Mdumbi lies 24 km north of Coffee Bay on the Eastern Cape Wild Coast of South Africa. The beach lies in a sweeping bay and is lined with shady Milkwood trees, Xhosa huts and rolling green hills. The surfing is excellent and the water uncrowded.

Sleep

• 1 Freedom O Clock Backpackers Retreat, Mdumbi River Mouth, Mngcibe (Best to call for directions. Detailed directions will be SMSed or emailed to you), ☏ +27 827953944, info@freedomoclock.co.za. Small, rustic, off the grid and eco-minded FOC offers double rooms, family rooms, a dorm rondavel, space to pitch a tent and great views of the ocean, beach, river and Tshani Point. Ablutions offer flush toilets and a rocket shower. Surf lessons, board rental, horse rides, hikes, kayak trips and fishing are available. Spectacular 3-hour hike to or from Coffee Bay. Situated in an uncommercialised rural village. Stock up if self-catering. Meals are also available. Brink your own drinking water. (updated Aug 2017)
• 2 Swell Eco Lodge, ☏ +27 84 943 3947. 
• 3 Mdumbi Ocean View, Ward 25, Mgcnibe, Lwandile, 5140, ☏ +27 61 271 0548 (mobile), mdumbioceanview@gmail.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 10:00. (updated Jun 2016)