
Mdumbi Backpackers
Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Coast
- Culture
- Wellness
- Nature
- Watersports
An award-winning hostel in the heart of the Transkei
Award-winning hostel is nestled in the heart of the Transkei, a region rich in history, tradition and diversity. Mdumbi Backpackers is an award-winning hostel in the heart of the Transkei in South Africa. Stay in a traditional rondavel, wooden huts, safari beds or tent. All have access to communal bathroom and cooking facilities, as well as a cosy lounge area and a bar. You won’t want to spend too much time indoors, because there’s so much to do and see around Mdumbi like surfing, horseriding, kayaking and hiking.
Mdumbi is home to one of the best surf spots in Southern Africa, with a world-class point break that offers long and consistent waves. Rent a board or take a lesson from one of the local instructors, who are also part of the community-owned surf club. After a day of adventure, relax with a massage or enjoy a delicious meal prepared by Mama, who uses fresh ingredients from the garden and the sea. Don’t miss the Saturday seafood feast, where you can gorge on crayfish, mussels and calamari.
Sustainability
Climate & conservation
- Serving produce from an on-site garden and fresh Wild Coast seafood
- Accommodation in traditional amaXhosa rondavels and wooden huts
- Hiking, surfing and kayaking on the Mdumbi river
- Seasonal whale and dolphin watching from the shore
Community & culture
- A business part-owned by its local employees
- Guest activities are 100% owned by the local community
- Employs exclusively from the local amaXhosa community
- Supports staff enterprises like Mama Nowethu’s bread and Mama Nosekile’s laundry
- Helped establish the local non-profit TransCape
- Operating under the traditional authority of amaXhosa chiefs
Commercial
- Reinvests in community / environment, The business operates on a profit-sharing basis, with local employees co-owning the backpackers and its assets.
- Silver for poverty reduction at the World Responsible Tourism Awards
- Named ‘favourite hidden gem’ by South Africa’s Getaway Magazine
In brief
- Price bracket
- £
- Type of property
- Backpackers
- No. of rooms
- private rooms, dorms and camping
- Max guests per room
- Self-catering houses sleep up to 6; rooms and rondavels sleep 2-4 people
- Facilities
- Bar, Wifi, Spa, Restaurant
- Activities
- Surfing, Horse riding, Kayaking, Hiking, Cultural visits
- Setting
- Coast
Best time to visit
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
The main season runs September to May, with whale watching peaking from June to November.
Kids
Families and children are welcome.
Accessibility
The hostel is set on uneven, natural terrain which may be challenging for guests with limited mobility.
Eastern Cape, South Africa
Guide price · £ <£100 · ££ £100–300 · £££ £300–800 · ££££ £800+ pp / night