Mdumbi Backpackers is located on the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape of South Africa - once known as the 'Kingdom of Transkei'. Mdumbi offers simple & spacious accommodation - set in traditional style Xhosa huts

One of the FTTSA’s assessment criteria is ownership and control, which looks at the current ownership of the company (e.g. the percentage owned by women, black women, black men, employees and / or other entities such as a Community Trust). Having 30% ownership held by local employees, Mdumbi Backpackers obviously achieved very well in this area.

In terms of Community Social Investment (CSI), Mdumbi Backpackers simultaneously operates a non-profit organisation called Transcape to address development priorities in the immediate area. Current projects range from health and education to job creation. The NGO also assists people affected by HIV/AIDS through awareness raising, support, home-based care and treatment programs.

Mdumbi also demonstrates its respect for the environment by utilizing a grey water filtration system, installing solar backup systems and solar water heating, monitoring of marine resources in collaboration with the local community and the University of Cape Town, production of organic fruit and vegetables and managing the recycling programme.

Mdumbi is very pro-active about getting guests involved in ensuring that they participate in the environmental measures and community projects that have been implemented. Notices and information are posted in various places on the property, ensuring that guests are made aware of how to minimize potential negative environmental and cultural impacts in the area, while maximizing their economic impacts but supporting local businesses.