The wooden walkway leading to the crown jewel of Hogsback is damaged beyond repair. It requires rebuilding. The community is leading the charge in making that happen.
Eastern Cape, South Africa (09 January 2026) – The wooden walkway covers a short but steep 460-metre trail leading to one of the most spectacular features in Hogsback, the Madonna & Child Waterfall.
For years, the Hogsback Trail Maintenance Team and locals have kept the trail safe on a shoestring budget and community donations, but the scale of damage now means the entire walkway needs to be rebuilt. Without it, there’s no safe access to the waterfall.
“We have been in contact with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). While they have granted us permission to replace the walkway, they unfortunately have no budget to fund the project,” shares the Hogsback Trail Maintenance Team.
Without any government funding available for the project, it’s up to the community to pool resources for the rebuild.
A fundraising campaign has launched. Quotes have been secured from contractors, and work will begin as soon as funds are available. The fundraising goal stands at R200,000, donations have started trickling in.
The good that happens when a village works together!
“It’s about protecting the soul of Hogsback. The Madonna & Child Waterfall is more than a tourist attraction. It is a spiritual sanctuary, a natural wonder, and a shared treasure.”
The Madonna & Child Waterfall is one of Hogsback’s largest waterfalls, it holds meaning for locals and visitors who’ve walked the trail.
“If you’ve ever walked the trail, you’ll remember that first moment of awe as the waterfall reveals itself in the heart of the forest.”
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If you’d like to support the cause, find out more here.
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