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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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, book clubs, and a chamber
music group. A number of parents on Hogsback home-school their children.
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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, Indian head and shoulders massage, reflexology,
or just enjoy reading a book.
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Use the pages of this Web to see the delights
that Hogsback has to offer. And then, come and experience them for yourself.
You will not be disappointed!
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