 Hogsback is
a village high up in the Amatola Mountains in the Eastern Cape
Province, South Africa. The village overlooks the rivers and
slopes of the Tyume valley. It got its name from nearby
mountain peaks which resembles the bristles of a hog’s back.
Hogsback is also known by its Xhosa name Qabimbola, which
means “Red Clay On The Face”, which is used during initiation
rites. The area is known for indigenous forests, waterfalls
and trout fishing. It sports a rich variety of birdlife (more
than a 100 species) which includes the Cape parrot (there are
reportedly only 300 left in the world) as well as the Knysna
Lourie, Hornbill and many more. See the Hogsback Bird
Directory.
Waterfalls in the area comprise the Madonna & Child, The
Thirty None Steps, Swallowtail falls, the Bridal Veil falls and
the Kettle Spout falls. The vegetation in Hogsback is lush
with cherry blossoms, rhododendrons, azaleas and lilies
abound. Many Forest walks are begging to be explored and takes
one through the mystical forests, past the many waterfalls and
streams and up peaks where you can have a magnificent vista
over the Amatola basin.
Legend have it….
The Amatola Forest in the Hogsback area is often claimed as Bloemfontein
born, JRR Tolkien’s inspiration for The Lord of the Rings and many Tolkienesque
names can be found.
History
Hogsback initially provided home to the earlier English farming settlers
after the frontier wars. Among the earlier settlers was Thomas Summerton, who
was a gardener by trade. He is said to have planted many apple orchards,
hazelnut avenues, berry fruit trees and many colourful flowering plants that
have spread throughout the area. For more history of the area,
click here
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