This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Mdumbi.
Mdumbi, South Africa, is located on the Wild Coast, northeast of the more well-known and busier Coffee Bay. It is home to a beautiful beach and the estuary of the Mdumbi River. It is accessed by taking the Coffee Bay Road from Mthatha, and turning left onto the signed dirt road after around seventy kilometers. Mdumbi is about twenty kilometers from the junction. By public transport, an occasional bakkie taxi (covered pick-up in which you may ride in the back cargo area) leaves from Ngqeleni to Tshani village just before Mdumbi Beach, otherwise take a Coffee Bay minibus to the junction and try hitching.
Most of the Mdumbi, South Africa hostels can arrange shuttles from the highway if called in advance. It's also advisable to book your Mdumbi, South Africa hostels in advance, if you want to stay at a weekend or during the South African school holidays in particular, as the Wild Coast is an extremely popular getaway from the city for local tourists.
Mdumbi is a very scenic spot with plenty of budget accommodation. If you're looking for hostels in Mdumbi, South Africa, there are some great choices notwithstanding its remoteness. Cheap dorm beds and camping are easy to find, and all accommodations offer self-catering, but all food must be brought with you as there is only one shop of note in Tshani village just before Mdumbi Beach with limited provisions.
Mdumbi is a well-known surf spot with great waves and surfboards can be hired at some of the Mdumbi, South Africa hostels. The beaches offer some great walking and beachcombers will find them littered with seashells. Whales and dolphins can be seen in the ocean particularly in the June to November breeding season. Dolphins can be very active during the June to July sardine run also.
Kayak trips into the mangroves behind the estuary are very popular and a three-hour hike along the coast will take you to Coffee Bay. The Mdumbi, South Africa hostels can arrange a guide and bag transfer for you, if required. This hike is part of a longer hike all the way through Coffee Bay to Port St. Johns, a mammoth five-day stretch, with excellent hostel accommodation available each night at Lubanzi and Bulungula. The old coastal forest is also a nice place for walks and bird watching.
There are opportunities to volunteer to work in the local Tshani village community. This is rural Xhosa country, so there's a chance to learn about the Xhosa culture and try the language. The local population do not have access to much power, so at night the wonderful night sky is not polluted with excessive light and the stars are clear and numerous. Mdumbi is remote, rural, and very beautiful. It's well worth the effort to get off the beaten track.
Written by local enthusiast for Mdumbi hostels
LondonroadMa