Curl up in comfort with home delights aplenty at Umkumbe

Perfectly positioned overlooking open plains and a waterhole, Umkumbe Bush Lodge is one of the world’s best-kept secret Big 5 gaming viewing destinations where nature tells a spectacular tale for all who will listen. The river and its surrounding vegetation change drastically from season to season and with the summer comes an abundance of wildlife and large mammals. Known for its open boundaries, the Sabi Sand River allows for unprohibited two-way traffic across the reserve. Thanks to a lack of human habitation between the Sand River and the Kruger National Park boundary, the entire area is left for wildlife to enjoy and roam freely.

Built around a Weeping Boer Bean, the Umkumbe Bush Lodge features a beautiful thatched main lobby that overlooks various habitats including the drainage line leading to the Sand River, a forested thicket of pines and an expanse of open savannah. With a scattering of tables and chairs, the main area is a fantastic place for Umkumbe guests to look out for wildlife and relax as they take in the sheer beauty of the Sabie Game Reserve. At the Umkumbe Bush Lodge main lobby, guests can enjoy a stocked bar, large pool and tea/coffee station.

The very first tented camp in the greater Sabi Sands, Umkumbe Bush Lodge is managed and run in its entirety by the owners who have established a personal, rustic and very real South African safari vibe throughout the accommodation. Combining style and sophistication with comfort and convenience, the Umkumbe Bush Lodge exudes luxury. From wooden beams and logs to thatched roofs and ambient lighting, guests are rewarded with comfort and splendour throughout the entire camp.

Guests of Umkumbe Bush Lodge can choose from a variety of Meru-style tented suites. With a king-size bed that can be converted into two twin beds, the standard tent is ideal for a couple or pair. Guests opting for one of the tented superior suites will enjoy a king-sized bed along with two single beds for family comfort and the accommodation of up to three children. The luxury tents also offers a King bed, this time switching the single beds for a sofa-bed that accommodates one child. All Umkumbe Bush Lodge tents are spacious and are raised on wooden platforms with a private en suite including a bathtub, his and hers sinks and an open-air outdoor shower (luxury tents and superior tents only). Tents at Umkumbe Bush Lodge are equipped with air-conditioning and a standing fan for comfort along with a shared 'bush-type' WiFi network for communication between friends and family back home.

There is something for everyone at Umkumbe Bush Lodge, including a fantastic swimming pool, open-air dining area, a games room, classic Boma, green garden grounds and stunning scenery to explore.

Activities at Umkumbe Bush Lodge

From game drives to walking safaris, Umkumbe Bush Lodge holds nothing back. The home of the Big 5, abundant wildlife and vast expanses, Sabie Game Reserve has much to explore. Umkumbe Bush Lodge has plenty of activities for guests to participate in with two daily game drives in 4x4 Land Cruisers included in every safari stay.

Guests enjoying a morning game drive are the first to witness first-light sights of animals waking and preparing to start their day within the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Perched on trees, hidden behind bushes or out in the open at a watering hole, the open-top vehicle safari allows guests to pry on unsuspecting animals in their natural habitat. With a scenic pit stop for a refreshing cup of coffee, Umkumbe Bush Lodge guests are delighted by terrific sights of the natural landscape and of roaming predator and prey.

The second safari of the day takes place in the late afternoon and early evening when guests can experience a classic safari sundowner with a brief pause for snacks and refreshments. Also known as happy hour at Umkumbe Bush Lodge, the second game drive provides guests with the opportunity to spot the nocturnal animals of the bush as they roam over hilltops and through the expanse. As the sun goes down, Umkumbe guests will be delighted by the surreal colours of a vibrant African sunset as darkness enshrouds all below.

Umkumbe Bush Lodge also offers guests the chance to experience a bush walk. On a bush walk, Umkumbe guests are led by qualified guides who identify and explain animal tracks to give each guest a sense of the animals around them on an up-close and personal tour of the bush where guests are made aware of the things that often go unnoticed on a game drive.

Tripadvisor comments Umkumbe Safari Lodge

The place is beautiful, cozy, modern within the tents and so atypical, you can only fall in love with it. The air conditioning was also very welcomed during the cold nights of this winter season.

Julie V from Lille, France

This lodge is more about glamping than a traditional lodge in the bush. A small team of very competent and friendly people is running it. Food is simple and good, braai style. Very interesting drives although the property is smaller than the usual Sabi Sands ones.

Seb7111 from Le Vesinet, France