One's overwhelming sense of Hogsback is the quiet, broken only by the singing of birds or the primeval call of the Knysna Lourie - even the chatter of a troop of Samango monkeys as they feed and play in the canopies of trees. And when you do hear a motor vehicle you wonder who is coming to visit.

This village, high up on the Amathole mountains and surrounded by centuries-old indigenous Afro-montane forests, has a dramatic natural beauty. Look towards the mountains and escarpment and you see several waterfalls.

In the other direction you can see the Tyume valley and beyond. Overlooking it all are the "three Hogs". From the top of Gaika's Kop (1700 m) you have a panoramic view: The Elandsberg mountains and the Seymour valley, even the coastline some 120 km away as the crow flies.

You are likely to see a long-crested eagle or crowned eagle riding the thermals, in search of its next meal. In the late afternoon you may be fortunate enough to hear - even see - a few of the highly endangered Cape Parrots returning home after a long day out, feeding. They nest in the Yellowwood trees in the indigenous forest.

And in winter you may find even the lower-lying parts of the village covered by a blanket of snow. A silent winter wonderland that seems far removed from the hot days and noisy thunderstorms of summer.

Here you will also find magnificent gardens, with exotic plants from Australia, Europe, North America, the Himalayas, China and Japan. The gardens of Hogsback are an attraction that brings several gardening tour groups from as far as Cape Town and Johannesburg every year.

A range of excellent accommodation is provided by several Hotels, Bed-and-Breakfast establishments, Self-catering Cottages, and Backpackers and Camping facilities. Something to suit every taste and every budget.

Hogsback is home to several accomplished artists, including painters, potters, poets, musicians, singers, and photographers. They, as well as many other active and retired professional and business people live a rich personal and community life here. Hogsback has an active garden club and book clubs. A number of parents on Hogsback home-school their children.

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. Or you can simply relax, enjoy an aromatherapy massage, head and shoulders massage, reflexology, or just enjoy reading a book.

Use the pages of this Web to see the delights that Hogsback has to offer. And then, come and experience them for yourself. You won't be disappointed!