VUKANI BACKPACKERS

Vukani Backpackers sits atop a hill in the Tshani village, overlooking the Indian ocean, the wide Mdumbi River and the dense indigenous forest.

From Vukani Backpackers it is a short walk down to an expansive stretch of pristine beach. The water is warm year-round for swimming and the point creates an excellent wave for surfing.

Vukani Backpackers is owned by Tata Spargs and his family and offers authentic village accommodation and an opportunity for guests to experience life in a rural Xhosa village. It offers accommodation in private double rooms or shared dorm rooms, with a common kitchen and lounge area.

There are numerous activities offered in the village such as kayaking, hiking, surf lessons, cliff jumping, village tours and massages. We can highly recommend these and encourage our guests to try them.

Rooms

Vukani Backpackers offers accommodation in traditional Xhosa huts. These circular huts are built entirely of local resources – walls of mud bricks, cow-dung floors and thatch roofs. The rooms have candles and paraffin lamps.

There are 3 private double rooms, The Wildekat, The Rose Room, The Ocean Room. These are all rondavels. Traditional way of building homes herein the Transkei.

We have 3 dorm rooms, one that is a 10 sleeper and two 8 sleepers.

We did some renovations with our old kitchen area an turned it into a lovely self catering unit we call the Larnie Room that sleeps 5 (arrangements can be made to add one more single bed to this) it comes with your own braai spot overlooking the view that words cannot describe, you will have to see it for yourself. Built in kitchen area. Outside courtyard with our hand made benches.

Communal Lounge and Kitchen

We have a communal lounge area and a kitchen equipped for self-catering. There is a fridge, gas stove, sink, cooking utensils, cutlery and crockery. Fridge space is limited so please bear this in mind when packing.

The closest real grocery shop is at Ncwanguba past Coffee Bay.
Stock up before you come!

Showers

We have hot showers that run on gas heating.

Bookings

For inquires and bookings please email stay@vukanibackpackers.co.za

You can also call or message 071 857 6989

** Please note that there is no ATM in the village and we do not have card facilities **

Visit our facebook page! ..just click on the thumb!

Prices

- double room (2 pax) ZAR350 / room -

- dorm ZAR125 / person -

We are pet friendly :)

We have 2 local dogs at Vukani Backpackers, they are always looking for new play mates.

How to find us

We are located next to the Mdumbi River. As you drive from East London on the N2 towards Mthatha: Before reaching Mthatha, take right turn off onto the Coffee Bay road. Drive down the Coffee Bay road until you reach a left turn off taking you onto a gravel road. It is clearly sign-posted with "Anchorage Hotel' and 'Umdumbi Backpackers'. Once onto the gravel road, you'll cross a bridge, and when you reach a T-Junction, turn right following the signs 'Anchorage Hotel', Mdumbi Backpackers'. Keep driving until you reach another junction. Keep to your left, following the sign 'Mdumbi Backpackers' you'll see on your left-hand side the Tshani Store, keep going for about 1.5 km until you reach Vukani Backpackers.

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The owner

Vukani is owned by Tata Spargs and his family. Vukani is built on Spargs’ land, alongside his own house where he and his family live. They are delighted to welcome guests into their home and to let you enjoy the beauty of life in a Xhosa village.

Activities

There are several local businesses that offer activities in the area that we encourage our guests to try.

Kayaking

Take a kayak and head up the river with local guide, Notshana. Be enveloped in the peace of the river broken only by the birds and the gentle dipping of paddles. The river is a perfect vantage point to see the thick forest, birds and leguaans. This is a perfect activity for a cloudy day.