Sometimes the warmest travel memories are made in the heart of winter. It may seem like I'm trying to make the best out of a bitter situation, but just like its warmer siblings, winter offers travellers a unique charm.
For many South Africans, winter is an uncomfortable time that's best spent indoors - preferably in front of a heat source. However, veteran local travellers also know that between May and August, travelling becomes far gentler on the wallet.
And, although all corners of the country experience the colder months differently, some nooks and crannies reveal a secret side when the thermometer begins to fall. In my case, I had never seen or touched snow in my life, and that's as good a reason as any to pack the car and head out in pursuit of a winter getaway.
Into the Amatole Mountains
Most travellers heading to the Eastern Cape tend to gravitate towards the Wild Coast, where endless beaches meet rolling pastures and tarred roads are few and far between. The inland Eastern Cape is certainly far less travelled.
Hogsback itself is tucked high in the Amatole Mountains, which are home to some of our continent's southernmost Afromontane forests. It's a landscape dominated by African giants, including white pear, ironwood, Cape holly and two species of yellowwood.
The Amatole forest is one of the largest in the country, and to this day, people claim that J.R.R. drew inspiration from the region for many of the forests in his The Lord of the Rings legendarium.
In reality, the inspiration worked the other way around. Back in the 1940s, locals built a holiday camp for underprivileged children called Hobbiton on Hogsback, named for the famous hobbit village. Once you arrive in Hogsback, it's easy to see why.
This story is from the June 2023 edition of South African Garden and Home.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2023 edition of South African Garden and Home.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ALL THE COLOURS
My wardrobe may be mostly black, but my world is awash with every hue
Be Prepared Pet First Aid
Get a wound-care first aid kit ready for when pet emergencies strike with the help of veterinarian Dr Caitlyn
ESCAPE THE CITY
You don't need to travel far from the city to experience the best South Africa has to offer this Easter weekend
BRING THE HEAT
Upgrade your outdoor living space this autumn with the essential element of fire
ABANDONED BEAUTY
Bring love into your home with the leftovers of nature and second-hand treasures
ADAPT and GROW
This Johannesburg garden proves some trends are always worth following
FIERY SUCCULENTS
Spice up your autumn and winter garden with these warm-toned succulent species
Paint Your Patio
Learn how to paint your patio floor with Elle
Art of LIVING
A visit to the former home and garden of Sir Hans Heysen and his talented daughter, Nora, opens a window to their artworks and lives
IN BALANCE
While it was first and foremost created to fit around their family, this 1920s home at the foot of Table Mountain reflects the refined design sensibilities and collector's eye of its owners