|
In the 1820's the first missionaries set up a mission station at Gwili near Hogsback thus marking
the start of white habitation in the area. The village is situated in the Amatole Mountains of the
Eastern Cape and was made famous by J.R.R Tolkien's son, Christopher Tolkien, who visited the
Hogsback area regularly while a commander in the Royal Air Force. J.R.R Tolkien was of course the
famous auther of "Lord of the Rings". This is the reason the village has so many names associated
with the work.
Hogsback has a very scenic setting with many old large trees everywhere. The indigenous forests
contain Yellowwood trees that are up to 800 years old. Adding to this are the surrounding
mountains and dense fog that one often gets here. The main road to Hogsback was only tarred in
2008 and there is a small petrol station and a few shops in the village. Accommodation is
plentiful except maybe in peak season, and there are numerous excellent restaurants available.
Hiking and walking are some of the favorite activities here with plenty of beautiful waterfalls
and trails into the surrounding hills. Hogsback is also the end point of the famous 100km 6day
Amatola Hiking Trail.
|
|
If you are in the King Williams Town, Fort Beaufort area, then Hogsback is definitely worth a
visit. There is enough to see and do to keep one busy for a number of days. When the fog moves in,
especially in the evenings, the village gets a strange surreal appearance. The accommodation found
here is truly excellent with a wide variety available to suite every taste and pocket.
|
