Where to Stay? Eco-Friendly Spots in the Eastern Cape

Looking for an eco-friendly family excursion or romantic geaway and wondering where to stay? This guide highlights gorgeous and earth loving accomodation spots in the gorgeous Eastern Cape.

Make sure to check out our Western Cape Travel Guide for eco-friendly spots to add to your bucket list!

Sibuya Game Reserve

Our feature image captures the magic of Sibuya – the 4 star Sibuya Game Reserve in Kenton-on-Sea! Stay in a deluxe bush lodge or choose from the solar powered tented forest and river camps. Go on guided game drives, birding excursions,river cruises, horseback trails, and enjoy evening beach walks. Unwind with luxury spa treatments to ease the city from your muscles.

Gain invaluable experience with the game reserve’s volunteer program or learn how to track and monitor wildlife. You can even help out at the Rhino protection unit. Guests are welcome to get involved in conducting botanical surveys or exploring marine life. Most guests enjoy engaging with the community. You can contribute to the Sibuya Rhino Foundation by making your booking at Sibuya Game Reserve. Just add the Rhino Levy to your total at checkout and you can help protect these precious animals!

Buccaneers Lodge and Backpackers

Just off the coast in Chinsta, Buccaneers Lodge and Backpackers is a gem! Offering a range of eco-friendly accommodation, from luxury en-suite rooms, family cottages, budget friendly rooms and cabins, funky dorms, safari tents and a beautiful campsite, Buccaneers caters for all budgets without skimping on luxury or style!

Relax by the poolside or get competitive in the volleyball court. De-stress and ease tension with yoga and massage. You can also go horseback riding along the stunning Chinsta beach, surf in the blue waters, or get that adrenaline pumping with their 9-line zipline and quad bike trails.

Give back this holiday and volunteer at the several community projects in the area. From gardening and reading with the kids to helping out at the soup kitchen.

Terra-Khaya Eco Backpackers

Take your trip off the beaten track and into the high hills of Hogsback at Terra-Khaya Backpackers. A sanctuary for travellers, the 100% off grid eco lodge offers a unique experience. Camp or stay in comfortable dorms and rustic rooms. All of Terra-Khaya’s buildings are made from natural and recycled materials in the traditional natural building methods of rural Africa.

Join Terra-Khaya’s Wild Coast Journeys by Horse and explore the rugged coastline. Alternatively, sign up for their in depth Permaculture Design and Natural Building courses and retreats. If you’re wanting to go the extra mile the Wild Adventure Tours are the thing for you! Hike, cycle and ride the range on these 4-6 day guided tours. Explore the indgienous forest, experience the local culture, enjoy delicious food and cosy campfires. If you’re an adventurer, nature lover and free spirit then Terra-Khaya is the place to stay!

Mdumbi Backpackers

World class surf, gorgeous hiking trails and stunning views are just a few of the gems Mdumbi Backpackers has to offer.

Dedicated to sustainability practices and supporting community the backpackers is infused with tradition and gives guests an exclusive experience. Spacious dorms, camping, safari tents and cosy rondavel rooms there’s something for every budget!

Wild Lubanzi

Looking to get away from city life or need a creative sanctuary to focus and work? Wild Lubanzi is where you need to be!

100% off grid but still equipped with free (and fast!) Wi-Fi their homely self-catering rooms offer a serene place to stay. There’s also plenty to do if you’re needing a little work break and some fresh air. Hiking, tree planting, whale watching and birding for the adventurous type, or an evening of stargazing, a meander through the abundant vegetable gardens or a trip to the Lubanzi Library for those wanting to unwind gently.

Wild Lubanzi is a place of peace! It is ready to accommodate those on a self retreat, couples or families. You’re sure to leave feeling rejuvenated with the fresh air in your lungs and open skies in your heart!

Bulungula Lodge

Fair Trade certified and affordable, Bulungula Lodge offers eco-friendly accommodation for the earth conscious traveller looking for a cultural experience. Owned and managed by the lively Nqileni village (a Xhosa community) you will be surrounded by warm smiles, friendly banter and lots of animals!

Guests are invited to become a part of the Bulungula Lodge and truly experience life in the community. Spend the day with the village women, eat sunrise pancakes or go horseback riding. You can also embark on a guided tour and fill your spirit with the warmth of community and the Wild Coast sunshine!

Horseshoe Game Reserve

This lodge offers eco-friendly accommodation just 20km outside of East London. The Horseshoe Game Reserve is the perfect peaceful getaway to ease the city stress from your soul.

Enjoy guided game drives, hiking trails and cycling routes on the farm. Stay in a cosy cabin with private braai facilities or choose a spot on the glorious tented camp, equipped with ablution blocks, a communal kitchen and solar powered lights!

Crawfords Beach Lodge

Located in the scenic Chinsta East Village, along the stunning Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape, Crawfords Beach Lodge offers an experience for the whole family.

With comfortable accomodation to make you feel right at home, gourmet meals and a range of day trips and activities to choose from. Overlook the breathtaking ocean views from the luxury of private suites equipped with air-conditioning and satellite TV. The lodge is also open for weddings or conferences, so if you’re looking for the perfect wedding destination or a stunning spot for a conference, Crawfords Beach Lodge will cater for all your needs!

Prana Lodge

A unique small boutique lodge and wellness spa situated in the pristine forest along the Chinsta Bay, Prana Lodge, is all about washing away that stress and rejuvenating your soul!

Exquisitely decorated private suites offer you the perfect retreat haven. Take in the bathtub garden views or plunge into your very own private pool. The fully equipped spa offers holistic treatments for a complete physical, mental and spiritual renewal. Enjoy the tastes of exceptional cuisine and dine in the privacy of your own patio.

Prana Lodge is the ultimate wellness retreat place sure to leave you feeling revived and alive!

Addo Dung Beetle Guest Farm

If a trip to the Addo Elephant National Park is on your bucket list then the Addo Dung Beetle Guest Farm is the place to stay!

Situated just 4km away from the national park’s main gate, you can almost imagine sleeping in the African bush surrounded by the sounds of the wild, but still relax from the luxury of the guest farm’s deluxe chalets, self catering cabins and private suites. Indulge at the health spa or book a guided tour, game drive or day trip to encounter the many experiences the area has to offer.

Thunzi Bush L odge

With 4 star deluxe self-catering chalets, an abundance of nature and just a 50 minute drive from Addo Elephant National Park, Thunzi Bush Lodge is the ideal place to stay for those wanting to unwind and reconnect.

Relax by the poolside, take a tranquil forest walk, go birding or book a private picnic at the lodge. Comfortably furnished and stylish chalets are equipped with DSTV, air-conditioning and cleaning and laundry services. Each chalet offers its own “extras” to make you feel at home and enjoy your stay in luxury.

Kariega Private Game Reserve

Located on 10,000 hectares of African wilderness the family run game reserve offers eco-friendly accommodation that will be an unforgettable experience for everyone!

Stay in splendid chalets and suites, luxury tents or a private lodge all to yourself. Fill your day with a selection of activities, from game drives, river cruises and guided bush walks to rejuvenating facials and energizing massages. Kids’ safari game drives, midday activities, a playroom, as well as babysitting services, will keep the young ones entertained while giving you a few hours of free time for yourself!

The Shire Eco Lodge

Nestled in the indigenious forest of the Amatola Mountains, the Shire offers self-catering or B&B accommodation. The chalets are uniquely designed and are fully equipped with a kitchenette and private braai facilities.

Delicious organic meals using home-grown ingredients are are enjoyed at the Shire. Alternatively guests can choose to dine out at the fabulous restaurants in the area. Forest walks, horseback riding, canoeing, rock climbing, abseiling, pottery workshops and museum tours are just a few of the exciting adventures you can experience on your stay at the Shire Eco Lodge!

Paxton Hotel

Looking for eco-friendly accommodation in South Africa’s ‘friendly’ city? The Paxton Hotel, situated in the heart of Port Elizabeth, will give guests the opportunity to experience all that the vibrant city has to offer. Gorgeous rooms and elegant suites overlook the bustling harbour and give one that picturesque bird’s eye view.