Bulungula, located on the Wild Coast of South Africa near Coffee Bay, sits in an isolated location right on the Indian Ocean. Eco-friendly, wind and solar power is used as it’s source of electricity, and unique to Bulungula are their “rocket showers”(more on that later). The local Xhosa people are part owners of Bulungula and organize activities from the lodge.
We stayed in a rondavel which is a circular mud hut with a cow dung- washed floor and a wheat stalk thatched roof. In the mornings, we found cows, goats, mules and horses grazing outside our door.
One morning we walked on the beach and found the Xhosa women on the rocks collecting mussels for lunch. Even young children bore a large 4inch knife and bowl collecting other mollusks in the shallow water. A young man caught 4 octopi and one crayfish using a stick. Mike gathered 3 sticks, and waded into the water in hunt of the same, but lacked success regardless of being well armed. In the evening we walked along the beach to see the jumping fish and to go crab hunting.
As remote and difficult as it was to get to Bulungula, it was well worth the effort. It is un-spoilt, tranquil, charming and beautiful. It ranks up there as one of our favorite places.