Stumble Inn Beach Resort, Ghana

In person Evaluation: 4.5 out of 5

Eco-Tourism Rating: 4.04 out of 5

This is a new resort to the west of Elmina along the beach with a mind towards social responsibility and environmental responsibility. Located on a dirt road on the other side of Elmina Beach Resort, this place is very secluded and peaceful. When you pull up to the shaded lot and walk towards the restaurant the first large building to your right has the dormitory and some other rooms in it. There are then a number of huts spread out between this large building and the ocean. There is a garden that will be producing food for the establishment; most of the landscaping is still pretty new so there is not a whole lot of shade yet. But the restaurant area offers a great place to relax under the open air cabana, with a sand floor. This is the type of place that when you arrive and check into your room you will kick your shoes off and relax your time away, either with great conversation with other guests, curling up with a book at the restaurant, or lounging by the beach. It is far enough out of Cape Coast and Elmina that you will not feel like you are in a heavy tourist area but it is still close enough that it is a great place to stay to experience all that the area has to offer.

One thing about Stumble Inn that makes it unique is the construction method. When visiting in January of 2011 I was fortunate enough to see the start of one of their structures going up. First a foundation is made from the use of earth bags (bags filled with dirt or

sand), after a few feet of earth bags; adobe bricks, made on the spot from local materials are used to complete the remaining height of the walls. A simple wood framework is used for the roof with a local grass material for the roofing. This makes for very nice looking structure that fit into the surrounding environment and local architecture but is also very functional. The adobe and earth walls help to keep the rooms very cool during the day, especially since any hot air in the room is able to escape through the roof creating a natural convection. This combined with a walled off outdoor shower and bathroom make for a very comfortable place to stay.

 

Some people may be thrown off by the composting toilets, likening them to pit toilets often found in the US in rural and natural areas but there are fundamental differences that make them so much better. The contents of a compost toilet are kept much dyer so the bacteria can break down the waste. This also mean there is no smell at all (or the disconcerting noise as contents falls bottom), after going you just drop a scoop full of ash, saw dust or other drying organic mater into the toilet and go on your way. Unlike pit toilets also the compost toilet does a lot better job of breaking down the waste, and pump outs are not necessary.

In person Evaluation

Positive Aspects of In person evaluation:

• When tour the property other staff members were friendly and helpful.

• Impression of customer service in online reviews is positive.

• The restaurant area was comfortable and clean (as it can be with a sand floor).

• Beach was well maintained with no garbage.

• Hallway floors, walls and doors were visual clean and well maintained.

• Very little dust in rooms.

• Linens appeared to be clean and in good condition.

• No signs of mold.

• Bathrooms were clean, even being outdoor.

• All rooms are secured with a lock.

• Cleanliness from online reviews is positive.

 

Aspects of in person evaluation that could use some improvement:

• When tying to approach the staff for the first time, we had to wait a while for them to finish a cell phone call.

• The restaurant kitchen was open air and not very organized.

 

Eco-tourism Evaluation

Aspects of Stumble Inn that brought up their Green Bug Ecotourism Index:

• Supplies are purchased locally including décor, food and other products.

• A competitive above minimum wage is paid for the area.

• Community development was a primary goal in the formation of the lodge, particularly childhood education.

• For the most part employees are able to answer visitors questions about environmental policies and practices.

• Have an established recycling plan.

• Bio-degradable and food wastes are composted.

• Composting toilets are used so there is no harmful human waste.

• Proper waste disposal service is used.

• No use of AC systems.

• Staff and guests are encouraged to turn out lights and other appliances when not in use.

• Guests are encouraged to use sheets and linens for more than one night.

• Laundry is washed by hand.

• Native plants are used in landscaping.

• There is no garbage on the grounds.

• They use organic fertilizer and no pesticides or herbicides.

• Construction methods use clay and very little cement.

• Employees are provided training on the surrounding environment, and the Eco-friendly aspect of Stumble Inn.

 

Aspects of Stumble Inn’s operations that brought their Green Bug Adventures Index rating down:

• The owners are not locals but are a charitable trust that builds schools for children.

• No real support of conservation.

• Guests going on day trips are not encouraged to bring back waste for proper disposal.

• CFL bulbs are not disposed of properly.

• Shower run off to a cess pool rather than a grey water system.

• Use Omo to clean which contains destructive Phosphates.

• No solar panels, wind generators, or other alternative power systems.

• Rain water is not collected.

 

Below are the tours which we provide where you have an option to stay at Stumble Inn.  We would also be happy to tailor make you a tour that includes Stumble Inn or arrange transportation for you.  If you have stayed at or have experience with Stumble Inn, please leave a comment below to share with us and other.