5 Eco-friendly getaways in South Africa

Looking for an authentic African getaway that offers an eco-friendly and community-centred experience? Look no further than Mdumbi Backpackers, located on the Wild Coast in South Africa, just a two-hour drive from Mthatha. With its prime location on the rugged coastline of the Transkei, Mdumbi Backpackers is the perfect destination for water activities such as surfing, whale and dolphin spotting, and immersing yourself in the traditional amaXhosa culture.

Picture: Mdumbi Backpackers/Facebook

Varied accommodation options at Mdumbi Backpackers include self-catering choices such as the Turtle House (sleeps four) and the Whale House (sleeps six), as well as double rooms (sleeps two), family rooms (sleeps four) and dorm rooms (sleeps up to eight). Most of the chalets at Mdumbi are traditional African dwellings known as ‘rondavels’, featuring a circular design and conical thatched roof.

What sets Mdumbi Backpackers apart is their commitment to sustainability and community involvement. The establishment is 50% owned by the surrounding community, and all activities are owned and operated by community members, from Mama Nowethu’s bread to Mama Nosekile’s laundry service. By staying at Mdumbi Backpackers, you can be sure your money goes towards supporting the local community and promoting eco-tourism.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit their website or view their booking calendar. You can also follow Mdumbi Backpackers on social media. For inquiries, email [email protected] or phone 0834611834.

2. Platbos Forest Reserve

Retreat into the ancient and indigenous Platbos Forest Reserve, located a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Cape Town towards the fishing town of Gansbaai. This South African spot is one of the largest remaining fragments of lowland Afromontane forest in the region. Choose from one of five off-grid, self-catering accommodations nestled under the dense canopy of the forest’s indigenous trees. From stinkwoods to pear trees and milkwoods, some of the trees in this endangered forest ecosystem are over 1 000 years old.

Picture: Platbos Forest Gallery

If you prefer traditional camping, The Owl Camp is the perfect option, accommodating up to four adults. Bring your own tents and camping gear, such as sleeping bags, flashlights, crockery and utensils. For a more luxurious camping experience, opt for The Forest Camp, which has two tented rooms with two single beds in each, or the Honey Bee Suite, which features a double bed for two guests and a wood-fired hot tub. Both sites have fully equipped kitchens with pots, pans, cutlery, crockery, and gas for cooking. For a cabin-style experience, the Old Olive Cabin, named after the approximately 800-year-old Wild Olive tree nearby, is a good option. It sleeps two and features a sitting room, a kitchenette with a mini-bar fridge and solar-powered lighting. If the Old Olive Cabin is booked, try the Bush Buck Suite, which also sleeps two and is the only accommodation with a flushing toilet. Perspex roofing allows guests to count the stars before they fall asleep at night.

Apart from at The Owl Camp, bedding, linen and towels are provided. Showers are open-air and use a wood-fired donkey boiler water-heating system, and four out of the five lodging offerings have waterless composting toilets that use sawdust to flush.

Platbos Forest Reserve requires a minimum of a three-night stay (a minimum of two nights for The Owl Camp) and a 50% deposit to reserve a booking (full payment to reserve The Owl Camp). To make a reservation, view Platbos Forest Reserve’s booking calendar here.

All lodgers get to walk the Platbos Forest Trail for free (usual fee: R50 per person).

Stay in touch with Platbos Forest Reserve through their social media accounts and visit their website for more information. For enquiries, email [email protected] or phone 0769233349.