Articles in the Bulungula Category
Posted in Bulungula, Wild Coast on 16 September 2008
Bulungula is without a doubt one of the most scenic spots along the Wild Coast - if you can get there. Perched at land’s end where the Bulungula River flows into the ocean it’s the ultimate getaway for those wanting to experience the traditional Xhosa or backpacker lifestyle.
How to get there from East London:
Bulungula is remote and can only be reached by 4X4. However, arrangements can be made with the lodge for a 4X4 shuttle to to come and fetch visitors and this is highly recommended.
From East London: Drive on the N2 towards Mthatha for approximately 170 kilometres. At Viedgesville, take the Coffee Bay turn off and drive for 38 kilometres until you get to the Nocollege turn-off. Look out for the big Omo sign. The Lutubeni Mission is situated at this junction as well. Turn right onto a dirt road and drive for 12 kilometres. Turn left. Drive for 8 kilometres until you reach the Embekweni Store. If lost, ask locals for “Tafalehashe”.
At the store turn right and then almost immediately right again. From there Bulungula should be sign-posted. There is a spot to safely park vehicles but if you have a 4×4, you can proceed down an almost non-existent road towards Bulungula.
GPS co-ordinates: S32.14034 E029.00972
Way back when:
In days gone past, Bulungula was know as an area which harboured all sorts of unsavoury elements. This all changed in 2004 when when IT programmer Dave Martin arrived with the idea of establishing a backpackers - with the local community as co-owners.
He spoke to the headman in the area, who then spoke to the chief and permission was granted. “As far as I know this now the only lodge to have been approved by the Department of Land Affairs on the Wild Coast since democracy in 1994,” Martin says.
Using an old illegal cottage as a base, Martin and the community built a central area with kitchen, showers, toilets and there are 10 huts available to sleep in.
Paid and stayed:
For three people including dinner and breakfast the team paid R800. Acommodation is basic but comfortable with beds in traditional huts. Do not expect any luxuries.
Tourist friendly rating: 4/5 for hospitality 2/5 for accessibility.
Must eat:
Bulungula serves fantastic meals with freshly-cooked produce. For the more adventurous there is a trip to the local village where traditional Xhosa meals are being served.
Locals only:
Bulungula offers a unique experience of interaction with the local community as they are part-owners of the lodge. They also run all the activities in Bulungula, so just ask anybody.
Must do:
Firstly, try and locate the lodge’s “secret bath”, situated somewhere in the sand dunes. Go fishing with “Mr Z”, who will ensure that your line is cast in the right place to pull the “big one.” Ride horses along the beach, buy some locally-made crafts or just chill out.
Bulungula is a very interactive backpackers. Just take a walk to the local village and you are guaranteed to find something to do.
Also, ask Dave Martin, a raconteur of note, to tell the story of how the Masai warrior pitched up at the memorial service of the triathlete who drowned while swimming a few years ago.
Click on the video clips below to view
Posted in Bulungula, On the road, Wild Coast on 4 September 2008
What’s it like to sleep in a hut without a key? Dispatch@venturer Siya Miti explains:
“I’d never happier to see a cluster of pink and blue huts than I was to see Bulungula Lodge after a rough ride on a bumpy road which shook my stomach contents and made me feel a tad car sick.
Then, later in the evening I could not be more horrified to hear from a fellow Dispatch@venture teamster that the rooms were not locked and had no keys. (more…)
(4.71 out of 5)