Bulungula Lodge was an unforgettable experience. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our (too-short) time there.
There are two things that make it great: the stunning scenery and the warm and hospitable hosts. The lodge overlooks some five miles of amazing beach, which you essentially get to yourself. And beyond that, there's a lovely river for canoeing, great hills for walking and a fantastic view of the stars at night. The village partly owns the property, which means everyone is friendly and inviting but never cloying, fake or servile. No one bothers you or forces you to do anything. It's great. And the other guests are always interesting -- you'll cross paths with them frequently so you sort of are forced to interact and make new friends. We met people of all ages and walks of life, which was great.
The accommodations are basic and cleaned to home standards, not hotel standards (and if you expect maid service in a hut you have other problems). You must bring your own towels. The bathroom facilities are actually great considering how remote the lodge is. The toilets are clean (but yes, they are compost toilets) and the showers are great and there is more than enough hot water. The communal kitchen and other public areas are not extremely clean but pleasant and inviting. The kitchen meals are very hippie-commune in nature, but they're well-priced and ample. You can also bring your own food and wine (which I recommend, as the wine selection isn't that hot, and there's a fridge for guests). Oh, and the local fishermen are happy to sell you the local catch -- which can include oysters, mussels, and enormous crayfish -- for very reasonable prices.
What are you doing still reading this? Go!

Don't miss this piece of paradise right on the ocean! It is a bit of a trek to get there, but that is all part of the fun. Wish we could have stayed longer.

Bulungula is a little piece of paradise. It is a model for sustainable tourism. Unsploit, deserted beaches (apart from a few meandering cows and cow patties), hikes through the meandering hills, horserides on the beach, and long walks to nowhere... Getting there is not easy, probably the worst tarred road in SA, followed by a few kms of dirt, followed by a 2km walk.... but oh, is it worth it for that view!

Bulungula is not for those who expect comforts. It is basic, yet comfortable. Simple thatched rondavels or fixed safari tents (very romantic). The food is simple, tasty and filling. Chicken pancakes at the restaurant with a view, yummy! The staff at the lodge is lovely and the children too. The lodge is a model for sustainability: kerosene/ 'rocket' showers, solar and wind power composting toilets (they are not as bad as they sound).

I really admire the wonderful development work that is bing done in the village thanks to the Bulungula Incubator project. I recommend that everyone who goes to Bulungula to donate to the social projects that they are undertaking (building a school and starting a permaculture garden just to name a few).

Tip: get up early for sunrise and climb the highest dune. You will see dolphins, I promise!

The location is spectacular - and very very very remote. The roads were horrible, the potholes on the tarred part of the roads were the worst I've ever seen. It took almost 3 hours to drive from the N2 to the parking by the Bulungula store. Our Audi made it though after a flat tire in the middle of nowhere... The according to the website the walk from the store to the lodge is a 45 minute stroll downhill. Yes, it is downhill and the walk is very beautiful but it took us, walking quite fast, about 1 1/2 hour. Like the negative reviews I agree that the staff are a bit nonchalant, their carefree attitude might appeal to young backpackers. The beds where comfortable, the food was ok, the paraffin powered showers were fun, the compost toilets were fine (though some soap would have been nice; it seemed that neither guests nor staff ever washed their hands) , the stars at night were great, the "Village Tour" of the Xhosa village and 'restaurant' was very good and felt very authentic. The ride in the 4x4 shuttle back up to the secure parking was 'an experience.' We felt very safe both at the lodge and in the village; the doors are all unlocked. Overall the experience was fantastic, probably the best two days we have had in South Africa so far, proving that contrary to what our South African friends have said, that the Transkei can be a wonderful place to visit. would highly recommend this place to anyone who wants a great experience and doesn't mind roughing it a bit.

I disagree with the reviewer that wrote that the lodge doesn't live up to their website. I think the website and the photos give an accurate picture of what the lodge is all about.