Away with the Fairies - Nature Lodge

You stay at Away with the Fairies on the cliffs of Hogsback, where trails lead directly into the Auckland Nature Reserve — the oldest indigenous forest in South Africa. The lodge sits on the edge of the reserve, with views of the three Hogsback mountains and the forest canopy below.

The accommodation ranges from self-catering cottages with private braai areas to dorms and camping spots tucked into the forest garden. Each cottage has an open fireplace and kitchenette; campers share a communal kitchen and shower facilities. The cliff-edge bath, perched above the forest, is a quiet spot to soak with views of the reserve.

Trails begin at the lodge’s garden, leading to waterfalls like Swallow Tail and Madonna & Child Falls. The Amatola Trail, one of South Africa’s most challenging hikes, starts nearby. The Green Dragon Cafe serves stone-ground pizzas, craft beer, and coffee; it’s open daily for breakfast and light meals.

The lodge is a short walk from Hogsback village, where you can find local shops and cafes. The forest, the trails, and the bath are the reasons the lodge is here at all.