BACKPACKERS HOSTEL IN HOGSBACK, SOUTH AFRICA

"One of the best hostels in the country" - Footprint

Away With The Fairies is an enchanting backpackers which caters to almost everyone. Set on a beautiful 10-acre property with stunning views of the Amatola Mountains, our accommodation runs from ensuite doubles to private rooms, self catering cottage, twins, dorms and camping. Whether you're travelling through South Africa as part of a gap year, or are just looking for a weekend getaway, Hogsback offers you a beautiful and memorable experience.

Come night-time, the Wizard's Sleeve bar has been known to transform into a scene of wild partying, and our big-screen is a treat for sports fans. Those looking for peace & quiet can find it in our main lounge which is set well away from the action, or in the many garden hideaways. We offer continental breakfasts and superb suppers, and have a well-equipped guest-kitchen for those who prefer self-catering.

Hogsback's scenery is reputed to have inspired JRR Tolkien's creations, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. The South African-born author is said to have visited the area as a child, and his son came here several times while serving in the RAF, sending back sketches and descriptions to his father. Take a walk around, and you'll find it easy to believe that hobbits & orcs could be hiding behind any tree.

For a truly magical experience, try one of the hiking trails starting in the hostels garden. These hikes range from 1-hour strolls to full-day treks up the 3 Hogs which overlook the hostel. Waterfalls, rare Afromontane forest, endangered birds and monkeys, and spectacular mountains make for an atmosphere to be treasured. For serious hikers, Hogsback is the end-point of the 6 day, 106km Amatola Trail - we can organise secure parking and drop-offs at the beginning of the trail.

For those wanting adventure tours, we offer abseiling; including training by qualified instructors. Other activities include bird-watching and for those with their own equipment, mountain biking, fly-fishing and 4x4 driving.

Hogsback is a peaceful place, but in times past the surrounding area was the scene of bloody battles - in particular the Christmas Day Massacre of 1850 which sparked the 8th War of Dispossession. This makes Hogsback the perfect place from which to explore the Maqoma and Sandile Heritage Routes, for those interested in cultural tours of the Eastern Cape.

These days the village is home to a colourful assortment of artists, potters and poets who welcome visitors into their studios and homes. An artful place indeed - Picasso is said to have gained inspiration from the clay figurines of hogs and horses produced by local craftsmen, which are on sale along the roadside.

Endangered flora and fauna is abundant - Hogsback is one of the last strongholds of the Cape Parrot (only +/- 300 left in the wild - a large group of them often roost in the hostels trees) and the Samango monkey, as well as being home to unique and unusual species of butterfly, bamboo, fungi and mosses. Game reserves containing typically African wildlife are within easy driving distance of the village.

We offer a shuttle service which runs from Hogsback to East London and Chintsa return, every day except Wednesday and Saturday. So get here soon - the Fairies are waiting to show you a whole new magical world.