Nestled between the ancient trees of the Tsitsikamma forest and the open skies of the Garden Route, Kuthumba Eco Village is more than a place to live — it’s a way of life. Founded in 1993 on the foundational ethic of care for the Earth, Kuthumba invites people to co-create a lifestyle where community, sustainability, and personal growth are deeply interwoven.
The story of Kuthumba began with a simple, powerful idea: that humans can live in harmony with the land, while supporting one another’s unique paths to growth. From this seed, a vibrant eco-community has grown — one that honours the natural world, embraces diversity, and fosters a deep sense of belonging.
Surrounded by indigenous Afromontane forest and flanked by Cape Fynbos, Kuthumba spans 160 hectares and includes 32 private plots, now home to a mix of families, individuals, and seekers from all walks of life. The development is complete, but the journey of community-building continues. Today, Kuthumba stands as a living example of what’s possible when people share a vision for ecological living, spiritual exploration, and authentic connection.
Homes in Kuthumba are built according to green building principles, guided by our Land Stewards Manual — a living document that helps ensure construction and lifestyle choices remain in harmony with the surrounding environment. Rainwater harvesting, natural building materials, and low-impact design are just some of the practices embraced by residents.
Sustainability here isn’t a buzzword — it’s part of how we move through the world. Whether it’s through permaculture gardening, composting, reforestation efforts, or walking forest paths instead of paving roads, Kuthumba nurtures a slower, more conscious rhythm of life.
One of Kuthumba’s strengths is its diversity. Residents range in age and background, bringing with them a wide variety of skills, interests, and life experiences. What unites them is a shared intention to live more connected — to the land, to themselves, and to each other.
Among the community you’ll find:
This diversity fosters a rich, supportive environment where everyone is invited to bring their full self to the table. In recent years, new community-minded members have brought fresh energy and cohesion to the land, reimagining what it means to live together with presence and purpose.
Click here to see what some of the residents offer to guests and visitors to Kuthumba.
Located in The Crags, just outside Plettenberg Bay, Kuthumba directly borders the Tsitsikamma National Park. With elevated views over forested gorges and the distant Formosa Peak, the land offers daily inspiration. While there are no sea views, the sound of the ocean carries on the night air from nearby Forest Hall, and Nature’s Valley beach is a short, scenic hike away via the Salt River Trail.
Kuthumba is teeming with life — not just human, but animal and plant. Bushpigs, badgers, birds, otters, and even leopards move through the land, sharing it with us. This abundance deepens our commitment to tread gently and protect what we’ve been entrusted with.
Children growing up at Kuthumba benefit from access to nature, open space, and a community that values creativity and curiosity. Many attend Wild Heart, a self-directed learning centre just outside the village. Started as a community initiative, Wild Heart reflects the same ethos as Kuthumba: that education should honour the individual, nurture a love of learning, and connect children to the world around them.
At the heart of Kuthumba is a mission statement that guides our collective choices:
We honour the interrelationship of all life, embracing individuality, diversity, and the sanctity of the Land we all call home. It is our shared intention to develop sustainable systems that promote responsibility and sensitivity, fostering harmony between ourselves and the natural world. Through uplifting relationships with one another and our neighbours, we strive to increase awareness and co-create a community that thrives in unity with the Land.
As we continue to evolve, Kuthumba remains a place where life is nurtured — not just the trees and animals, but the inner lives of the people who call it home. With new shared spaces planned on common land and a renewed sense of community spirit, the future of Kuthumba is bright, rooted, and alive.
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