OPEN NOWCamping · Glamping
Welcome back
Our little piece of
Hogsback is open again.
Freshly renewed, warmly familiar and ready for new memories in the mountains.
From our family to yours
A familiar welcome,
beautifully renewed.
Just before the pause, I lost both my son and my husband. I decided to take a break from Swallowtail.
During this pause, we rolled up our sleeves and refreshed our spaces and facilities with care. We kept everything our guests have always loved—the mountain air, the peaceful gardens and the warm Swallowtail spirit—while preparing a more comfortable welcome for the next chapter.
Our camping for tents and caravans, and glamping are open now. The finishing touches are being completed at our self-catering accommodation, which reopens on 1 November 2026.
We cannot wait to welcome you back.
The Swallowtail team
OPENING SOONSelf-catering cottages
Choose your way to stay
Closer to nature, your way.
View the full details, rates and photos for each accommodation option on its own page.
Open now
Camping
R220 per person
Bring your tent or caravan and settle into our peaceful green grounds.
View camping
Open now
Glamping
R600 per unit · per night
A rustic cabin stay with shared kitchen, boma and shower facilities.
View glamping
Reopens 1 Nov
Self-catering cottages
From R1 200 per night
Choose from our 2, 6 and 10 sleeper cottages, each with a kitchen, sitting room and fireplace.
Compare cottagesSimple comforts
Everything you need to slow down.
Swallowtail keeps you close to the village while giving you room to breathe, reconnect and enjoy the mountain.
View Trackers Lounge- 01Electric hook-ups
- 02Braai facilities
- 03Showers, baths & toilets
- 04Trackers Lounge for functions & camping guests
- 05Birdwatching & picnic areas
- 06Walk to shops & restaurants
The mountain is calling
Come for the quiet.
Stay for the magic of Hogsback.
Ancient forests, mountain views, waterfalls, walking trails and misty mornings—Hogsback invites you to leave the rush behind.
Explore more while you stay
Things to do in Hogsback
01
Forest adventures
Waterfalls
Discover Hogsback’s five major waterfalls, from an easy arboretum stroll to memorable forest hikes.
View all waterfalls 02 Walk & hike Forest walksChoose from gentle village walks, indigenous forest paths and more adventurous mountain trails.
Explore forest walks 03 Explore on two wheels Mountain bikingRent a bike or follow scenic routes through the village, forests and waterfall country.
View biking options 04 Mountain adventure Rock climbing & abseilingDiscover bolted climbing routes and the guided waterfall abseil at Madonna & Child.
View climbing options 05 Eat & drink RestaurantsFind local favourites including The Edge, RedClay Café, Happy Hogs and more.
View places to eatPlan your escape
Ready to return
to Swallowtail?
Contact us for availability and the best option for your stay.
← Home
Stay at Swallowtail
Accommodation
Choose the stay that suits you, then open its page for full details and photographs.
Open now
Camping
R220 per person
Tent and caravan camping among peaceful lawns and trees.
Details & photosOpen now
Glamping
R600 per unit · per night
Rustic cabins with shared kitchen, boma and shower facilities.
Details & photos
Reopens 1 Nov
Melody Cottage
2 Sleeper
R1 200 per night
A cosy cottage for two with a double bed and bathroom.
Details & photos
Reopens 1 Nov
Family Cottage
10 Sleeper
R3 000 per night
A spacious family cottage with downstairs bedrooms and an upstairs loft.
Details & photos
Photos coming soonReopens 1 Nov
Swallowtail Cottage
6 Sleeper
R2 000 per night
A comfortable cottage with a queen bedroom and spacious sleeping loft.
View details← All accommodation
Open now
Camping
Bring your tent or caravan and settle into our peaceful green grounds, with electric hook-ups, shared ablutions and the facilities you need for an easy stay.
RATER220per personCheck availability
Tents & caravansElectric hook-upsShared ablutionsTrackers Lounge
← All accommodation
Open now
Glamping
Enjoy a rustic cabin stay among the trees, with access to the shared kitchen, boma and nearby shower facilities.
RATER600per unit · per nightCheck availability
Rustic cabinsShared kitchenBomaShower facilities
← All accommodation
Self-catering · 2 Sleeper
Melody Cottage
A cosy cottage for two with a double bed and bathroom, plus its own sitting room, kitchen and fireplace.
RATER1 200per nightCheck availability
2 guestsDouble bedPrivate bathroomKitchenSitting roomFireplace
← All accommodation
Self-catering · 10 Sleeper
Family Cottage
Two downstairs bedrooms each have a double bed and en-suite bathroom. Upstairs, the loft has one double bed, four single beds and a bathroom. The cottage also has its own sitting room, kitchen and fireplace.
RATER3 000per nightCheck availability
10 guests2 en-suite bedroomsSleeping loft3 bathroomsKitchenFireplace
← All accommodation
Self-catering · 6 Sleeper
Swallowtail Cottage
One bedroom has a queen bed and en-suite bathroom. Upstairs, the loft has a double bed, two single beds and a shared bathroom. The cottage also has its own sitting room, kitchen and fireplace.
RATER2 000per nightCheck availability
6 guestsQueen bedroomSleeping loft2 bathroomsKitchenFireplace
Self-catering at Swallowtail
Swallowtail Cottage · 6 Sleeper
We will add the photographs as soon as the cottage is ready.
Swallowtail Cottage
Photos coming soon.
The full gallery will be added here when the cottage is ready.
← Things to do in Hogsback
Forest adventures
Waterfalls
Follow Hogsback’s forest paths to five remarkable waterfalls, each with its own character and view.
Hogsback waterfall guide
Five beautiful reasons to explore.
Trail conditions can change after rain. Wear suitable shoes, take water and check the latest local trail information before setting out.
Easy forest stroll
39 Steps Waterfall & Arboretum
A gentle walk through the arboretum, beneath mature trees and past labelled species, leads to this much-loved waterfall.
Iconic forest hike
Madonna & Child Falls
One of Hogsback’s best-known waterfalls, reached through beautiful indigenous forest on a more adventurous route.
Forest waterfall
Swallowtail Falls
A scenic waterfall on the Wolfridge side of the village, surrounded by the cool green beauty of Hogsback’s forest.
Mountain hike
Kettlespout Falls
After good rain and in the right wind, the falling water can blow upward in a spectacular spray that gives the falls its name.
Scenic forest route
Bridal Veil Falls
A graceful forest waterfall and a rewarding stop for visitors who want to experience more of Hogsback on foot.
Plan your walk
Use the latest local trail information.
Hogsback’s tourism maps cover the major waterfalls and permit-free trails. Some routes outside the listed trail network may require a Forestry permit.
← Things to do in Hogsback
Eat & drink
Restaurants
From scenic lunches and fireside dinners to coffee, cake and relaxed local favourites, Hogsback has something for every appetite.
Where to eat in Hogsback
Local flavours, mountain hospitality.
Opening days and times can change, especially outside busy periods. Please contact each restaurant or check its latest page before visiting.
Scenic dining
The Edge Restaurant
Mountain and garden views, a welcoming fireplace, designer pizzas, generous meals and a relaxed pub atmosphere.
Café favourite
RedClay Café
Known for quality coffee, delicious meals and its much-loved carrot cake, with a warm and creative Hogsback feel.
Family friendly
Happy Hogs Restaurant & Pub
Breakfasts, easy lunches, firelit dinners, burgers, schnitzels and handmade pizzas in a relaxed setting.
Dining experience
The Touraco Table
Changing menus inspired by cuisines from around the world, with options for vegans, vegetarians and omnivores.
Country hospitality
Hogsback Inn & Hogshead Tavern
Country-style meals in the dining room or cosy historic tavern, with fireplaces for chilly mountain days.
Coffee & treats
The Chocolate & Coffee Shop
Handcrafted chocolates, sweet treats and coffee made for a relaxed stop in the village.
Pub & pizza
Wizard Sleeve Bar & Restaurant
A characterful licensed pub at Away with the Fairies, serving breakfasts, evening meals and pizzas.
Coffee, deli & crafts
Woltree
Directly across from Swallowtail, with coffee, light food, local goodies, crafts and friendly village hospitality.
Garden pop-up
Thrive Deli Shack
A relaxed garden food experience with changing opening days—check ahead before planning your visit.
Fresh takeaway
Whole Hog Takeaway
Freshly prepared takeaway meals, burgers and convenient food for an easy lunch or relaxed evening.
Before you go
Check the latest opening times.
The local tourism directory is the best place to confirm current contact details, menus and operating hours.
← Things to do in Hogsback
Walk & hike
Forest walks
Step into ancient Afromontane forest, follow cool shaded paths and discover Hogsback at a slower pace.
Walking in Hogsback
From gentle walks to mountain adventures.
Hogsback’s current trail maps cover 22 permit-free walks and hikes. Eleven are classified as walks and eleven as more challenging scrambles.
Gentle walk
Arboretum & 39 Steps
An easy village walk beneath remarkable trees, leading through the arboretum to 39 Steps Waterfall.
Forest favourite
The Big Tree
Walk beneath the forest canopy to one of Hogsback’s impressive old trees and enjoy the quiet of the indigenous forest.
Waterfall route
Swallowtail, Bridal Veil & Madonna
Longer forest paths link some of Hogsback’s best-loved waterfalls. Expect steeper sections and slippery ground after rain.
Mountain hike
Hog 1
A more demanding outing beyond the village for stronger walkers wanting open mountain scenery and rewarding views.
Plan your walk
Choose a route that suits your group.
Purchase a current trail map locally and check whether any route beyond the permit-free network requires a Forestry permit.
← Things to do in Hogsback
Explore on two wheels
Mountain biking
Ride through the village, explore forest roads or turn your outing into a full Hogsback adventure.
Cycling in Hogsback
Easy exploring or a bigger adventure.
Mountain bikes, helmets and route maps are available locally, with options for relaxed rides and guided scenic routes.
Easy exploring
Village & forest ride
Rent a mountain bike by the hour and explore the village, forest roads and nearby places of interest at your own pace.
Scenic adventure
Waterfalls & viewpoints
Take a guided ride through pine plantations and forest country to waterfalls, dams and mountain viewpoints off the beaten track.
Adventure combo
Bike, abseil & hike
Start with an easy 5 km bike ride to Madonna & Child, abseil beside the waterfall and hike back through the forest.
Bike hire & guided rides
Choose the route that suits your confidence.
Hogsback Adventures provides bike rental, helmets and route guidance. Book ahead for guided activities and combination tours.
← Things to do in Hogsback
Rock climbing
Mountain adventure
Rock climbing
& abseiling
Hogsback’s cliffs and waterfall faces offer memorable climbing and a guided descent into the indigenous forest.
Climbing in Hogsback
Bolted routes and a waterfall abseil.
Rock climbing requires the correct equipment, experience and safety planning. Visitors who are new to the activity should use an experienced local guide.
Bolted climbing
Madonna & Child
Climb beside one of Hogsback’s best-known waterfalls, surrounded by dramatic rock and indigenous forest.
Bolted climbing
Robinson Falls
A recognised Hogsback climbing area for experienced climbers with appropriate equipment and route knowledge.
Mountain climbing
Hog 1
Bolted routes in an open mountain setting, suited to prepared climbers looking for a more adventurous outing.
Guided activity
35 m waterfall abseil
Descend beside Madonna & Child Waterfall into the forest below. Advance booking is required and the activity is weather dependent.
Book an adventure
Use a reputable local operator.
Hogsback Adventures offers the guided waterfall abseil and can provide current booking, weather and safety information.
← Home
Private functions & guest space
Trackers Lounge
Trackers Lounge is available to hire for private functions and group gatherings. It also offers camping guests a relaxed communal space during their stay.
PRIVATE FUNCTIONS
For hire
Contact us for rates & availability
Enquire on WhatsApp
Private functionsGroup gatheringsCommunal guest spaceCamping guests