Eco Friendly
Elundini Backpackers takes pride in being an eco-friendly haven, striving to minimize its carbon footprint while offering guests an authentic and sustainable experience. When the backpackers first opened in September 2012, the entire area was without electricity. Building the lodge without nearby water or power was no small feat! However, the commitment to sustainability became part of the foundation.
Since Easter 2014, the village has been connected to the national grid, but Elundini Backpackers continues to have no electricity in their rooms. Hot water is heated through solar geysers and a traditional hot water "donkey." Rainwater is carefully harvested from the roofs and stored in 5,000-liter tanks, ensuring an independent water supply. Composting toilets, which require no water, provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional flushing systems, while greywater is treated directly on-site.
The backpackers embraces natural building techniques, reflecting the traditions of the region. All rondavels are crafted with cow dung walls and floors, topped with thatched roofs made from grass harvested by the local community and the team at Elundini. The main building showcases locally sourced materials, including cane ceilings, natural stone floors, and a scenic deck made from stone found nearby.
Managing waste sustainably remains a challenge due to the lack of recycling infrastructure in the area. Despite this, Elundini Backpackers makes every effort to reduce waste. Green scraps are fed to the pigs or composted, and soft plastics are repurposed into eco-bricks for construction.
Through these practices, Elundini Backpackers has created a unique blend of culture, and environmental responsibility—a place where guests can connect with nature and the vibrant traditions of the Eastern Cape.