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Affordable eco friendly places to stay around the world
There’s a misconception that sustainable travel requires a hefty budget, but in reality, there are numerous affordable and eco-conscious places that offer a comfortable stay without harming the planet. Here are our best affordable eco friendly places to stay around the world.
Wildkeepers desk · 6 min read
There's a misconception that sustainable travel requires a hefty budget, but in reality, there are numerous affordable and eco-conscious places that offer a comfortable stay without harming the planet. From a boutique urban hostel to a cosy retreat in the heart of nature, here are our best affordable eco-friendly places to stay around the world.
Abode Bombay, Mumbai, India
Abode Bombay is well placed, right in the heart of Colaba, just a short walk from the Gateway of India, but once you step inside, the noise and rush of the city fall away. The building itself is a restored 100-year-old structure with loads of character, original tiles, old furniture brought back to life, and a mix of vintage charm and contemporary style that feels warm and thoughtful.
Rooms range from cosy budget options to more spacious suites, and each one is decorated with locally sourced materials and artwork by Indian creatives. The hotel runs on strong ethical values too, employing staff through hospitality training programs and collaborating with artisans and food producers across the city. They also offer neighbourhood walks and experiences that really help you connect with the city beyond the usual tourist highlights.
Macal River Camp, Belize
The wider area is rich with nature and Mayan history, so there’s no shortage of things to do, from paddling down the river, hiking into the rainforest, or exploring nearby archaeological sites like Xunantunich or Cahal Pech. Back at the camp, meals are shared in a communal dining area and made mostly from ingredients grown on-site, keeping things fresh and low-impact.
Red Rocks, Musanze, Rwanda
Just a few miles from the entrance to Volcanoes National Park, Red Rocks Rwanda offers a relaxed and welcoming base for travellers interested in culture, conservation, and community life. The setting is rural and green, with views of rolling hills and easy access to some of Rwanda’s most iconic landscapes, including the misty mountains where the endangered mountain gorillas live. Accommodation is simple but homely, with a mix of private rooms, shared bunkhouses, and camping areas, all built using local materials.
Red Rocks doubles as a cultural centre, so there’s always something happening, from music and drumming sessions to craft workshops and cooking lessons with local women’s groups. The wider mission is to support sustainable tourism and community development, and staying here directly contributes to education programmes, conservation projects, and local livelihoods.
Arakan Nature Lodge, Myanmar
Peaceful Arakan Nature Lodge is tucked away in a quiet corner of Rakhine State on Myanmar’s west coast. The lodge sits near the edge of a wide, sandy beach, backed by jungle and traditional villages. The accommodation is made up of simple, solar-powered bungalows, built with bamboo and other natural materials, and set among trees and flowering plants that attract birds and butterflies.
While it’s definitely remote, the experience is far from rough. Each bungalow has its own bathroom, a private veranda, and thoughtful little touches that make it feel inviting. The lodge has its own organic garden and works with local farmers and fishers to provide fresh ingredients for daily meals, which are served in an open-air pavilion with views of the sea. Explore forest trails, paddle in the nearby lake, or just relax in a hammock with the sounds of the waves and wildlife all around.
Mutanda Eco Community Lodge, Uganda
High in the hills of southwestern Uganda, Mutanda Eco Community Lodge overlooks Lake Mutanda, a deep blue crater lake surrounded by green valleys and the dramatic peaks of the Virunga Volcanoes. The setting is breathtaking, especially in the early mornings when mist rolls over the water and sunlight cuts through the clouds. The lodge cottages are made with stone and wood cottages, with thatched roofs and wide verandas, all powered by solar energy.
The lodge was built with the local community and continues to support it through job creation, tree planting, and educational initiatives. Meals are made with local produce, and the staff are mostly from nearby villages. Guests can canoe across the lake, visit local markets and schools, or head out for gorilla trekking in the nearby Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Leshiba Wilderness, South Africa
Leshiba Wilderness is something special. Tucked away high on the Soutpansberg mountain range in Limpopo, and surrounded by dramatic ridges, thick bushveld, and sweeping views that go on for miles. It feels remote, and the whole lodge runs completely off-grid, using solar power and sustainable water systems.
Accommodation ranges from cosy, thatched chalets to traditional Venda-style huts, built in collaboration with local artisans and designed to reflect the culture of the region. Hike ancient game trails, meditate by quiet rock pools, spot wildlife from hidden lookouts, or take part in cultural experiences to learn more about local Venda traditions.
Camp Hornbill, Kerala, India
Camp Hornbill in India's Western Ghats, is a birdwatcher's paradise and an eco traveller's delight. The camp is set beneath tall trees and surrounded by the calls of birds and the scent of spice plants. Everything here is built using local materials and skills, from the bamboo cottages to the clay-walled dining areas, and it’s all run by people from the nearby tribal communities.
Wake up to birdsong, eat fresh local meals, and head out on guided walks with people who really know the land. The camp uses solar heaters for hot water and has a real focus on low-impact living, but without sacrificing the warmth and hospitality that makes southern India so special.
Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel, California, USA
Even in the dollar-hungry USA, you can find affordable eco eco-friendly places to stay. Just off Highway 1 on California’s iconic coast, Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel is probably one of the most scenic places you can stay on a budget, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and right next to one of the tallest lighthouses in the US. On a clear day, you can see for miles out over the water, and depending on the season, you might even catch sight of migrating whales from the cliffs.
Run by Hostelling International, the place has a strong sustainability focus, with efforts like water conservation, energy-efficient lighting, and eco-education built into its operations. The accommodation is in shared dorms and a few private rooms, spread across old lightkeeper buildings that have been thoughtfully restored. There are coastal trails just outside the door, tidepools to explore, and some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see. A proper gem for anyone who loves nature and doesn’t mind sharing a kitchen with fellow travellers.
