This is Hogsback
One's overwhelming sense of Hogsback is the quiet, broken only by the singing of
birds or the primeval call of the Knysna Lourie - even the chatter of a
troop of Samango monkeys as they feed and play in the canopies of trees.
And when you do hear the sound of a motor vehicle you wonder who is coming to visit.
This village, high up on the Amatola mountains and surrounded by
centuries-old indigenous Afro-montane forests, has a dramatic natural
beauty. Look towards the mountains and escarpment and you see several waterfalls.
In the other direction you can see the Tyume valley and beyond. Overlooking it all are
the "three Hogs". From the top of Gaika's
Kop (1700 m) you have a panoramic view: The Elandsberg mountains and the Seymor valley, even the
coastline some 120 km a way as the crow flies.
Hogsback is a favourite place for birding. Look out for the Knysna Lourie, and
listen for its distinctive call in the mist. You
are likely to see a long-crested eagle or
crowned eagle riding the thermals, in search of its next meal. In
the late afternoon you may be fortunate enough to hear - even see - a few of the highly endangered Cape
Parrots returning home after a long day out, feeding. They nest in the
Yellowwood trees in the indigenous forest.
Here you will also find magnificent gardens, full of indigenous plants as
well as exotic plants from Australia, Europe, North America, the Himalayas,
China and Japan. The gardens of Hogsback are an attraction that brings
several gardening tour groups from as far as Cape Town and Johannesburg every year.
Hogsback has a very active Garden Club.
And in winter you may find even the lower-lying parts of the village
covered by a blanket of snow. A silent winter wonderland that seems
far removed from the hot days and noisy thunderstorms of summer.
 In
Hogsback you will find several well-known attractions such as Diana
Graham's Eco-shrine and Anton van der Merwe's Starways Pottery.
Hogsback is home to a number of accomplished artists, including
painters, potters, poets, musicians, singers, and photographers.
They, as well as many other active and retired professional and
business people live a rich personal and community life here.
There are active garden clubs, book clubs, and a chamber music group.
A number of parents on Hogsback home-school their children.
Hogsback offers so much to those who want to break away from the
rush of city life - walking, mountain biking, horse riding, bird watching, trout
fishing, and mountain climbing. Or simply relaxing, enjoying an aromatherapy
massage, Indian head and shoulders massage, reflexology, or just enjoying a
book.
Click here or on any image to visit the Hogsback Website
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