Marvellous Mdumbi, a 23km drive north of Coffee Bay (the 17km gravel road is normally passable in a 2WD car), is a rural retreat set in rolling hills above a wide white-sand beach. A collection of simply furnished rondavels (round huts with a conical roofs) and safari tents share the grounds with a former chapel and cafe. Excellent meals are provided.
There are lots of activities, including surfing, boat trips, kayaking and hiking, plus numerous opportunities to meet the local Xhosa people in a genuine setting. Volunteers looking to stay longer can also get involved in various community projects undertaken by Mdumbi’s affiliated nonprofit organisation, Transcape (www.transcape.org). Book a day ahead for the shuttle here from Coffee Bay (R60).
