The Hostelz.com Review
Away with the Fairies is an enchanting hostel in an idyllic spot, with breathtaking views over the 'Hogsback' hills. It is the only hostel in town but does not take advantage of this fact. Owned and run by an Englishman who visited here ten years ago and has never left, the management are very friendly and helpful.
Hogsback is a small quaint town in the middle of the forests and hills. The area has a Lord of the Rings theme, with a pub called 'Rivendell' and the next town called 'Hobbiton'. In July, they celebrate a winter Christmas, as well as in December, seeing many more guests and the locals wearing Santa hats and selling ox-drawn cart rides down the main road. There are no buses or trains to Hogsback so to get to there, a self-drive car is needed. The hostel will do pick-ups and drop-offs from hostels at Cintsa, Grahamstown and East London five times a week for a fee. There is an old village general store for some food and a few cafes and pubs, but little else in Hogsback. It is like going back in time. The hostel itself is a five minute walk to the main road, but also has direct access from its garden to walking trails which many visitors enjoy, seeing local waterfalls and trails.
There are two dorms. The one at the front has two bunks and a single bed. There is also a private double room, and ground for camping. The owner is planning on extending the buildings further for more accommodation. There is a shower room with a clean shower, WC and sink, and also a bathroom, both of which are good sized and clean.
In the building with the bedrooms is a large living room with sofas and an open fire, stereo and book exchange. There is also a kitchen with a lovely rustic wooden counter-top, fitted electric stove and all amenities required. In a separete building is a bar with a computer for internet access, and off here is a large dining table where dinner is served nightly, a few sofas around a fire and table football. Throughout both buildings, the walls are painted in fairy themes. There is plenty of outside space. At the back is a nice garden with a small table and two chairs by a small fishpond; in the middle is an outside fire and picnic tables; and on the far side is a treehouse, said to give great views of the area but the steps are in need of better securing.
This hostel is both relaxing and sociable. Many people, both foreign travellers and locals from the nearby cities, view this as a great country escape. Often busy at weekends, there is generally more space mid-week. An enchanting place to stay and well worth the change of scenery from the beaches for a few days.
Hogsback is a small quaint town in the middle of the forests and hills. The area has a Lord of the Rings theme, with a pub called 'Rivendell' and the next town called 'Hobbiton'. In July, they celebrate a winter Christmas, as well as in December, seeing many more guests and the locals wearing Santa hats and selling ox-drawn cart rides down the main road. There are no buses or trains to Hogsback so to get to there, a self-drive car is needed. The hostel will do pick-ups and drop-offs from hostels at Cintsa, Grahamstown and East London five times a week for a fee. There is an old village general store for some food and a few cafes and pubs, but little else in Hogsback. It is like going back in time. The hostel itself is a five minute walk to the main road, but also has direct access from its garden to walking trails which many visitors enjoy, seeing local waterfalls and trails.
There are two dorms. The one at the front has two bunks and a single bed. There is also a private double room, and ground for camping. The owner is planning on extending the buildings further for more accommodation. There is a shower room with a clean shower, WC and sink, and also a bathroom, both of which are good sized and clean.
In the building with the bedrooms is a large living room with sofas and an open fire, stereo and book exchange. There is also a kitchen with a lovely rustic wooden counter-top, fitted electric stove and all amenities required. In a separete building is a bar with a computer for internet access, and off here is a large dining table where dinner is served nightly, a few sofas around a fire and table football. Throughout both buildings, the walls are painted in fairy themes. There is plenty of outside space. At the back is a nice garden with a small table and two chairs by a small fishpond; in the middle is an outside fire and picnic tables; and on the far side is a treehouse, said to give great views of the area but the steps are in need of better securing.
This hostel is both relaxing and sociable. Many people, both foreign travellers and locals from the nearby cities, view this as a great country escape. Often busy at weekends, there is generally more space mid-week. An enchanting place to stay and well worth the change of scenery from the beaches for a few days.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
September 2007
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Hostelz.com Guest Reviews
Been there 4 times & still theres so much we havent done, wow The Venue is Absolutely Good, U get that outdoors feeling ínside' Always that "excited" feeling when u arrive, & u can b sure of finding a lavender flower on ur cushion evryday as long as u stay. Very clean rooms & bedding, Sitting by the Fireplace in the huge lounge makin new traveler friend, even sharing the kitchen with Others Is a great joy. Then we all leave for Adventure round 9am & return late. The coffee shops in town are really nice, friendly, nice food, not expensive, love the vibe in town. u dont need ur car!! nothing better than walking & smelling the fresh air in the mountains & the Spring Festival is a must! its awesome! — Keenen , Eastern Cape (2012-01-20) Friendly, helpful, amazing -- awesome location, just fantastic I visited here towards the end of March 2010 for a night, and ended up staying for 3 nights. What an amazing location!! The staff were very knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. I can't comment on their hostel facilities for sleeping as we had a tent, but the kitchen and bathroom facilities were just fine. My experience in Hogsback & Away With the Fairies is very high up in my top five South African experiences, and I plan to revisit for a week next year. The party atmosphere of the bar, should you choose to partake, was fun with a great variety of people to chat too. The places I stayed after this experience left me feeling very let and disappointed over the month of my visit. — Kerri Young , New Zealand (2011-09-03) Friendly owners but be prepared I did enjoy my time at away with the fairies. The staff was very friendly and I had a great time in the bar, but I think that one needs to know what I saw there. In the bar, people were passing pills around in plain sight, and the barman and one of the staffers were openly discussing which drugs were the best. Therefore I think that families should avoid the place. If you wish to party, go there. Do not go there for peace and quiet. Another thing I disliked was the cleaning staff. They occupied the lounge area and communal kitchen for most of the day. I couldn't really cook and then enjoy my food in the lounge as it was taken by them. — Anonymous (2009-10-01) Couldn't be better Had the pleasure of staying a couple of nights in november. Great place, great food, and even better people. Frodo's room has incredible view and a fireplace. — josh , usa (2009-03-03) Jagermeistertastic The best I've ever known. — Trevor , SA (2008-07-30) Awesome I stayed here in Dec. 2007 after hiking the Amatola Trail. Excellent. Cosy lounge with fireplace, clean rooms, beautiful garden with a kickass tree house (serious bonus points), nice bar area. The only downside is that there isn't much to do in Hogsback, so I reckon after a few days you'd get bored. Apparently some nights can get quite wild; the night we were there it was very peaceful. And the chef will make you the best supper you've ever had in a backpackers, for about R40 (about US$6). — Raoul , South African (2008-04-15) We spent the weekend camping at "Away with the fairies"and would like to share a few thoughts with you.
You have the makings of a wonderful venue.
The best part is the Hot water and the new basins.
Other than that things leave much to be desired.
There appears to be a total lack of maintenance.
For example, your septic tank cover is broken and is a health hazard.
When one visualizes "Away with the fairies" as portrayed by your web site, one expects peace and tranquility, not constant barking dogs Plus Dog-mines)and disco music until 1/4 to 4 in the morning.Not to mention wandering cattle.
As a camping venue it does not rate more than 2 out of a possible 10.
It is shocking.
I'm afraid your fairies are truly away. — Webbo (2006-09-25) One of the best backpackers in South Africa, i have had one of the best new years parties in 2005, i decided to go back in 2006, still the best, excellent chef, and overall, staff that make you feel at home. i miss the mountains and the mist.... — carissa (2006-01-14) The "beautiful garden" consisted of cut down trees, with logs lying all over (for new development?). The ablution facilities for camping were very clean and well kept. No refuse bins for the campers. Our visit (26-28 August 2005) coincided with students from Rhodes University (a "Rhode Trip" event) who only managed get drunk and make a lot of unwanted noise, with constant swearing and breaking of bottles all over.
Saturday evening was fine, because it started raining. Sunday morning we were woken at 1:30 by their music (utilizing the Rhode Trip Sprinter's sound system) and shouting, which continued until around 5. The language and behavior deteriorated to the point where we started wondering whether it was still safe to be there. I still do not understand how the management could allow this behavior and regret not calling the police. We will never visit this campsite again and cannot recommend it to anyone who wishes to experience the peace and tranquility of nature. — JJ (2005-08-29) I loved the place and the people. I am seriously considering packing my entire life into a bag and heading off into the world to meet more people who are equally as friendly and at ease with themselves, as were those at the camp. I managed to find my center whilst there, thank you so much for the peaceful and loving environment. — nyx (2005-06-27) OK!!! You ask me what I think...you gotta be JOKING!!! I have travelled SA and know what you get for your cash, right... This place gives you the best sleep...best food...AND the company... I dunno, maybe I'm being bias, but my husband asked me to marry him in the fearie land!!! GO THERE!!! GO THERE!!! GO THERE!!! — Anonymous (2005-06-08) I had a great stay and I loved the mountains! — Celia (2005-01-10) We had the most stunning time in Away with the Fairies, and thoroughly recommend it. The walks were wonderful, the staff were really friendly and we loved every moment. Thank you! — Zeba (2004-12-27) I stayed at Away with the Fairies last weekend and came away with severe bedbug bites from a dirty mattress. At 65 rand a night for the bed, it is a bit unnacceptable. I was disappointed that my first impressions were let down, because it is a beautiful and relaxing place, great for a holiday. I will never stay in the hostel again though!! — Harry (2004-10-27) This is a very awesome place. It was so popular that my friend and I had to stay in one of their campers the first night we were here!! When we woke up the sun was rising and there was mist rising up all around. It was breathtaking. Besides relaxing, you can hike during the day. they have many hiking paths and one leads to a huge waterfall. — Kim, USA (2004-10-25)