Bulungula Lodge - a pioneer in sustainable living and community development

Tucked away in the awe-inspiring landscape of the Eastern Cape province, this unique destination invites backpackers and cultural explorers to immerse themselves in the vibrant life of a traditional Xhosa community where sustainability is the order of the day.

Not only is the lodge 100% community-owned, but it also prides itself on being fully off-grid. Committed to becoming a carbon-neutral entity, Bulungula exemplifies a harmonious co-existence with nature, showcasing the perfect blend of frugal consumption, innovative technologies, and mindful living.

Water is sourced from the ground, pumped by solar panels, and conserved with care for all uses. Compost toilets and water-efficient showers further minimise water use, ensuring that the lodge only utilises about 60 litres of water per guest per night.

Waste water from the shower and kitchen sinks is meticulously recycled to irrigate banana and papaya orchads.

In 2009, Bulungula took a bold step to protect the primary dune forest. Fencing it off from goats and domestic animals that were eroding its biodiversity, they paved the way for the forest to recover and thrive. Alien plants were systematically removed, and over 10,000 mangrove seeds were planted to replace the ones lost during the drought of 1997.