Eastern Cape: Hogsback
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I was born and raised on a small farm on the outskirts of the Hogsback village. My transport was a horse (preferred) or a bicycle until I was 16 years old when I got a motorbike.
I used these modes of transport to explore the amazing Amathole Mountain range and all it has to offer. Today I use my Adventure bike and 4 x 4 vehicle to share some of the lessor known attractions we have in the area with history enthusiasts and guests.
As a university student I would help out as a barman at the Hogsback Inn during holiday season, so I’ve known the Inn for a long time. After I sold a national company I was running, I came down to the Inn to celebrate. I got a bit drunk and ended up buying the place!
I re-branded it as The Historic Hogsback Inn as it was the original building in what has become the village of Hogsback.
There are 5 main categories of tourism interest that bring visitors to the Amatholes:
Eco tourism- Mountains, waterfalls, grasslands Afromontane forest.
Sport and adventure- Trail running, flyfishing, hiking, mountain biking, adventure biking. Something for every letter of the alphabet from Abseiling to Zip lining!
History, Heritage and Culture. It’s the melting pot od RSA’s rainbow nation. Nearly 100 years of Frontier wars.
Arts and crafts- a very conducive environment for creative people Artists, authors, poets’ potters abound.
Events – the ideal place for weddings, conferences, sporting events, music festivals etc.
At the moment I’m a director of the Amathole Mountain Escape Tourism Association NPC which represents the region on Ectour NPC, a provincial rural Tourism promotion company. I am also currently Chairperson of Ectour.
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Adventure Activities
Start off your adventure with learning to shoot a bow & arrow, Robin Hood style!
Grab a mountain bike and take a leisurely 5km cycle to the abseil point (If you cannot ride a bike you can swap this option for a shuttle service)
Arrive at the top of Madonna & Child waterfall and meet your abseiling instructor, abseil 35m down into the forest.
Enjoy a romantic picnic next to this magnificent waterfall!
Take a 4.5km hike back through the pristine indigenous Afromontane forest, past the famous Big Tree and back to town. This should take roughly about 2 hours at a slow pace. (If you do not wish to hike, a shuttle option is available at no extra charge)
Are meals included?
A R120 per person restaurant voucher for RedClay Café is included if you are taking the package with accommodation. There is also a restaurant and bar at the Hogsback Inn Hotel (for your your own account)
Do I need any experience to do the activities in this promotion?
No, all activities are suitable for beginners and your guide will give you all the required training and instructions before proceeding with the activity.
I used these modes of transport to explore the amazing Amathole Mountain range and all it has to offer. Today I use my Adventure bike and 4 x 4 vehicle to share some of the lessor known attractions we have in the area with history enthusiasts and guests.
As a university student I would help out as a barman at the Hogsback Inn during holiday season, so I’ve known the Inn for a long time. After I sold a national company I was running, I came down to the Inn to celebrate. I got a bit drunk and ended up buying the place!
I re-branded it as The Historic Hogsback Inn as it was the original building in what has become the village of Hogsback.
There are 5 main categories of tourism interest that bring visitors to the Amatholes:
Eco tourism- Mountains, waterfalls, grasslands Afromontane forest.
Sport and adventure- Trail running, flyfishing, hiking, mountain biking, adventure biking. Something for every letter of the alphabet from Abseiling to Zip lining!
History, Heritage and Culture. It’s the melting pot od RSA’s rainbow nation. Nearly 100 years of Frontier wars.
Arts and crafts- a very conducive environment for creative people Artists, authors, poets’ potters abound.
Events – the ideal place for weddings, conferences, sporting events, music festivals etc.
At the moment I’m a director of the Amathole Mountain Escape Tourism Association NPC which represents the region on Ectour NPC, a provincial rural Tourism promotion company. I am also currently Chairperson of Ectour.
-
Adventure Activities
Start off your adventure with learning to shoot a bow & arrow, Robin Hood style!
Grab a mountain bike and take a leisurely 5km cycle to the abseil point (If you cannot ride a bike you can swap this option for a shuttle service)
Arrive at the top of Madonna & Child waterfall and meet your abseiling instructor, abseil 35m down into the forest.
Enjoy a romantic picnic next to this magnificent waterfall!
Take a 4.5km hike back through the pristine indigenous Afromontane forest, past the famous Big Tree and back to town. This should take roughly about 2 hours at a slow pace. (If you do not wish to hike, a shuttle option is available at no extra charge)
Are meals included?
A R120 per person restaurant voucher for RedClay Café is included if you are taking the package with accommodation. There is also a restaurant and bar at the Hogsback Inn Hotel (for your your own account)
Do I need any experience to do the activities in this promotion?
No, all activities are suitable for beginners and your guide will give you all the required training and instructions before proceeding with the activity.