Example itineraries - GraphiCouture

Open gardens. Amazing nature photo opportunities and to take interesting photos during activities, such as walking the unhedged labyrinth at sunset, or photos at the amazingly unusual Rose Theater at StarwaysArts Centre or at the Eco-Shrine Centre for Art and Ecology.

Day 1 - Fri o/n @touraco

11:30-12:30 | 01:00 - art collection - en route to Hogsback, visit Fort Hare’s African art collection
13:00-14:30 | 01:30 -
19:30-20:30 | 01:00 - dinner - @touraco - art collection from local artists
20:30-22:00 | 01:30 - bonfire - relax at the fireplace

Day 2 - Sat o/n @touraco

07:30-08:30 | 01:00 - breakfast -
Morning options

09:00-11:00 | 02:00 - pottery lessons - @starwaysArts
09:00-11:00 | 02:00 - soap making workshop @jikani

11:30-13:30 | 02:00 - bluff hike, labyrinth and eco shrine - when you reach the centre of the labyrinth, you sit down and meditate for a few minutes. Visit Diana Graham’s art studio, by appointment.
13:30-14:00 | 01:30 - lunch - @theEdge
Afternoon options

16:00-19:00 | 03:00 - cooking class - @touraco - curries or other bespoke meal

19:00-20:30 | 01:30 - dinner - bespoke meal prepared during cooking class - curries/other
20:30-late | relax with friends - at your self-catering cottage in front of the fire

Day 3 - Sun

09:00-10:00 | 01:00 - breakfast after sleeping in
10:30-11:00 | 00:30 - checkout
11:00-12:30 | 01:30 - cillax in the Garden
12:30-14:00 | 01:30 - Sunday lunch is really awesome @touraco buffet Sunday lunch

Conservation/Community @hobbiton [m]

Example Itinerary - 3days/2nights

Ideas for eco-travellers, nature conservation, social impact. Local conservation and community projects and subjects include: Research and conservation of Samango monkeys and baboons. Wild bird trust - CapeParots, Yellow-wood trees / Tree planting / Reforestation / Invasive species management. Trees for bees. Recycle projects - Lizzy’s recycle project. Highlights

• plant a tree • work with locals • learn and network with local projects • community building • support local community offerings • natural building • permaculture • leadership • team building • personal development

• leadership • team building @hobbiton+@touraco • natural building training - @terra-Khaya @elundini

Day 1 - Mon o/n @hobbiton

10:00-11:00 | 01:00 - check in - arrive, everyone settle into their lodging and meet the hosts. (Early arrivals can book in the previous night for a nominal extra fee for one night’s accommodation.)
11:00-12:00 | 01:00 - hobbiton tour - a quick intro to the programme for the next two days.
12:00-19:30 | 05:00 - local exploration - take your time to get a feel for Hogsback

Lunch at one of the lovely restaurants
Short hikes - Labyrinth, Bluff-walk, Eco shrine, Crystal Corner,
Shops - Starways Pottery Gallery, Mountain Mojo, Waltree, Hoggest shop
Hobbiton - Explore the hobbiton audiovisual centre and library

17:00-18:30 | 01:30 - birding - guided birding walk starting at hobbiton
18:30-21:30 - 02:00 - dinner + discussions - discussions and slideshows relating to topics of interest. Hobbiton promotes environmental and social awareness, self improvement and cross cultural appreciation, as well as life skills of disadvantaged children. Go over the programme for the next day to check-in with everyone’s preferences, since all activities are voluntary.

Day 2 - Tue o/n @hobbiton

07:30-08:30 | 01:00 - breakfast - hearty communal breakfast
08:30-09:00 | 00:30 - briefing - mental prep for an eventful morning
09:00-12:30 | 03:30 - programme activities - with 30 minute tea break.
12:30-13:30 | 01:00 - lunch - self-catering lunch using the facilities at Hobbiton
13:30-14:00 | 00:30 - get ready for hike - Relax and get ready for a hike - pack water and picnic snacks.
14:00-18:00 | 04:00 - hike with picnic - Spend leisure time in the forest with or without a guide
18:00-19:30 | 01:30 - unscheduled time - relax on the grounds with group and prepare dinner
19:30-20:30 | 01:00 - dinner -
20:30-21:30 | 01:00 - slideshow + discussions - topics relating to conservation and community.

Day 3 - Wed

07:30-08:30 | 01:00 - breakfast - have breakfast with the group
08:30-09:00 | 00:30 - briefing - plan the morning.
09:00-12:30 | 03:30 - programme - activities with 30 minute tea break.
12:30-13:30 | 01:00 - lunch - enjoying self-catering lunch, sharing stories and saying goodbyes
14:00-14:30 | 00:30 - checkout - after some unforgettable experiences, the time has come to head home.

Wellbeing, Silent retreat or Mindfulness retreat @serendipity+@simpleSense [m]

Example itinerary - 3days/2nights

Highlights

• meditation • introduction • forest bathing • QnA BBQ

Serendipity is a most serene setting where you can indulge in the quiet humming of the forest. Whatever the reason for needing to become more present, to recharge, to be pampered and feel at one with the silence and tranquility of nature.

Day 1 - Mon o/n @serendipity +

14:00-14:30 | 00:30 - check-in - after a most scenic drive, on a winding road surrounded by thick forests, you will reach your destination, welcomed by the hog-sellers who sell their wares on the main road.

Day 2 - Tue o/n @serendipity +

Breakfast
SimpleSense - outdoor yoga circle
Labyrinth
View point sunset

Day 3 - Wed

“Mix it up” - for group with mixed interests @fairies [f]

Example itinerary - 3days/2nights

Highlights

• chill • learn • read • cook • create • hike • bike • swim

Is it time to get ‘away with the fairies’? Away with the Fairies is a magical place in a magical forest. Private chalets, rooms and backpacker dorms. Decor includes beautiful “Lord of the Rings” and fairy artwork and themes. Variety is the spice of life - your group can split up into different activities based on interest.

( hiking through the forests, with highlights being the Big Tree, the Madonna and Child Falls, 39 Steps Falls and the Arboretum.) at Away with the Fairies, followed by a delicious pizza from their bar.

Day 1 - Fri o/n @fairies

Arrive early to start an exciting acventure
Something to do before checkin 10:00 - 12:00 + Lunch
11:30-12:30 | 01:00 - art collection - on the way to Hogsback, visit the Fort Hare African art collection
13:00-14:00 | 01:00 - lunch @happyHogs/@lighthouseRanch/@beerBrewingCo - many options
14:00-15:30 | 00:30 - check-in -meet your hosts and settle into your accommodation.
18:00-19:00 | 00:30 - cliff-edge bath @fairies + hop into a celebrity bath with a view - booking essential
19:00-20:00 | 01:00 - sundowner cocktails -
20:00-22:00 | 02:00 - dinner and bon-fire banter - pizzas are amazing, and artisan beers. Very social atmosphere

Day 2 - Sat o/n @fairies

08:30 - Arrival and dropoff - arrive in Hogsback and drop people off at their selected activities.
08:30-11:30 | 03:00 - split group into activities with some extra time to ease in and out of the activities

09:00-11:00 | 02:00 - pottery lesson @starways every Saturday pottery lessons - booking essential
09:00-11:00 | 02:00 - wellness/chill @serendipity+@spa - Meditation, Yoga, intro to personal development offerings, tea-time, spa-treatment, relax at the pool or in a beautiful garden/forest setting with a book.
09:00-11:00 | 02:00 - mountain biking @hogsback adventures - Scenic mountain bike ride past numerous waterfalls to hidden viewpoints. Options for abseiling. Take a refreshing swim in a rock pool. Cycle around town and then back to Touraco to meet up with the group for lunch.
09:00-11:00 | 02:00 - hike @touraco/@hogsback adventures - guided or unguided. Go by vehicle to the hiking starting point. Stock your backpack with swimming gear and picnic goodies. Hike through indigenous forests that lead to waterfalls, swimming and picnic spots.
09:00 - 12:00 | 03:00 - cooking class @touraco - options available on their website - booking essential.

12:00 - lunch - Meet up at touraco table for appetisers and lunch prepared by your group
13:30 - Cycle back to to Hogsback Adventures to do some Archery.

18:30-20:30 | 01:00 - sundowners and dinner - @theEdge - enjoy the beautiful setting whilst sipping on a glass of bubbles or a gin cocktail.

Day 3 - Sun

09:00-10:00 | 01:00 - conservation and birding walk - either an early morning or late afternoon guided birding walk.
10:00-12:30 | 02:30 - explore nurseries/gardens - plant a tree - Local nurseries have incredible plants for sale where you can buy your plants, and buy a tree to plant in Hogsback.
10:00- | x - checkout from accommodation.
Something to do before/after checkout 10:00 - 12:00 + Lunch
11:00- | x - browse the village -
12:30- | x - padkos - get some ‘padkos’ from WholeHog takeaways

Cold-misty-rainy-snowy-windy @laragh-on-Hogsback [m]

Example itinerary - 3days/2nights

Highlights

• short hike • wood fire • views • indoor leisure

Day 1 - Mon o/n @laragh-on-Hogsback

14:00-14:30 | 03:00 - Arrive and check-in: Scenic drive up a windy road that climbs up into Hogsback. Check into your cozy cottage. Relax and unwind with some tea and refreshments, and get charged up and ready to step into nature.
16:30-17:30 | 01:00 - Arboretum - Evening with the Cape parrots guided birding/photography hike. Bring binoculars, camera. Booking essential.
21:00-22:00 | 01:00 - night-cap and stories - Enjoy hot chocolate, a sherry or some gluhwein in front of the fireplace at your cottage or at a restaurant. [Have your stack of books to read ready! or work on your poetry or creative writing projects]
22:00 | return to your accommodation, ready for a good night's sleep.

Day 2 - Tue o/n @laragh-on-Hogsback

07:00-09:30 - Lounge in and around your cottage, make a fire, make breakfast, get ready for the day.
09:30-10:30 - Supplies - Take a quick trip to the village to get any needed beverages, snack supplies and groceries. Get a great book or two to read or even a board game and cards!
10:30-12:30 - Short hikes - since the sun might come through, be ready to slip in a hike or three. 1. to waterfall; 2. Hike past many small ones, then right to the top edge of a tall waterfall with a great valley view. 3. one followed a muddy path along a fence to a nice viewpoint.
Cultural experiences. Bold point or Elundini traditional dining and / entertainment eg. gumboot dancing.
Rustic Away With The Fairies Inn, viewpoint via an archway! Great coffee, smoothies, A great place to relax outside with a coffee or health-smoothy.
18:00-19:00 | 01:00 - labyrinth - walk the labyrinth and enjoy the scenery and sunset.
19:30-21:00 | 01:30 - dinner - enjoy some pizza / winter - dinner with a fireplace
21:30-22:30 | 01:00 - leisure - kick back with a great read or play some board games with a good sherry until the sandman springles his dust into your eyes.
20:30-22:00 | 01:30 - campfire stories and photo slideshow - sit around the campfire, watch a slideshow of everyone’s photos and gaze at the galaxy of stars.
22:00 | return to your accommodation.

Day 3 - Wed

09:00-10:00 | 01:00 - sleep in - start with a well deserved lazy day by sleeping in and recharging - make another fire and breakfast (if self-catering - granola/coffee ) or order take-aways.
14:00-14:30 | 00:30 - checkout - After breakfast in front of the fire in our room, we checked out at 10:00.
17:00-18:00 | 00:30 - labyrinth - walk the large labyrinth at The Edge for some meditation and spiritual centering and the nearby right-on-the-cliff-side viewpoint.

Sunny warm day @aHogsLife [f]

Example Itinerary, 3days/2nights

Highlights

• summer • dinner on patio • star gazing

Day 1 - Fri @aHogsLife

09:00-10:00 | 01:00 - stretching legs - Scenic drive to Hogsback, heading for The Edge to stretch legs in the fresh mountain air, by taking a walk at the Bluff.

Day 2 - Sat @aHogsLife

07:00-08:00 | 01:00 - yoga+meditation - 45 minutes yoga + 15 minutes meditation - @terra-Khaya / SimpleSense
08:00-09:00 | 01:00 - breakfast - african-infusion breakfast - at Terra-Khaya
09:00-11:00 | 02:00 - pottery class - at Starways including tea time
12:00-13-30 | 01:30 - eco-shrine tour and walkabout
13:30-15:00 | 01:00 - lunch at The Touraco Table
15:00-16:00 | 01:00 - music circle - choir/Jembe/Instruments - jamming together - self-ordanised
19:00-20:00 | 01:00 - sunset at Hogsback’s Secret Waterfall
22:00 | Overnight at .xxx

Day 3 - Sun

07:00-08:00 | 01:00 - breakfast - enjoy breakfast and then put on your hiking boots!
08:00-09:00 | 01:00 - guided birding walk or other hike (guided or self-guided)
09:00-12:00 | 03:00 - bike-abseil-hike / archery / cooking lesson / pottery lesson

01:00 mountain bike through the forest to the Madonna and Child Waterfall
01:00 Abseil down a waterfall and picnic (guided/assisted)
01:00 Hike back to the Village through the forest

14:30-16:30 | 02:00 - art class - includes material, food and wine.
20:00-21:00 | 02:00 - fire-place stories - snuggle in the lounge with a warm fire going and hot chocolate or gluhwein.

Team-building excursion @historicHogsbackInn [m]

Example itinerary - 3days/2nights

Highlights

•

Day 1 - Mon o/n @historicHogsbackInn

14:00-14:30 | 00:30 - checkin - in the early afternoon we reach Hogsback and settle into the comforts of our hotel, with extensive garden, friendly hospitality.
Time at your leisure to explore the hotel’s property.

Day 2 - Tue o/n @historicHogsbackInn

7-9 a.m.: Buffet breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
Touraco - hike up to Hog1
Touraco - picnic lunch in the mountain-
Hobbiton - 2 hours team building activities
18:00-21:00 | 02:00 - team-dynamics informal introduction seminar - by @serendipity + @hobbiton - barbeque and seminar at HogsbackInn Hotel
19:00-20:30 | 01:30 - buffet dinner - after an abundance of fun in the sun, settle down with a delicious buffet dinner.

Day 3 - Wed

08:00-09:00 | 01:00 - breakfast - at hotel
09:00-10:30 | 01:30 - birding - embark on an exciting and informative guided birding hike
09:30-10:00 | 00:30 - check out of the hotel by 10:00

Katberg/Hogsback golfing/combo holiday @katbergEcoGolfEstate [f]

Example itinerary - 3days/2nights

Sometimes when Hogsback is fully booked during festivals or over the festive season, so there is the option to combine Hogsback and Katberg, both being beautiful natural mountain retreats. Katberg is a 01:20 hours drive from Hogsback, where you can overnight at a self-catering villa or the hotel and enjoy golf and offers facilities for the entire family.

Highlights

• golf • pro-shop • tennis courts • swimming pool • horse riding • fishing • spa • hiking • restaurant and bar • self-catering cottages • hotel

Day 1 - Fri o/n @katbergEcoGolfEstate

10:00-12:00 | 02:00 - forest hike - Arrive early in Hogback and embark on a hike from the Arboretum to forest bathe and visit some of the waterfalls. You can book a guided hike @touraco or guided birding walk or take a self-guided hike. Mountain bike trails and other options available.
12:00-13:30 | 01:30 - lunch - at one of the great restaurants in the village eg. @touraco @theEdge @happyHogs or others and brows the shops in the vicinity for souvineirs.
13:30-15:30 | 02:00 - explore - visit other shops and attractions such as @starwaysArts forest gallery +
15:30-17:00 | 01:30 - drive to @katbergEcoGolfEstate - there may be cows in the road, so it is best to drive in daylight.
17:00-20:00 | 02:30 - activities - you may arrive in time for pre booked activities or spa treatment, relax at facilities.
19:30-21:00 | 01:30 - dinner - at the hotel’s restaurant

Day 2 - Sat o/n @katbergEcoGolfEstate

08:00-20:00 | 12:00 - golfing day, 9 or 18 holes of golf and other activities at Katberg. The non-golfers can enjoy some fishing, horse riding, spa treatments and relax at the facilities.
20:00-21:30 | 01:30 - dinner - at the hotel’s restaurant.

Day 3 - Sun

08:30-10:00 | 01:30 - breakfast - enjoy breakfast at the hotel or make breakfast in your cottage.
10:00-10:30 | 00:30 - checkout - checkout from Katberg accommodation
10:30-12:00 | 01:30 - drive - enjoy another very scenic drive up to Hogsback
12:00-15:00 | 03:00 - lunch - and afternoon at TheEdge - labyrinth, shops, hike to eco-shrine, bluff hike

Wild Forest & Mountain Adventure [m] @...

Example itinerary - 3days/2nights

Highlights

• hiking • horse riding • fishing • 4x4 forest cruise

Immerse yourself into a world of forests and fantasy!

Day 1 - Mon o/n @...

14:00-14:30 | 03:00 - arrive and check in - Arrive at,
16:00-17:00 | 01:00 - xxx - Relax and unwind on the patio of your loggings or at the beautiful eco-lounge - If you would like to have a massage, be sure to book one ahead of time.
17:00- 19:00 | 02:00 - xxx -
19:00-20:30 | 01:30 - dinner - Home-cooked comf dinner, warm fires and bed before the adventures begin.

Day 2 - Tue o/n @...

07:30-09:00 | 01:30 - breakfast - on a sunny day, enjoy a bbq breakfast at the braai-facilities, while working out the details of everyone’s plans for the day. (remember to pack refreshments/picnic and water)
09:00-11:30 | 02:30

hikers - after breakfast, embark on a forest bathing hike into the mysterious and magical Tyhume Indigenous Forest or take a comfortable 15 minute stroll to 39 steps waterfall and a 40 minutes stroll to Swallowtail Falls and another short hike to visit the big tree.
other - plenty of exploring to do in Hogsback. Visit library to get some books, visit the quint little shops in the main road - options for spa treatments, haircut, beer tasting, even cooking classes or pottery lessons.

11:30-12:30 | 01:00 - eco shrine - meet at parking area and drive to eco shrine
13:00-14:00 | 01:00 - lunch - return to the village and visit a local pub for lunch or enjoy take-away food in a secnid spot. A big variety from Pizza to Calamari Burgers.
16:30-17:00 | 00:30 - starwaysarts - browse the pottery-gallery and check out the Rose Theatre
19:00-20:30 | 01:30 - dinner - returning to Terra-Khaya for dinner
20:30-22:00 | 01:30 - storytelling around the bon-fire @terra-Khaya

Day 3 - Wed

Breakfast

Doing simply nothing or self-organised silent retreat @hogwartsForest [m]

Example itinerary - 3days/2nights

Highlights

• chill • feet up • relax • sleep • lounge • read • dream • snooze • stargazing • respite • some lazy fun things

By retreating into a scenic forest, you can enjoy where you are and whatever you do without making extra effort. No need to kick out of your serene bed before sunrise or stay up until dawn. The beautiful forests will wait for you to rest out. It takes no extra effort to savour the fresh air, and silence, to be feet up and cozy, or enjoying a comfy stroll. You can spend an entire week in Hogsback doing simply nothing, and it will not be long enough!

Day 1 - Mon o/n @hogwartsForest

14:30-15:30 | 00:30 - check-in - arrive and meet your hosts and settle into your accommodation. Everything is right here so you don’t have to do anything but mingle with nature. Find out from your host about all the fun, relaxation and recreation that are available at this location and others.

Day 2 - Tue o/n @hogwartsForest

breakfast
Your host …
Move the nothing-doing outdoors
Lunch
14:00-16:00 | 02:00 - short, slow hike - it is no good to lie down after eating, so maybe don some hiking boots! You can take a walk right outside the cottage or a short drive away enjoy another part of the forest that starts at the Arboretum. There are numerous easy to do, well-marked trails that start at the Arboretum and leads through the indigenous forest to waterfalls. These easy, leisurely walks are also called ‘forest bathing’, and is supposed to be really healthy. To keep it easy, find out more from the outdoors people.
17:00-18:00 - birding rush-hour - Keep an eye out for the shy Cape parrot returning home from a long day of foraging at faraway place, and you might even spot the smallest toad in the world, the critically endangered Amatola toad.
dinner

Day 3 - Wed

breakfast - If the weather plays along, maybe it will snow on this day.
check out

Camp-fish-n-ride/hike @grasslandsDam [m]

Example itinerary - 3days/2nights

Highlights

• fishing • hiking • scenic drives • horse riding

Day 1 - Mon @grasslandsDam

a variety of restaurants to be enjoyed
15:00-16:00 | 01:00 - Arrive and check in - meet your hosts and et up a tented camp or settle into self-catering accommodation.

Day 2 - Tue @grasslandsDam

08:00-13:00 | 05:00 - fishing, lunch and other activities at dam - spend the morning and lunchtime at the dam, fishing and picnic, braai (do not make fires unless braai places and keep a close eye on the fire)

Day 3 - Wed

Bespoke horse riding excursion [m]

Example itinerary - 3days/2nights

Every ride is personalised to indulge you and to suit your riding experience. You can swim, picnic and dine with horses. Enjoy a ride during the day, at sunrise, sunset or under the full moon. We have full public liability insurance and offer helmets for riders. Suitable for both the experienced and first time rider.

Highlights

• horse riding • combo experiences • picnic • swimming • dining

Day 1 - Mon o/n @terra-Khaya

08:00-10:00 | 02:00 - bond with a horse - begin the practise of natural horsemanship by forming trusting partnerships with a friendly well-trained, easy to ride horse.
10:00-11:30 | 01:30 - - saddle up and ride - choose an easy or more challenging trail through our beautiful countryside, forests, mountains or the quaint village of Hogsback.Take a ride through beautiful mountains and forests.
Swim with horses in the dam
you can stop for snacks, grab a coffee and stretch your legs. picnic on the mountain

Day 2 - Tue o/n @terra-Khaya

breakfast/lunch at one of our fine restaurants in the village of Hogsback -.
HEAD OUT
a swim with the horses in a local dam
Shop - can stock up on some homemade padkos and picnic supplies.

Day 3 - Wed

Indigenous Mountain Adventure (hike/horse)

Example Itinerary: 3day/2night

Highlights

• hike • horse-ride • cycle • cultural experience

Day 1 - Fri o/n @terra-Khaya

Arrive at Terra-Khaya Eco-lodge for a true off-grid, natural, comfy living experience, with warm fires, healthy cooking and cozy cabins.

Day 2 - Sat o/n @terra-Khaya

08:00-09:00 | 01:00 - breakfast - enjoy a hearty Terra-Khaya breakfast, meditation on the veranda.
09:00-entering and experiencing our ancient indigenous forest.

Visit our 2000 year old “Monarch” (big tree) and enjoy
gushing rivers and waterfalls

After your hike, grab a bite at one of our local restaurants before
abseiling the Madonna & Child Waterfall or setting out on a 2.5 hour ride through the Amathole escarpment for sunset.
19:00 - Dinner - Then its back to Terra-Khaya for dinner and a chilled nights rest.

Day 3 - Sun

07:00 | 01:00 - breakfast Wake up to the aroma of coffee and a scrumptious breakfast
08:00 | 00:15 - meditate for 15 minutes while letting the food settle down
08:30 | 01:30 - mountain bike forest trail. Jump on your bike and head onto one of the self-guided forest trails

Indulge yourself with a Xhosa cultural village tour, enjoy bread making and drinking in a shibeen (local home pub). Make sure Lieve cooks you a Xhosa pizza for dinner

15:00-17:00 | 03:00 - Cooking class @Touracu - The Real Deal MayoMaking - Booking essential
15:00-17:00 | 03:00 - Massage and relaxation - Miki
17:00-19:00 | 02:00 - Braai/stories - The Rose Theatre - Bring-n-braai and stories/heritage with locals - booking essential

scalp massage

Birding

Fishing trout

Mountain biking

Massage - Enjoy an spa-treatment - aromatherapy massage, Indian head and shoulders massage, reflexology, accupuncture.

Trek into Hogsback on horseback @elundini [f]

Example itinerary - 3days/2nights

Highlights

• Elundini •

Day 1 - Fri o/n @elundini

14:00-15:00 | 01:00 - arrive at Elundini Village and book into your accommodation.
15:00-17:00 | 02:00 - Elundini village activities - Tour and/or activities - like breadmaking, learn Xhosa
19:00-21:00 | 01:00 - dinner - traditional Xhosa potjie dinner in the heart of Elundini Village.
21:00-22:00 | 01:00 - relax by the fire and listen/tell stories
22:00 | overnight - in comfy Xhosa rondavel

Day 2 - Sat o/n @elundini

- hike to Terra-Khaya… / horse ride?

07:30-08:30 | 01:00 - breakfast. Make early breakfast at your cottage. Pack up hiking gear and picnic.
08:30-12:00 | 03:30 - saddle up - the horses and start the trek back into Hogsback. With picnic pac and a fresh set of clothes.

09:30-11-00 | 00:30 - picnic. Stop for refreshments from a spectacular view point
10:30-12:00 | 02:00 - horse riding - Head through beautiful plantations towards Terra-Khaya.

12:00-12:30 | 00.30 refresh | arrive at Terra-Khaya Hot showers and change of clothes -
12:30-13:30 | 01:00 lunch |

Visit one of our local pubs for lunch.
Locally brewed beers.
Braai at your cottage and relax on the patio.

14:00-18:00 | 04:00 explore Hogsback - Afternoon visiting places in Hogsback:

After lunch indulge yourself in the magic of the Tyhume Indigenous Forest.
Labyrinth, etc etc etc
Visit the big tree and enjoy scintillating waterfalls and rivers.
and explore the hamlet of Hogsback - Abseiling down Madonna & Child waterfall optional

19:30-21:30 | dinner/braai - return to Endulini for a delicious home-cooked dinner, a hot bath and comfy bed. back to Elundini Backpackers for your last comfy night of an unreal Amathole Extreme Adventure.
22:00-late | bonfire - Enjoy the company of friends around a cozy bonfire
Lunch braai dinner at the Terra-Khaya bonfire.

Day 3 - Sun

08:30 | 01:00 - breakfast - enjoy a scrumptious breakfast and coffee
09:30 | 01:00 - xxx

Plant a tree - If you have a tree to plant, you can plant the tree at Elundini

10:30 | check out - of your rondavel
11:00 | village activity - indulge in a Xhosa village tour or a other activity
12:00 | braai -

Trek into Xhosa Village on horseback @terra-Khaya [m]

Example itinerary - 3days/2nights

Highlights

• Xhosa living • beer tasting

Day 1 - Mon o/n @terra-Khaya

12:00-13:30 | 01:30 - lunch and forest bathing - If you are arriving before check in at Elundini make a detour into Hogsback for lunch.
14:00-14:30 | 00:30 - check in - drive to Elundini and check into your accommodation
13:00-18:00 | 03:00 - Elundini village tour - Leisurely, informal village tour and some activities
18:00-19:00 | 01:00 - sundowners - hike to a nearby viewpoint to view spectacular scenery and sunset
19:00-21:00 | 02:00 - bonfire dining - Relax around a bon-fire with home-cooked meals made by your host. Learn some Xhosa, listen to and tell stories. If you brought your own meat, you can put it on the coals.
21:00 Overnight in Rondavel

Day 2 - Tue o/n @terra-Khaya

06:30 - sunrise views - early risers can get going with some coffee, and then take a short walk through the village and up the hill to enjoy a spectacular 360’ view sunrise. A great place for meditation.
07:30-08:30 | 01:00 - breakfast - return to the village to enjoy the legendary Elundini "breakfast-in-a-cup" with vetkoek
08:30-09:30 | 01:00 - Camohogs 4x4 excursion through the forest to Hogsback
10:00-13:00 | 03:00 - stops in Hogsback

Hogsback Brewing Company - Taste some Beers and get a bite to eat.
The Whole Hog - get some padkos and visit Spa for supplies. Be sure to have at least 1 liter of water.
Woltree - samples their selection of treats in stock for your picnic pack.
Hogsback Adventures - Shoot a few arrows at and browse their shop -
Bike riders can rent bikes at hogsback adventures and head off into the forest and then to TerraKaya where lunch will be enjoyed by the group.

13:00-14:00 | 01:00 - lunch @terra-Khaya
Afternoon options

14:00 - saddle up - to ride to Elundini on horseback or mountain bikes - 2pm @terra-Khaya
14:00 - camo-hogs - non-riders - embark on camohogs 4x4 vehicles for forest excursion leading back to Elundini

14:30 - swim in the dam - horse riders head out through pine forests for a swim in the dam with the horses
15:30 - ride into Elundini - We proceed over the escarpment, down into the valley below the Hogsback mountains. We ride into the Xhosa village with breathtaking views of the Amathole Mountains.
18:00 - freshen up - enjoy a refreshing shower after a good workout
19:00 - sunset - Elundini is perfectly situated with spectacular scenery and sunsets
20:00 - dinner - Everyone can meet up back at Elundini for dinner. Decently hungry after an eventful day it is time to enjoy a delicious dinner - cooked by Lieve - the host.
22:00 - overnight - Once ready and sleepy - return to your rondavel for a good night sleep

Day 3 - Wed

07:00-08:00 | 01:00 - yoga, meditation - rise early for some yoga and meditation
08:00-09:00 | 01:00 - breakfast -
09:00-10:00 | 01:00 - short hikes or village activities - head up into the mountains to the secret waterfall or enjoy any of the interesting activities that the village has to offer.
10:00-10:30 | 00:30 - check out of accommodation - say goodbyes to the vibrant Xhosa village as you head home or stay a few hours longer.
11:00-13:00 | 03:00 - explore Hogsback - opting for an activity that is offered at the village, such as

a bread-making course or drive to
Hogsback to explore the village or enjoy a spa treatment.

Xhosa life @elundini [m]

Example itinerary - 3day/2night

Eastern Cape is home to the Xhosa people. Elundini gives you the opportunity to experience the Xhosa way of life and culture, traditions. The people from Elundini village have enjoyable activities lined up to enjoy during your stay and they help you learn a bit about Xhosa culture and life in their community. If you prefer it, you spend a whole day in the community. A true Xhosa African experience guaranteed. Activities that can be arranged in advance by locals through their 100% self owned businesses.

Highlights/options

• horse riding • village tour • hikes/biking • bread making • Xhosa lessons • traditional dancing/stick fighting • volunteer • traditional cooking and dining • bead-making/beading

Day 1 - Mon o/n @elundini

If you come from East London and drive to Elundini Village outside Hogsback and check in at the village lodge.
Meet your host and then go on a village walk with a village guide

enjoy local beer with the locals in a village shebeen.
short hike to spectacular view point to see the sunset - lots of hikes in the nearby indigenous forests
Quick introduction to Natural building principles

Dinner at the village lodge

Day 2 - Tue o/n @elundini

07:00-08:00 | 01:00 - breakfast -
09:00-11:00 | 02:00 - Xhosa Bread making - after breakfast, go with your village host to her home to learn the secrets of Xhosa bread making. Make your own dough and let it rise, collect fire-wood in the forest, which you will bind and carry on your head. Bake ‘rostirs’ on an open fire. Always a treat at the barbeque/braai.
11:00-12:30 | 01:30 - Elundini village tour - a warm and welcoming start to your journey is a village tour with their local guide Vuyani. Visit the school, kindergarten, shop, ,while Vuyani tells you about how the houses are built and how people live their lives and their culture.
12:30-14:00 | 01:30 - lunch with Xhosa lessons - Enjoy lunch with your freshly bake bread and learn some basic Xhosa phrases. Xhosa is one of the most difficult languages in the world, so… starting with the basics, learn the clicks and learn to say 'How are you?' in Xhosa.
14:00-15:00 | 01:00 - learn more Xhosa - If you want to learn more Xhosa, then book some time with one of the Xhosa speakers for one-on-one lessons.
18:00-19:00 | 01:00 - lazy hiker’s hike - an easy stroll takes you to a nearby viewpoint where you can see an amazing sunset. You can also take an ice cold shower at a nearby waterfall.
19:00-21:00 | 02:00 - dinner with Xhosa family - end your day with an amazing dinner at a local family's home
21:00-22:00 | 01:00 - local pub - enjoy a cool beer at the local pub.

Day 3 - Wed

07:00-08:00 | 01:00 - breakfast
Option for the day

08:00-13:00 | 05:00 - natural building - learn more about natural building
08:00-13:00 | 05:00 - hike to Hogsback - hike with Vuyani all the way to Hogsback in a 4-6 hour climb.
08:00-13:00 | 05:00 - hike to Elundini and back - (2days) - Starting in Hogsback, we do a 2-day hike to Elundini, with our local tour guide. We visitthe 39 steps waterfall, descent down through the indigenous forest, pass traditional Xhosa villages and make our way to Elundini Village. We sleep over at Elundini Backpackers in dorms and hike our way back to Hogsback the next day. (Every first weekend of the month) It is great fun.
08:00-13:00 | 05:00 - bike to Hogsback and back - starting in Elundini, we mountain bike through local villages on single track cattle paths (or shuttle to Hogsback) and then begin the descent via Seymour back to Elundini. The thrill of living guaranteed - exciting, safe and filled with high quality adrenaline.
08:00-13:00 | 05:00 - ride to Hogsback - horse or camohogs

12:30-14:00 | 01:30 - lunch with Xhosa lessons -