Freedom O' Clock Backpackers Retreat is located in a small Pondo village, near the mouth of the Mdumbi river on the Hluleka side of the river in Mngcibe. This uncommercialised Wild Coast accommodation offers a uniquely different getaway experience. The views and access to the beach and river make this laid back place to visit and is ideal for the nature lover and outdoor enthusiast who don’t mind roughing it a bit here and there.
Accommodation is offered in rustic, yet clean and comfortable rooms. The kitchen is communal with plenty of refrigeration space and basic kitchen equipment. We do not allow stock-piling of seafood in the freezers to be taken home on departure. All rooms have sliding doors leading out onto the deck with the most amazing ocean, beach and river views. Rooms have electrical plug points for your convenience. The ablutions with flush toilets and hot water rocket shower is also communal.
Activities at the retreat include exploration of the crystal clear emerald rock pools and there plenty of gullies for safe fishing and snorkelling. The river offers unspoilt mangrove swamps, estuarine and river fishing and is navigable for several kilometres. Ride perfect point breaks from Tshani point to Lwandile point, both are world-class. In-house surf lessons are also available and includes boards.
A variety of other activities and attractions in the area are available like hikes to Mapuzi Caves, Coffee Bay, Secret Beach, Hluleka Nature Reserve, kayaking, bird watching, indigenous tree spotting, surf trips to Lwandile and Coffee Bay.
As the name implies, Freedom O' Clock gives you just that, freedom to do as you want and when you want, freedom to just chill, do nothing, zero, nada. Simply meaning to lie around on the beach all day, read to your heart’s content, just sit around and sleep all you want.
We utilize solar technology for lights and charging of cellphones and other devices; electricity for fridges (with a backup gas fridge) and gas for cooking. Our showers are rocket-powered.
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Freedom O' Clock Backpackers Retreat
Freedom O' Clock Backpackers Retreat
Freedom O' Clock Backpackers Retreat
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Accommodation is offered in rustic, yet clean and comfortable rooms. The kitchen is communal with plenty of refrigeration space and basic kitchen equipment. We do not allow stock-piling of seafood in the freezers to be taken home on departure. All rooms have sliding doors leading out onto the deck with the most amazing ocean, beach and river views. Rooms have electrical plug points for your convenience. The ablutions with flush toilets and hot water rocket shower is also communal.
Activities at the retreat include exploration of the crystal clear emerald rock pools and there plenty of gullies for safe fishing and snorkelling. The river offers unspoilt mangrove swamps, estuarine and river fishing and is navigable for several kilometres. Ride perfect point breaks from Tshani point to Lwandile point, both are world-class. In-house surf lessons are also available and includes boards.
A variety of other activities and attractions in the area are available like hikes to Mapuzi Caves, Coffee Bay, Secret Beach, Hluleka Nature Reserve, kayaking, bird watching, indigenous tree spotting, surf trips to Lwandile and Coffee Bay.
As the name implies, Freedom O' Clock gives you just that, freedom to do as you want and when you want, freedom to just chill, do nothing, zero, nada. Simply meaning to lie around on the beach all day, read to your heart’s content, just sit around and sleep all you want.
We utilize solar technology for lights and charging of cellphones and other devices; electricity for fridges (with a backup gas fridge) and gas for cooking. Our showers are rocket-powered.
Accommodation is offered in rustic, yet clean and comfortable rooms. The kitchen is communal with plenty of refrigeration space and basic kitchen equipment. We do not allow stock-piling of seafood in the freezers to be taken home on departure. All rooms have sliding doors leading out onto the deck with the most amazing ocean, beach and river views. Rooms have electrical plug points for your convenience. The ablutions with flush toilets and hot water rocket shower is also communal.
Activities at the retreat include exploration of the crystal clear emerald rock pools and there plenty of gullies for safe fishing and snorkelling. The river offers unspoilt mangrove swamps, estuarine and river fishing and is navigable for several kilometres. Ride perfect point breaks from Tshani point to Lwandile point, both are world-class. In-house surf lessons are also available and includes boards.
A variety of other activities and attractions in the area are available like hikes to Mapuzi Caves, Coffee Bay, Secret Beach, Hluleka Nature Reserve, kayaking, bird watching, indigenous tree spotting, surf trips to Lwandile and Coffee Bay.
As the name implies, Freedom O' Clock gives you just that, freedom to do as you want and when you want, freedom to just chill, do nothing, zero, nada. Simply meaning to lie around on the beach all day, read to your heart’s content, just sit around and sleep all you want.
We utilize solar technology for lights and charging of cellphones and other devices; electricity for fridges (with a backup gas fridge) and gas for cooking. Our showers are rocket-powered.
Features
Reviews (6)
6 guests' feedbackTo find the real beauty of the Eastern Cape, you need to go to the less trodden locations, this is where you will find the true beauty of this amazing, untamed coastline and the location of Freedom O' Clock. This Retreat is off the grid, so do not expect luxury. If you want that, then you are looking in the wrong place. This is a place where you leave the city slicker life behind and embrace where you are, and feed your soul. It has everything you need, hot showers, good food, comfortable beds and real people who own and run it, Lu, Otto and their daughter Coral. Finding it is an adventure and the road is a challenge if you don't have an off road vehicle, but if you take it easy and drive carefully you can get there in a Ford Figo. Here you immerse yourself in the natural unspoilt beauty of the Transkei. The river estuary is breathtakingly beautiful and you can bathe safely in a protective cove down the end of a tranquil sandy beach. The only thing we regret is not staying longer. Thank you, Otto and Lu, for sharing your world with us.
Not suited to needs of older fishermen group.
We enjoyed our stay a lot, felt welcome. Otto and Lo are great hosts and we will definitely go again.
A piece of paradise at one of the most pristine beaches in the country. It offers a good chance to get away and to experience nature in its rawest form. The owners are hospitable, friendly and make the most delicious dishes. It's simple with the necessary facilities, and offers something unique that you don't just experience every day. Definitely for young and adventurous people. Not suitable for Sedan vehicles, dirt roads offer extra excitement.
It's incredibly beautiful unspoiled nature. The owners are hospitable and friendly.
Totally off the grid and absolutely fantastic!
Map
Rooms
Surf - Double Room
Mush Room - Dorm / Family
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Price Includes
Check-in/check-out details
House rules
Rates exclude drinks, meals and activities.Freedom O Clock strives for a Zero Waste Journey. There is no municipal infrastructure in the area and no municipal dumps in our nearby towns (believe it or not). Therefore, we request our guests to seriously consider the use of "convenience packaging" and non-reusable / refundable bottles.
You are encouraged to minimise the amount of single use plastics brought into the village.
It would be GREATLY appreciated if recyclables could be taken along with you to dispose of in an area with the municipal infrastructure necessary to deal with this.
We rely on rainwater only. Please make sure to use water sparingly.
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! Please note that should your child use disposable diapers you are requested to bring along your own diaper bags and to take them with you to dispose in a municipal area. Diapers are not bio-degradable and do not burn.
Surf - Double Room
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Description
This is one of 3 rooms in an L-shaped building which offers the best views of the ocean, beach and river. Rooms are private and have sliding doors out onto a sundeck. The Surf room is a family room and consists of a double bed and a single bed.
Room Arrangements
Rates
About This Room
Price Includes
Room only.
House Rules
Rates exclude drinks, meals and activities.
Freedom O Clock strives for a Zero Waste Journey. There is no municipal infrastructure in the area and no municipal dumps in our nearby towns (believe it or not). Therefore, we request our guests to seriously consider the use of "convenience packaging" and non-reusable / refundable bottles.
You are encouraged to minimise the amount of single use plastics brought into the village.
It would be GREATLY appreciated if recyclables could be taken along with you to dispose of in an area with the municipal infrastructure necessary to deal with this.
We rely on rainwater only. Please make sure to use water sparingly.
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! Please note that should your child use disposable diapers you are requested to bring along your own diaper bags and to take them with you to dispose in a municipal area. Diapers are not bio-degradable and do not burn.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
This is one of 3 rooms in an L-shaped building which offers the best views of the ocean, beach and river. Rooms are private and have sliding doors out onto a sundeck. The Surf room is a family room and consists of a double bed and a single bed.
Mush Room - Dorm / Family
More room/unit pictures
Description
The Mush Room is a dorm or family hut and consists of 4 single beds and a double bed with amazing river views.
Room Arrangements
Rates
About This Room
Price Includes
Room only.
House Rules
Rates exclude drinks, meals and activities.
Freedom O Clock strives for a Zero Waste Journey. There is no municipal infrastructure in the area and no municipal dumps in our nearby towns (believe it or not). Therefore, we request our guests to seriously consider the use of "convenience packaging" and non-reusable / refundable bottles.
You are encouraged to minimise the amount of single use plastics brought into the village.
It would be GREATLY appreciated if recyclables could be taken along with you to dispose of in an area with the municipal infrastructure necessary to deal with this.
We rely on rainwater only. Please make sure to use water sparingly.
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! Please note that should your child use disposable diapers you are requested to bring along your own diaper bags and to take them with you to dispose in a municipal area. Diapers are not bio-degradable and do not burn.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
The Mush Room is a dorm or family hut and consists of 4 single beds and a double bed with amazing river views.
Fish Room - Family Room
More room/unit pictures
Description
This is one of 3 rooms in an L-shaped which offers insane views of the ocean, beach and river. All rooms are private and have sliding doors out onto a sundeck. The Fish room is a family room and consists of a double bed and double bunk.
Room Arrangements
Rates
About This Room
Price Includes
Room only.
House Rules
Rates exclude drinks, meals and activities.
Freedom O Clock strives for a Zero Waste Journey. There is no municipal infrastructure in the area and no municipal dumps in our nearby towns (believe it or not). Therefore, we request our guests to seriously consider the use of "convenience packaging" and non-reusable / refundable bottles.
You are encouraged to minimise the amount of single use plastics brought into the village.
It would be GREATLY appreciated if recyclables could be taken along with you to dispose of in an area with the municipal infrastructure necessary to deal with this.
We rely on rainwater only. Please make sure to use water sparingly.
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! Please note that should your child use disposable diapers you are requested to bring along your own diaper bags and to take them with you to dispose in a municipal area. Diapers are not bio-degradable and do not burn.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
This is one of 3 rooms in an L-shaped which offers insane views of the ocean, beach and river. All rooms are private and have sliding doors out onto a sundeck. The Fish room is a family room and consists of a double bed and double bunk.
Relax Room
More room/unit pictures
Description
This is one of 3 rooms in an L-shape, which offers great views of the ocean, beach and river. All rooms are private and have sliding doors out onto a sundeck. The Relax Room is a family room and consists of a double bed and a double bunk bed. The kitchen is communal and makes for social evenings. The ablutions with flush toilets and hot water shower are also communal.
Room Arrangements
Rates
About This Room
House Rules
Rates exclude drinks, meals and activities.
Freedom O Clock strives for a Zero Waste Journey. There is no municipal infrastructure in the area and no municipal dumps in our nearby towns (believe it or not). Therefore, we request our guests to seriously consider the use of "convenience packaging" and non-reusable / refundable bottles.
You are encouraged to minimise the amount of single use plastics brought into the village.
It would be GREATLY appreciated if recyclables could be taken along with you to dispose of in an area with the municipal infrastructure necessary to deal with this.
We rely on rainwater only. Please make sure to use water sparingly.
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! Please note that should your child use disposable diapers you are requested to bring along your own diaper bags and to take them with you to dispose in a municipal area. Diapers are not bio-degradable and do not burn.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
This is one of 3 rooms in an L-shape, which offers great views of the ocean, beach and river. All rooms are private and have sliding doors out onto a sundeck. The Relax Room is a family room and consists of a double bed and a double bunk bed. The kitchen is communal and makes for social evenings. The ablutions with flush toilets and hot water shower are also communal.
Riverside Cabin
More room/unit pictures
Description
The Riverside Cabin is furnished with 2 bunk beds and has an outdoor bathroom fitted with a shower. The unit is equipped with a fridge and a stove. Guests can enjoy the firepit outside and there is an option to hire a small riverboat as well.
Room Arrangements
Rates
About This Room
Bathroom
Room Facilities
Appliances
Price Includes
Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
House Rules
Rates exclude drinks, meals and activities.
Freedom O Clock strives for a Zero Waste Journey. There is no municipal infrastructure in the area and no municipal dumps in our nearby towns (believe it or not). Therefore, we request our guests to seriously consider the use of "convenience packaging" and non-reusable / refundable bottles.
You are encouraged to minimise the amount of single use plastics brought into the village.
It would be GREATLY appreciated if recyclables could be taken along with you to dispose of in an area with the municipal infrastructure necessary to deal with this.
We rely on rainwater only. Please make sure to use water sparingly.
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! Please note that should your child use disposable diapers you are requested to bring along your own diaper bags and to take them with you to dispose in a municipal area. Diapers are not bio-degradable and do not burn.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
The Riverside Cabin is furnished with 2 bunk beds and has an outdoor bathroom fitted with a shower. The unit is equipped with a fridge and a stove. Guests can enjoy the firepit outside and there is an option to hire a small riverboat as well.
Accommodation is offered in rustic, yet clean and comfortable rooms. The kitchen is communal with plenty of refrigeration space and basic kitchen equipment. We do not allow stock-piling of seafood in the freezers to be taken home on departure. All rooms have sliding doors leading out onto the deck with the most amazing ocean, beach and river views. Rooms have electrical plug points for your convenience. The ablutions with flush toilets and hot water rocket shower is also communal.
Activities at the retreat include exploration of the crystal clear emerald rock pools and there plenty of gullies for safe fishing and snorkelling. The river offers unspoilt mangrove swamps, estuarine and river fishing and is navigable for several kilometres. Ride perfect point breaks from Tshani point to Lwandile point, both are world-class. In-house surf lessons are also available and includes boards.
A variety of other activities and attractions in the area are available like hikes to Mapuzi Caves, Coffee Bay, Secret Beach, Hluleka Nature Reserve, kayaking, bird watching, indigenous tree spotting, surf trips to Lwandile and Coffee Bay.
As the name implies, Freedom O' Clock gives you just that, freedom to do as you want and when you want, freedom to just chill, do nothing, zero, nada. Simply meaning to lie around on the beach all day, read to your heart’s content, just sit around and sleep all you want.
We utilize solar technology for lights and charging of cellphones and other devices; electricity for fridges (with a backup gas fridge) and gas for cooking. Our showers are rocket-powered.