Mdumbi Beach Surf Camp - Mthatha, Eastern Cape. South Africa

INTRODUCTION

Spectacular sea views, jumping whales, roaming cattle and a view of rural life in this wonderful village is only a part of your holiday experience! Our lodge is made up of traditional Rondavel structures which blend into its beautiful surroundings and our interiors are modern, calming and artistic.

 

Join us now for a South African holiday with a personal touch you will never forget! We offer exclusive Transkei Wild Coast accommodation with modern stylish interiors and traditional Xhosa exteriors. Our newly renovated lodge offers self-catering (catering on request – no restaurant on-site) accommodation.

 

The lodge consists of one sea facing honeymoon/family unit, three sea facing duplex units each consisting of two rooms, two garden view rondavels. Relaxing is so easy here, but if you have some extra energy, we have lots of activities for you to try out! We offer a little bit of everything for everyone.

THE ACCOMMODATION

Sea View Rondavel

ROOM/UNIT LAYOUT: 

  • Max Guests per room: 3 (Max 2 adults )
  • Each bedroom has a king-sized bed
  • A small double bed sleeper couch will be setup next to the main bed for one child.
  • En-suite open plan toilet with a gas shower.

AMENITIES:

  • The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering with a gas oven/stove, fridge and all utensils.
  • Catering is by arrangement only.
  • Mini Fridge in the room
  • Tea & Coffee Station
  • Bath towels are provided
  • Eco friendly guest amenities are provided
  • Room will be serviced every day

 

Sea View Duplex Rondavels

ROOM/UNIT LAYOUT: 

  • These sea view duplex rooms are part of one shared unit.
  • Each unit consists of 2 en-suite bedrooms that are rented separately and share a kitchen living area which is between the two rooms.
  • Max Guests per room: 4 (Max 2 adults)
  • Each bedroom has a king-sized bed (or 2 single beds)
  • A double bed sleeper couch will be setup next to the main bed for kids.
  • En-suite bathroom with a gas shower.

AMENITIES:

  • The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering with a gas oven/stove, electric chest freezer, fridge and all utensils.
  • Catering is by arrangement.
  • Each unit has its own braai area.
  • Bath towels are provided.
  • Eco friendly guest amenities are provided.
  • Eco friendly cleaning supplies are provided.
  • Rooms and kitchens will be serviced every day.

 

Luxury Double Story Rondavels

​ROOM/UNIT LAYOUT: 

  • There are two of these units, one has a TV with DSTV – you will see the price difference in the two when booking.
  • Max Guests: 6 (Max 4 adults )
  • This unit is a flat rate per night
  • Each bedroom has a king-sized bed (or two singles)
  • A double bed sleeper couch can be set up for two children.
  • The loft bedroom has a freestanding bath
  • There is one bathroom downstairs with a toilet and double gas shower.

AMENITIES:

  • The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering with a gas oven/stove, electric fridge/freezer and all utensils.
  • Each unit has its own Webber to braai on.
  • Catering by arrangement.
  • Bath towels are provided.
  • Eco friendly guest amenities are provided.
  • Eco friendly cleaning supplies are provided.
  • Rooms and kitchens will be serviced every day.

 

General facilities

  • Secured parking
  • Free parking
  • Laundry service
  • Outdoor Pool
  • BBQ / Picnic area
  • WIFI
  • Shop

 

Catering Service

Our catering service offers freshly frozen, home-cooked meals, lovingly prepared and available for your convenience (subject to availability). Whether you’re arriving late or simply want a break from cooking, our meals are designed to nourish and satisfy.

For a taste of local tradition, our wonderful Xhosa staff are proud to share their heritage through food. Be sure to try the traditional Xhosa bread, freshly baked on-site — a true highlight of the local culinary experience.

We’re also excited to be growing our own organic vegetable garden, which means guests can enjoy seasonal and limited availability of fresh, organic produce, straight from the earth to your table.

Please note that all catering options are subject to availability, and we encourage guests to inquire in advance if they’d like meals or fresh produce during their stay.

THE ACTIVITIES

  • Surf Lessons: Boasting some of the best waves in South Africa in the middle of Lwandile Point, Secret Beach and Mdumbi Beach. It’s a surfers paradise with waves suitable for beginners to professional surfers.
  • Surfboard hire
  • Fishing Lessons: We offer fishing for kids. (Pricing in info booklets in each unit). They will be taken to the river and taught all there is to know about the local fishing. Your kids will love this unique experience,
  • Kayaking on the Mdumbi River: Rent out a Kayak and take the most memorable paddle up one of the most pristine rivers in South Africa. Take in the gorgeous quite surroundings of nature and the abundance of bird life.
  • Horse Riding
  • Bird Watching: The surrounding area has an extensive array of birdlife. Take a walk or kayak up the river and experience the beauty of roughly 300 species in the area. Make sure to bring your binoculars.
  • Day Tours: Coffee Bay and Hole in the Wall are driving distance to our lodge (1 – 1/2 hour drive). You can self-drive or take one of our guides with you. There are also other day trips around the area.
  • Whale & Dolphin watching: Chill on your deck or take a drive to the top of the hills and watch the Whales & Dolphins in all their beauty.
  • Relax: Take a drive or walk with your family and friends to the river and RELAX. Take in the beauty of our untouched lands. There are not many places left in the world like this! Enjoy it!

LOCATION & GETTING HERE

LOCATION

The Wild Coast is an unspoiled natural treasure. Visitors can explore its renowned beauty on foot, by 4×4 or horseback before embarking on fishing expeditions or snorkelling and diving outings. The seaside villages along the Wild Coast have been the traditional holiday haunt of families for many generations.

 

We are situated on the North side of the Mdumbi River which is one of the most rural and unspoilt areas left of the Wild Coast coastline. We have other gorgeous beaches around the area such as Lwandile, Presley’s Bay. Coffee Bay & Hole in the Wall are just an hours drive away from us. 

 

If you would like to experience the real Wild Coast with non-crowded line ups and real African culture, here is the place to be.

Getting Here

BY CAR:

Please note, our lodge is off the beaten track and you will travel on gravel road to get to the lodge. You do not need a 4×4 to get to our lodge but a vehicle with higher clearance recommended. You can get here in a small car but you just need to take it very slow on the gravel.You can always call us to see what the state of the road condition is like at the time.

 

TRANSFER:

We do offer airport transfers (Mthatha airport)

The closest town is 1 1/2 hours away. 

PRICES & PACKAGES

ROOM NIGH RATE (prices vary according to the season)

  • Sea View Rondavel: From RP 1380
  • Sea View Duplex Rondavels: From RP 1725
  • Luxury Double Story Rondavels: From RP 3289

 

Extra Add On:

  • Surf Lessons
  • Surfboard hire
  • Fishing Lessons
  • Kayaking on the Mdumbi River
  • Horse Riding
  • Day Tours (Coffee Bay and Hole in the Wall)

     

General facilities

  • Secured parking
  • Free parking
  • Laundry service
  • Outdoor Pool
  • BBQ / Picnic area
  • WIFI
  • Shop
  • Catering is offered on request at least a week before arrival
     
 
 

CLIENTS REVIEWS

Swell Eco Lodge Overall rating: 5 out of 5 based on 3 reviews.
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5

Awesome and stunning!!!

"Thank you Justin and Lee ann for an absolutely awesome stay in December. We could not have asked for a better setting to start our road trip. Your establishment is beautiful, and your hospitality was out of this world. We will DEFINITELY be back, the next time hopefully with better surf conditions : ). Thank you again for making our trip so memorable.The Marais Family"
Read more...

Excellent Transkei Experience

"Stayed at surf camp for 3 nights. The accommodation is excellent & the kitchen facilities, Justin and Lee Ann were incredibly helpful and insightful, true local knowledge. Walking the beautiful surrounding hills and meeting the friendly locals was a great experience. The weather was not great nor was the surf but we were happy to paddle out anyway."
Read more...

Paradise

"What a great surprise to find such a beautiful piece of South Africa not to far from home and within our borders.Having always ventured further North across the border into Mozambique this was a great surprise, no bribes or police jumping out from behind bushes or trying to find some way to extort cash from your wallet.My kids were up before sunrise eager to explore the terrain and mingle with the little black piglets adjacent to the lodge. Horse rides are excellent with Local residents bringing there personal mounts in to be utilised thus providing some income for them and there families.The sea is rich with life and the clear waters enticing the biggest sceptics to come take a closer look.Dolphins provided us with aeronautical surf displays that would rival both Jordy Smith and Mick Fanning while the whales just blew and dived creating massive splashes.The stars @ night are something to behold with an almost black out in the area they stand out proud and beautiful. The amount of times my girls commented on how amazing it was made the trip worth while time and time again. The lodge is fantastic Justin and Lee Ann are superb hosts and looked after our every need.The rooms and living area are so well thought out and beautifully decorated. The place is kept superbly clean and the hot shower a real treat after a day in the sea.Special touches are in the form of there Hot baked Xhosa bread which had us all ordering more on a daily basis. A well kept little shop provides the basics should you run out or have forgotten a few things or just go with fully included catering package they offer.Thanks to all who made our stay a memorable one. We will be back"
Read more...
Swell Eco Lodge Overall rating: 5 out of 5 based on 3 reviews.
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5

RELATED SURF CAMPS South Africa

AVAILABILITY REQUEST