Hogsback

Hogsback is named after the shape of the summit of the three mountains overlooking the village.

Attractions

Also see the neighbouring towns

Dense indigenous forests grow in the area with plenty waterfalls. The waterfall Kettlespout is so called because strong winds sometimes blow its water upwards for as much as 10m.

Several hiking trails wind through the forests, ranging from 3km to 20km. Trails are marked with painted hogs. A two-day hiking trails is available.

Snowfall in winter times turn Hogsback into a fairytale landscape, with iced waterfalls, and snow drooping from forest trees.

In a straight line, Hogsback is less than 100Km from the Indian Ocean. By road it is quite a bit further.

Anglers may try their luck with lots of trout catching opportunities in the region.

TOP

History

Hogsback is also known by its Xhosa name Qabimbola (meaning Red Clay On The Face, which is used during initation rites).

A Xhosa tribe lived in this area during the early 1800s under their chief Ngqika. British soldiers were stationed in the area to keep the peace during the Frontier Wars, and built Fort Mitchell (named after a Colonel Mitchel) on the slopes of a hill with the name Tor Doone. The outlines of this fort should still be visible.

When peace arrived, colonialists settled on the high plateau, and the village got its name from the three peaks of the mountain range.

TOP

Ecosystem

Hogsback is situated in the lower Drakensberg mountain region. The highest peak is Gaika's Kop (1700m), named after Chief Ngqika.

Hogsback is home to flowering azaleas and rhododendrons in spring. All kinds of berries thrive here: blackberry, raspberry, loganberry, strawberry, gooseberry, and more.

Bird life: Knysna Lourie, long-crested eagle, crowned eagle, Cape Parrots.

Samango monkeys are found in the forests.

TOP