This small, family-run gem of a holiday spot lies on the eastern side of the Mdumbi River mouth and is located in the rural village of Mngcibe, Wild Coast. The incredible views and access to the beach and river in this un-spoilt rural area makes this an ideal laid back place to visit for families, friends, couples and all nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Freedom O Clock can sleep 17 people i
ndoors and also offer camping space. Discovering the safe, secluded, pristine beaches, river estuaries, rare white mangrove swamps and other Wild Coast treasures make the 2 hour trip from the main road well worth it. Coffee Bay is just 45 minutes drive away and there is a very scenic 3 hour hike between Coffee Bay and Mdumbi. Freedom O Clock is owned and managed by Otto, Lu and little Coral-Bella, who all have a great love for nature and the ocean. "We love hanging out with guests, sharing info on the area, enjoying a cold one on the deck while watching astonishing sunsets and sharing stories about the days adventure around the fire." It must be noted that Freedom O Clock is completely off the grid water grid and rely only on harvesting rain water. We try to stay off the grid as far as much as possible and make use of solar power for lights and charging of devices. Refrigeration is run off electricity and we use gas for the stoves. 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. For those who have not yet travelled to the Wild Coast it should be pointed out that you will be travelling in an under-developed region. The variety and quality of goods and services you may be accustomed to are not always readily available. We are set in a remote and primitive region, where even the provision of fresh water can not be taken for granted. If you prefer luxury to comfortable living then Freedom O Clock may not be for you. 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. ACCOMMODATION
Freedom O Clock can sleep 17 people indoors and also offer camping space. We offer, simple, clean and comfortable holiday accommodation with incredible views. Accommodation consists of private rooms, a dormitory rondavel / hut, a pre-pitched safari tent and camping space for you to pitch your own rig. We can accommodate 17 people indoors and have 4 camp sites available. Rooms
SURF, FISH and RELAX are 3 rooms in a L-shaped building which offers the most insanely awesome views of the ocean, beach and river. All rooms are private and have sliding doors out onto a sun-deck. All rooms have electrical plug points for your convenience. Remember to pack your adaptors and chargers. The dormitory hut is set away from the main buildings with amazing river views. The Safari Tent is located amongst beautiful indigenous trees with a good view of the ocean and point. Camping
Camping at Freedom O Clock is “freestyle” and is not your usual demarcated “caravan park” / “resort” set up. Camp spots are geared towards campers who are self-sufficient and enjoy the WILD side of camping. You will need a 4x4 or a good bakkie should you want your vehicle parked at your tent or else your vehicle can securely be left at the main house if need. There are 2 small sites close to the main house where campers with a small tent can camp. Unfortunately you will not be able to have your vehicle next to your tent at these two sites. Communal fire pit
No electricity on site
No running water on site
Clean long-drop toilet on site
Ablutions with flush toilet and shower is a short walk up the hill
Unfortunately there is not much shade (yet). Most folk bring along gazebo's etc. FACILITIES
CATERING
We serve delicious home cooked dinners daily (vegetarian & vegan options available) as well as breakfasts and lunches. Saturday nights are Pizza Nights at Freedom O Clock. KITCHEN
The cosy, well equiped kitchen is communal which makes for social evenings and consists of a fridge/freezer, small fridge, chest freezer, gas stoves, and all the usual kitchen goodies. The kitchen is fully serviced, so no need to do dishes while on holiday. ABLUTION
Ablutions are communal with flush toilets and always hot shower. PLEASE NOTE : All our water comes from the rain only. Hot, On-Tap showers are a luxury in an area such as this and we would like to provide all our guests with this luxury all the time. Please consider this and don't just take random showers. Please brief your entire group (especially kids) on this matter. Showers are DEFINITELY limited to 1 per person per day. OUTDOORS
Enjoy chilling on the deck with insanely beautiful views of the river, beach, ocean and Tshani point while watching dolphins and whales play. Freedom O Clock boasts a beautiful indigenous garden with loads of trees and nooks and crannies to explore. Find a tree to relax under and enjoy your book or a quiet afternoon nap...
ACTIVITIES
Activities at the retreat include exploration of the crystal clear emerald rock pools and there are 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 include boards. A variety of other activities and attractions in the area are available such as guided hikes to Mapuzi Caves, Coffee Bay, Secret Beach and Hluleka Nature Reserve or explore the river by kayak and do some bird watching and indigenous tree spotting. Surfing - World class right hand points. Classic beach breaks. Waves to suit all levels. Lessons and boards available. Fishing - river, rock and surf. Fishing gear and bait available . Hiking trails - Take a hike on the wild side. Guided hikes to Port St Johns, Hluleka, Mapuzi Caves and Coffee Bay can be arranged. Horse rides - Explore the village on horse back or go for a beach ride. These are not your average racehorses, so relax, sit back and enjoy the ride and awesome scenery! Bird watching (Crowned Crane, Fish Eagle, Giant King Fisher, Hornbills, Bea Eaters, Sun Birds, Raptors – too many to mention…..and many, many more…. We’re not too clued up on all the bird species, so maybe you can help us identify a few.) Visit the beautiful fresh water pools of the upper Mdumbi river. Spend the day swimming and sunning in a secluded and peaceful environment. Discover local culture. Try your hand at Xhosa pot bread baking and learn to weave grass mats or send the kids herding cattle with the local children. Explore the river by kayak. Very scenic and tranquil. Take a fishing rod along and you might come home with dinner!! Nearby Attractions
Coffee Bay - 1 hour drive or 3 hour hike
Hole in the Wall - 1½ hour drive
Lwandile Point - 20 minute drive
Presleys Bay -45 minute drive
Hluleka Nature Reserve - 1½ hour drive
Mapuzi Caves - 1 hour drive
Nelson Mandela Open Air Museum - Mthata - 2 hour drive
Port St Johns - 4 hour drive
