Hogsback, Eastern Cape, has been at the top of my “Places to see in South Africa” list for a while now, and I finally made the trip! Nestled amidst the Amathole Mountains, Hogsback is the perfect haven for nature enthusiasts seeking solace and rejuvenation. It is 2 hours away from East London, accessible via flight. I’m unaware of all modes of transport to Hogsback, but you can get a standard car rental and drive there from the airport.

Most people visit the exact location in Hogsback; yes, we all know that bath with open mountain views, but do we know the spaces amidst the enchanting forests?

Accommodation 

I stayed at the Organic Origins in the Protea Cabin, hosted by the friendliest couple, Dayle & Jaco. Upon arrival, the hosts warmly welcomed us, assisted us with carrying our luggage, and helped us settle in. They’re probably the best hosts I’ve experienced at an accommodation; I’m not surprised by their “Superhost” status on Airbnb.

Stepping inside, I was surrounded by a sense of cosiness and comfort. The interior was minimalistic, with wooden furnishings and earthy tones creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Large windows framed picturesque views of the surrounding forest, inviting the outdoors and allowing natural light to flood the space.

The cabin boasted all the amenities one could desire for a comfortable stay, including a well-equipped kitchenette, a cosy living area with a fireplace, and a plush bed adorned with crisp linens.

 My favourite was the complimentary breakfast basket personally brought by Dayle, which had freshly baked bread, cow’s milk, newly made berry jam, lemon curd, muesli, organic eggs and butter.

I had to force myself to stop eating!

The secluded deck offers the perfect spot for morning coffee or stargazing at night. Truthfully, my paranoid self avoided stargazing, as it gets incredibly dark at night – and I don’t like extreme darkness.

Local Explorations

During my stay, I spent my days exploring the waterfall and the enchanting forests surrounding Organic Origins.

You’ll find all your necessities within the quaint town, such as a small convenience store, a fuel station, an ice-cream shop, hiking trails and restaurants.

 

 

Dayle and Jaco provide a map with all the activities to do in the town and help you choose what best works for your physical needs.

A disclaimer, I would not recommend being out till late as the road is gravel in Hogsback, with occasional dips and rises. However, it is manageable for all car types – just more manageable for others. We drove in a Renault Kwid, and it did well. Plus, the driver (me) navigated the gravel roads and hills superbly (wink wink). 

As I reluctantly bid farewell to the Protea Cabin and Organic Origins, I carried a sense of peace and renewal that would stay with me long after my departure.

In a world that often feels chaotic and frenetic, places like Organic Origins serve as a reminder of the importance of slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and nourishing the soul. And for those seeking refuge from the world’s noise, the Protea Cabin is a tranquil oasis, offering sanctuary amidst the beauty of the Eastern Cape landscape.

Location: Protea Cabin, Organic Origins, Hogsback (there are 3 different cabins available)

When: All Seasons (Winter you’ll be surrounded by snow)

How much: For rates (I would recommend directly as Airbnb is more costly)

For more information, visit Organic Origins.

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