Elundini Backpackers

Getting stuck into stacks of activities on site is a fine way to get an insight into the local culture, of course. And to get to know your natural surrounds? There are lots of easy hiking trails around the Hogsback area, each needing around an hour of walking and taking in waterfalls or leading through the town’s arboretum. Other options for getting up close to the local scenery include abseiling, archery, horse riding and mountain bike tours from Hogsback. And if you want to meet some of your non-human neighbours, perhaps plan a day out in Double Drift Game Reserve (an hour’s drive) – elephants, zebra, rhinos and buffalo roam around the bushveld here. Time to admire some man-made treasures? Hang around in Hogsback to find your way through the Labyrinth at The Edge (leave plenty of time… it’s one of the world’s biggest) or to visit the atmospheric art at the eco-shrine. Human and animal artefacts (hello, Huberta the hippo) come together in the displays at Amathole Museum, an hour away in King William’s Town.