5 OCTOBER - 11 OCTOBER 2025, HOGSBACK

Learn & Grow

Join a team of homesteaders for a week-long immersive & practical learning homesteading experience.

The Hogsback Homesteader Bootcamp | Spring 2025

Step into a week of hands-on learning and connection at the Hogsback Homesteader Bootcamp, held in the breathtaking mountain-top forest village of Hogsback this October. As spring paints our part of Amathole Mountains with vibrant hues, we’ll explore the art of preserving the season’s bounty.

Learn to pickle, make jams, and whip up delicious mushroom pâtés. We'll build on last year’s favourites at our Spring Bootcamp with hands-on lessons in gouda cheesemaking, sourdough bread baking and growing oyster mushrooms at home.

We'll dive into sustainable cultivation with a special focus on composting and strengthening your soil. Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or just starting your journey, this bootcamp promises inspiration, practical skills that will enrich your journey towards taking control of yours and your family’s nutrition, and a chance to connect with like-minded individuals amidst the breathtaking beauty of Hogsback in spring.

Meet the Homesteaders

Courses

Soil regeneration and preservation with Santhan

Santhan will teach participants how to develop their own compost teas, as well as strategies to keep your soil and garden thriving year-round.
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Sourdough baking & cheesemaking with Heike

In this hands-on course, Heike will teach participants how to make a sourdough starter, bake sourdough focaccia and make Italian style mozzarella balls.
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Foraging hike with
Adi

Adi will host a foraging hike through one of South Africa's oldest indigenous forests, as well as share the traditional and medicinal uses of various herbs.
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Pickle and preserve with Ian

Ian will teach his tried and tested recipes for making various pickles as well as making jams to preserve and savour the season's bounty long into the winter months
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Growing Mushrooms with Kinesh

This course will be split into a bit of theory and a lot of practical hands-on learning. Kinesh will also share the science, history & lore of mushrooms. 
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Pottery with Gwyneth & Liyanda 

Gwyneth & Liyanda will share their knowledge of the art of clay. Gwyneth will introduce you to drape moulds & Liyanda how to throw clay on a wheel
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HIGHLIGHTS/2024

The Hogsback Homesteader Bootcamp

The Hogsback Mushroom Festival

Experience a most epic journey into the fungal kingdom at the annual Hogsback Mushroom Festival

“My vision with the Hogsback Mushroom Festival is to create an environmentally responsible and unique event that celebrates the beautiful jewel that is Hogsback -and the astounding fungi found here."

~ Kinesh Chetty - Organiser
The Hogsback Mushroom Festival
www.hogsbackmushroomfestival.co.za

The Hogsback Homesteader
Join a team of homesteaders with decades of combined experience for a week-long immersive and practical learning experience.
Got Questions? Call us
+27 76 315 3009
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