Explore, discover and enjoy a unique taste of rural Africa!

Coffee Shack is a backpackers tropical paradise located right on the beach at the Bomvu River mouth in the Transkei, a deeply traditional area of South Africa where you'll experience a way of life far removed from Western culture.

We have a reputation of being a fun, good-value hostel with excellent facilities and the most amazing, friendly staff.

Most visitors rate Coffee Shack as a highlight of their SA tour...

Location

You’ll find us on the Wild Coast, idyllically located on the beach, in Coffee Bay with the high tide lapping at our garden gate. 

Accommodation

Coffee Shack offers a variety of accommodation:

Camping , Dorms  , Doubles/ private rooms/rondavels Ensuite double     

Meals                                     

There are 2 self-catering kitchens for those who need them, otherwise Coffee Shack provides 3 meals a day... breakfast you have a choice of fruit juice, filter coffee , cereals, milk, yoghurt or a fry up. For lunch there is a selection of salads and toasted sandwiches .Dinner is a 2-course meal, seafood as frequently as the ocean permits. Every Friday, a different local village in the area host our guests for a traditional Xhosa evening which includes dinner, singing dancing, traditional “mqombothi” beer and a chance to chat with the locals. Sunday nights there is a free potjie (Traditional South African Stew) for all guests.                       

The “Babalaza Bar”

Is a fully licensed bar, that rocks in the evenings with its free pool table. If you prefer you can enjoy the chilled-out atmosphere around the fire-pit. Ocean permitting free oysters and mussels are served on the bar before dinner. Most evenings a local choir will sing, or a group of dancers will perform traditional Tshezi (the local Xhosa tribe) dances. Tuesday nights is “party nite”; everyone dresses up for the “theme night” with lots of free punch flowing for all and sundry. Full moon dinners on the cliffs are not to be missed.

“trans – Kei Trips”

Every evening, (weather permitting) we go to one of the many magnificent “sundowner spots” in the area to celebrate the end of another day and to enjoy a cold beer. Every day, we run a different “adventure” showing off the multitude of spectacular locations in the region. The day trips are all very well priced, include lunch and never leave early... 10H30! If it rains we have a variety of different activities to keep you occupied.

Abseiling

We take you for a short scramble up the beautiful Hlungwane waterfall and then a sheer 45m abseil into the sea at “baby hole in the wall”.

Mpuzi Cliffs & caves

This short hike follows a steep goat path down to the awesome caves and other natural “jewels” on this wild, untouched stretch of coast. Some fun swimming and “cliff jumps” are available for the willing!

Canoeing

A paddle down the Mthatha river, which ultimately ends up at the mangroves of the river mouth. A lot of wild life along the way, Fish Eagles, “Transkei Camel Cows”, giant turtles and flying mullet.

Surf Lessons and trips

A variety of different combinations of “beach & surf” days are on offer, at either Coffee Bay or Umdumbi beach. Take some lessons from a qualified surf instructor.

Hike to “Hole in the Wall”

Let us introduce you to some of the most uniquely beautiful coastline in the world, and give you a brief introduction into the traditional lifestyle of the Xhosa people. At “Hole in the Wall” you can take in the magnificent setting while enjoying lunch under the milk wood trees.

Cultural Explorer

Let our local guide take you for a gentle walk though their home “lallie” (village), find out “how many cows your girlfriend is worth?” Buy a hangover cure from the herbalist, grind your own maize with an ancient grindstone, and share a beer with the locals at their “local”!

Easi Falls adventure

This full day hike will be one of those days that you never forget. Adventure through some of the most remote and untouched countryside in the Transkei, ultimately swimming the last 60m until you arrive at the hidden waterfalls. Only during summer.

Drum making workshops

A local drum maker, who bases himself at Coffee Shack, will assist you make your own drum, from scratch.

If none of the above activities tickles your fancy, relax in the giant hammock over looking the beach or catch a little sunshine on one of the many beautiful beaches in the area.

Other facilities

Coffee Shack runs a daily shuttle to Mthatha to meet the Baz Bus and other mainline buses. We have a good internet connection and safe parking. We offer a laundry service, which is sub-contracted to an ex-employee, who is now running it as her own business. Coffee Shack is committed to the improvement and uplifting of the greater community, through education, training, scholarships, support of local producers and suppliers and providing the community an opportunity to benefit from tourism.