Escape Into Hogsback South Africa's Magical Forest

Fly away to a magical land as Culture Trip takes you into the ethereal forests and magical mountains of misty Hogsback. Nestled in the Amatola Mountain range and housing the oldest forest in South Africa, this little village makes for a dreamy escape.

How the village got its unusual name

For such a pretty location, the village is, surprisingly, named after a pig. However, there’s nothing gluttonous or brash about Hogsback. Although the origins of its name are slightly obscure, many believe the village owes its title to the shape of the three mountains that overlook Hogsback, topped by rocky ridges resembling the bristles on a hog’s back.

Butterflies, birds and cascading water

Such verdant vegetation could not survive without plenty of water and the Amatola Mountains also just happen to boast more waterfalls per square kilometre than anywhere else in the world. Dozens can be found within Hogsback itself, with names that flow out your mouth as sweetly as the water that cascades down the rock face. Swallow Tail, Bridal Veil and Madonna and Child are a few of the more famous, while the Kettlespout Falls are a natural phenomenon. In heavy winds the water gets blown up, rather than flowing down, causing a fine spray that resembles steam from a kettle spout.

Hobbits and goblins

With its fantasy-like setting, it’s no surprise that Hogsback is thought to have inspired JRR Tolkien, who visited the village as a child. It is also believed that his nanny came from Hogsback and spun him tales of giant flying snakes that lived in the village’s mountains. As a result, today, there are several places in the village with names derived from Tolkien’s books such as Hobbiton-On-Hogsback, Rivendell and Bag End.

Adventure, art and magical moments

Hogsback’s natural beauty lends itself to being one with the outdoors, and the village and its surrounds are littered with stunning hiking and walking trails. Abseiling, mountain-biking and horse riding are also popular pastimes. Trail maps and equipment are available through Hogsback Adventures.

Serious hikers can tackle the Amatola Hiking Trail, a spectacular 100-kilometre (62-mile) extremely challenging yet epic trek that was once voted the best in South Africa.

Other attractions include the Eco Shrine Centre for Art and Ecology, an outdoor art installation where ecology, art and a sense of the sanctity of Earth all come together; the Labyrinth, designed to symbolise a path to spiritual discovery and fulfillment; Crystal Corner, selling all kinds of stones and healing crystals and The Fairy Realm, a garden meander filled with fairy sculptures, birds, ponds and tranquility.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.