Mdumbi Backpackers

Mdumbi Backpackers

Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Coast
  • Culture
  • Wellness
  • Nature
  • Watersports
£pp / nightVisit website

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

£pp / night Visit website

Guide price · £ <£100 · ££ £100–300 · £££ £300–800 · ££££ £800+ pp / night