Hogsback is a magical world of elves and hobbits reputed to live in the surrounding mountains and forests. It is situated high up in the Amatola mountains and is surrounded by centuries-old indigenous Afro-montane forests.
It is also known as South Africa’s little piece of England, due to its climate and scenery. In winter you are very likely to find even the lower-lying parts of the village covered by a blanket of snow.
Hogsback is home to many South African artists. Lured by the magnificent scenery, English country gardens, the forested walking trails and prolific birdlife, artists, potters, poets and musicians all thrive in the beauty and tranquility of the village.
At present (January - February 2016) there is a process underway to consider a change of name from Hogsback to Qabimbola, the name by which it was known long before white people named it Hogsback.
Keeping a beady eye on the village are the "Three Hogs" which ostensibly give Hogsback its name. From the top of Gaika's Kop (1700 m) you have another panoramic view - the Elandsberg mountains in one direction and the Seymour valley, all the way to the coastline some 120 km away, in the other.
The overwhelming tranquillity of this quaint mountain village is broken only by the singing of birds, the primeval call of the Knysna Lourie or the chatter of a troop of Samango monkeys as they feed and play in the trees.
Waterfalls abound as do magnificent gardens, with exotic plants from Australia, Europe, North America, the Himalayas, China and Japan.
Hogsback offers so much to those who want to break away from the rush of city life - walking, hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, bird watching, and mountain climbing. It is also home to many an artist, potter, photographer and sculptor, which means there are galleries for art enthusiasts along every dirt track.
