Hogsback is a mystical little village tucked deep in the mountains of the Eastern Cape. It’s magic inspired JR Tolkien when he penned The Hobbit and its not hard to see why. As you drive up the narrow mountain pass leading to the town’s main road it feels like you are travelling backwards in time and entering a parallel realm where unicorns roam, and elves and goblins play in the misty forest.

The bush is lush, pristine and towering with indigenous trees, there are waterfalls everywhere and in Spring it is splashed with shrubs blossoming with every colour of the rainbow. Hogsback is a magnet for arty, airy-fairy folk, and we fell in love with the land of the fairies, dragons, hobbits and residents who have thrown in the rat race and exchanged it for a life with their heads in the clouds and a view to die for.

Artist Diana Graham’s Eco Shrine in Hogsback

We sat right on the top of the Kettlespout falls, where a mountain stream pours metres out into the air before plummeting into the forest below. We rambled along the Tyume river, crisscrossing quaint bridges and jumping stepping stones to get to the boiling pot, where the river gurgles and falls into a stewing frenzy before gushing out into the land beneath.

Hiking along the Tyume River

We walked 1.4kms in a circular meditation labyrinth at the edge of a mountain top, and absorbed the incredible views and deep spirituality of the Eco-shrine. We ate delicious stone-fired pizzas under a massive oak tree at Butterflies Bistro, and chatted to host Ivan over tea and his delightful fresh scones at Somerset Gardens.

Hogsback is home to the largest meditational labyrinth in the world

We bought the obligatory cute little mud hogs from the street sellers, and shopped in the only grocery store in town. Although we were offered “magic mushrooms” quite a few times, we abstained – who needs something mind altering when being in such an amazing place is already so surreal and mind blowing!

On top of the world in Hogsback

Hogsback is a little town with a big heart, and is well worth a visit if you are in need of some reflection, respite and relaxation. It is the perfect location for a meaningful and memorable family getaway, and has carved a special place into our family story.

Watch the magic of Hogsback in our short video. We had the most incredible time making it!

Click here to watch on YouTube if it does not display correctly on your device.