Extending Vocal Range without Strain
* Exploring Vocal Overtones
* Improving Posture
* Eliminating Muscle Habits Harmful to the Voice
Participants are given procedures to practise on their own and apply to their own repertoire. General movements are taught in groups, attention is given to the way in which each individual carries out the movements and the new techniques applied to specific repertoire. Video evidence of the effects of harmful body habits and sound changes will also be used when appropriate.
Contact Gwyneth Lloyd on Tel: 082 928 5770.
Need we say more? Well, with Lothlorien and the rest of the Hogsback village situated around 1300m above sea level, each Winter brings several snow falls. When it does snow, take advantage of it by building a snowman, throwing snow balls at each other or just having fun in the snow. Take a walk along the village road and admire the snow on the Hogsback peaks - a winter wonderland right here in South Africa.
Pamper and indulge yourself at the Hogsback Spa situated at the Hogsback Inn. Services offered include:
* Hairdresser
* Sauna
* 27 Jet Jacuzzi
* 22 Tube Sunbed
* Massages including head, back, full body and Indian head massage.
* Reflexology and other treatments
To book an appointment Tel: 045 962 1006 / 045 962 1231. Cell: 082 882
2716.
Be sure to take a walk along the road just outside Lothlorien on a clear night. Switch your torches off and with no lights for many miles around you will experience some breathtaking views of the stars in the Milky Way which is best only viewed from the Southern Hemisphere. You may even spot some fireflies glowing in the dark. Remember to make a wish if you see a shooting star. If you have a telescope then bring it along with you.
There is an easy walk along the Bluff (grassy field leading up to a cliff) with some stunning views of the valley several hundred metres below. The cliff's edge is an excellent place for a sundowner. If you look into the distance, you will see Gaika's Kop, the highest peak in the area that rises to 1963m.
Swimming pools can be used with permission at the following locations. Either ring or enquire at reception:
* Arminel Hotel. Tel: 043 743 3433.
* Hogsback Inn. Tel: 045 962 1006.
* King's Lodge. Tel: 045 962 1024. Cell: 083 518 2544.
Alternatively take your swimming costume with you to the water falls and streams and take an ice cold dip or waterfall shower to cool off.
Tennis courts can be used with permission at the following locations. Either ring or enquire at reception:
Arminel HotelEquipment is available although a refundable deposit is payable. Alternatively bring your own equipment. Tel: 043 743 3433.
Volleyball equipment is provided in Lothlorien Cottage. Feel free to set this up in the grounds well away from the cottage and windows. Please pack this equipment away before nghtfall.
General Hogsback information such as maps of walks, hiking and mountain bike trails etc. are available for purchase from The Edge's reception or the Hogsback Tourist Office located near the entrance of the village.
One of the best ways to experience the beauty,
the silence and the restfulness of Hogsback is on foot. There are scores
of hiking routes and walks that will take you through the forests, up the
mountains, past the waterfalls, and to the spectacular views.
Equipped with comfortable walking shoes, fresh water, and maps that are
readily obtainable locally, you will be able to explore those routes that
suit your preferences for environment, degree of difficulty, and duration.
Some of the shorter walks can be combined. See locally available information
brochures for more information.
Hiking always involves some degree of risk. Hikers should obtain local
information at the time of the walk, and should always leave information
on their planned walks with a responsible person.
These trails vary from short easy walks to trails taking 3-4 hours and longer.
Here is just a sample of the many hiking routes from which you may choose.
The Labyrinth at "The Edge" is an eleven-circuit Labyrinth, similar in design to the Labyrinth in the Chartres Cathedral in France. It is one of the most intricate Labyrinth designs. Our Labyrinth at "The Edge" has a diameter of 29 meters and a circumference of 91 meters. The length of the pathway is 700 meters, and the total distance of the walk to the centre and out is 1.4 kilometers, making it one of the largest Labyrinths in the world! It was completed in 2002. Suitable for all, young and old.
| 1. An easy stroll | A. No exposure to heights |
| 2. Tiring. | B. Some mild rock scrambling |
| 3. Strenous | C. Moderately exposed |
| 4. Exhausting & only for the very fit | D. Very exposed |
| The time in brackets indicate the average duration of the walk | |
This easy stroll starts in Oak Avenue (opposite Redcoat Lane) and takes you through the Arboretum and on to the 39 Steps waterfall.
The Arboretum is a garden of trees from all over the world, and includes several Californian Redwood trees, now well over 100 years old. Trees have markers showing their botanical and common names.
Madonna and Child FallsMadonna and Child falls can be reached via a moderately steep downhill
walk from Wolf Ridge Road (4 km from Redcoat Lane or village green) or by a longer route
from Main Road, via the Big Tree (an 800-year old Yellow wood). This
route takes you through the indigenous Tyumie forest and includes the
Swallow Tail falls and the Bridal Veil falls (2B)
With a little bit of imagination, an outcrop of
rock on the face of the falls helps to form the shape of the "Mother and
Child" - hence the name of the falls.
Kettlespout Falls can be reached via several alternative starting points
and routes, depending how long you want the walk to be.
Kettlespout top path (1B).
Kettlespout to Tyumie falls & down (3C)
Under the right conditions - good flow of water, with the wind blowing
strongly in the right direction - the water is blown as much as 5 meters
upwards before coming down in a spray of mist. A spectacular sight.
The Circular route 1B, the Contour path to Tor Doone, Fort Michel
(with a beautiful view from the top of Tor Doone) (2B) starts in the
Arboretum opposite Redcoat Lane
For a breathtaking view, climb the Hogsback mountains.
Hog 1 Amatola section (4D)
Gaika's Kop (3C)
A lovely walk next to the Tyumy River with a spectacular view when you reach the top.
The Three Waterfall trailStarting about 15 km outside Hogsback, this trail is more than worthwhile for the more adventurous hiker.
The Bluff Walk (45 mins)Located just beyond the Edge, this comfortable circular stroll along
the Bluff, a large grass field leading up to a clif offers spectacular views of the Tyume Valley hundreds of metres below and of the surrounding mountains.
Enjoy the Watsonias and Proteas in spring, and other wild flowers
including the yellow iris (Moraea spathulata) and the unusual yellow
Crassula as well as Satyrium orchids in summer.
From Hangman's Tree in Redcoat Lane starts another easy walk. It takes you from Red
Coat Lane (at the Village Green), into the indigenous forest, and links up
with the Alice - Hogsback road some 2 km from the Village Green.
British soldiers used this century-old path on their way between Fort Hare
(in Alice) and Fort Michel (near Tor Doone). Look out for "Hangman's Tree"
in Redcoat Lane - according to legend it was used for executing deserters
in those days.
The Big Tree. Walk from Main Road to the Big Tree, an 800-year old
Yellowwood in the indigenous forest. The Narina Trogan, orange Thrush,
bush cap and other bird species have been spotted around here.
From the Big tree you can return to Main Road, or walk on to the Swallow
Tail Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and Madonna and Child Falls.
To experience the gentle art of living treat yourself to a leisurely cruise through the Plaatjieskraal Trail. Take the third turning left after Arminel and trickle up and down the hills, over streams and waterfalls, taking in the lifestyle of some of Hogsback's Artists and Crafters.