Key Takeaways
- Luxury tented camp offers a haven of tranquillity
- Meals are prepared by expert chefs
- Close to the famed seasonal Sand River
- Twice-daily game drives and intimate bush walks
- Family-friendly age-appropriate activities for children
- The traditional boma area where guests share stories of their day's adventures
- Ten beautiful tented suites all with private bathroom
- The Bush Lodge team offer guests a awesome experience
- Perfect Sabi Sand safari option for those on a tighter budget
- Expect the most amazing sightings of wildlife
Lodge Information
- Lodge Type; Classic Luxury Tented Camp
- Location; Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
- Lodge Size; 10 Tented Suites
- Recommended Stay; 3-7 nights
Experience The Splendour Of The Famed Sabi Sand Game Reserve At Umkumbe Bush Lodge
Prepare to be transported into the heart of the wild as you step foot into Umkumbe Bush Lodge. Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa, this classic safari lodge is a veritable haven for nature enthusiasts seeking an authentic bushveld experience. With only ten tented suites, the Bush Lodge ensures an intimate and personalised experience, making each stay unique.
The thrill of waking up to the rustling sounds of the wilderness and retiring to the soothing whispers of nature is an experience unlike any other. Each day at Umkumbe Bush Lodge is a new adventure waiting to unfold - be it around the sweeping surrounds of the Sand River, the dense thicket, or the vast expanse of the open savanna. Between a heart-pounding amazing game drive, indulge in tranquil moments of relaxation at the lodge, soaking up the beauty and serenity of the surroundings. At Umkumbe, every detail is designed to amplify your connection with nature and create unforgettable memories.
Whether staying for three nights or a week, Umkumbe will surely provide an unmatched safari experience that will leave you yearning for more.
Reserve Information
Embark on a thrilling safari adventure in the enchanting Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa's first private reserve and a hidden gem of the natural world.
This unrivalled wildlife haven, nestled at the edge of the world-renowned Greater Kruger National Park, spans a remarkable 65,000 hectares of unspoiled African wilderness. The Sabi Sand is famed for its spectacular biodiversity, hosting an immense variety of fauna and flora, including the coveted Big Five. Here, the lion's roar, the elephant's trumpet, and the elusive leopard's prowl are all part of nature's daily rhythm.
The enchanting landscapes, from the Sabie River's lush riverine bushveld to the dry savannah, serve as a captivating backdrop to the wildlife spectacle.
So, prepare yourselves for an exhilarating journey that will forever etch the wild beauty of Sabi Sand in your hearts!
Rooms And Suites
Each tented suite at the Umkumbe Bush Lodge is an intimate sanctuary, blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment. The ten tented-style suites, named after native trees of the region, create a down-to-earth yet luxurious atmosphere that complements the wild beauty outside. The suites, divided into standard, luxury, and superior categories, are perched on private raised wooden decks, providing panoramic views of nature's spectacle.
The luxury and superior suites offer complete privacy, each having its own exclusive view of the drainage line below. Further enhancing the experience of living amidst nature, they feature an outdoor shower, a bathtub, and his and hers sinks.
The suites are not only about picturesque views and luxury; they also come with a host of amenities to ensure guests' comfort. A tea/coffee station, a standing fan, air conditioning, a hand luggage stand, a hairdryer, a mosquito net, and a safety deposit box are standard in all suites. They also offer flexible bed configurations and a private seating area on the raised wooden deck.
The Honeymoon Suite takes the luxury up a notch with its own private plunge pool, perfect for a refreshing dip under the African Sun.
At Umkumbe Bush Lodge, every suite is a haven of tranquillity, a place where you can unwind and immerse yourself in the serenity of the bush.
Cuisine And Wine
The chefs at Umkumbe Bush Lodge are masters of their craft, preparing mouthwatering meals with a distinctly South African flair.
Start your day with a hearty continental or buffet breakfast featuring local fruits, freshly baked pastries, and cooked-to-order hot dishes. Enjoy a light lunch crafted from the freshest seasonal ingredients as the sun reaches its zenith. When night falls, the boma becomes a magical setting where guests can indulge in a meticulously curated dinner menu, each course accompanied by a selection of premier South African wines.
These wines, known for their rich, complex flavours, are the perfect complement to the cuisine, adding an extra layer of indulgence to your dining experience.
Whether you're a foodie or a wine connoisseur, the culinary journey at Umkumbe Bush Lodge is sure to tantalise your taste buds.
Lodge Facilities
The central guest area at Umkumbe Bush Lodge is an oasis of comfort and relaxation in the heart of the wilderness. Sheltered under the sprawling branches of an exquisite Weeping boerbean, this area serves as a social hub where guests can unwind and enjoy the lodge's many amenities.
The well-stocked bar caters to all tastes, from fine wines to delicious cocktails, while the spacious swimming pool and sun lounge area are perfect for those seeking to soak up the African sun or cool off with a refreshing swim.
For those who prefer the indoors, the Bush Lodge offers a cosy lounge area complete with complimentary WiFi, allowing guests to stay connected with the world while immersing themselves in the beauty of the bush. The dining area overlooks the wild terrains and provides a unique gastronomic experience where meals are savoured amidst the raw, untamed scenery.
In the evenings, guests can gather around the traditional boma, sharing stories of the day's adventures around a crackling campfire.
Safari Activities
Safari activities and experiences are meticulously planned to offer guests an immersive experience into the heart of the African wilderness.
Game drives, a highlight of your stay, are conducted twice daily - in the morning and late afternoon. The early morning game drives ventures out as the sun rises, stopping for a warm and invigorating cup of coffee amidst the wild. As dusk approaches, after a day of wildlife tracking, the afternoon drive halts for picturesque sundowners. Following this, you are treated to a nocturnal drive, a unique opportunity to glimpse the elusive creatures of the night.
For a more intimate connection with nature, bush walks are available for those who desire. These excursions allow you to explore the beauty of the bushveld at close range. Skilled guides will illuminate the trail with insights into animal tracks, the nocturnal movements of wildlife, and the intricate workings of termite mounds, among other fascinating aspects of the bushveld. These elements often go unnoticed during game drives.
Safari activities at Umkumbe Bush Lodge are more than just a wildlife encounter; they celebrate the African safari spirit, encapsulating the savanna's mystery, wilderness and sheer beauty.
Family Friendly
A range of family-friendly amenities are designed to cater to all age groups. Age-appropriate activities for children, ensuring they have fun while learning about the wildlife and nature surrounding them. The team at Bush Lodge goes the extra mile to ensure younger guests and adults are comfortable and well served.
From the nature trails designed for little legs to the warm family dining options, every aspect of your stay has been thoughtfully curated to create a harmonious blend of adventure and relaxation for the whole family.
In Conclusion
Umkumbe Bush Lodge offers a remarkable experience, whisking you away from the routine and into a world teeming with sights, sounds, and sensations quintessentially African.
With its blend of immersive safari activities, luxurious tented accommodation, delectable cuisine, and a plethora of amenities, it invites you to embrace the wilderness, to partake in a journey that is as much about self-discovery as it is an exploration of the enchanting landscape.
Umkumbe is more than just a getaway; it's a gateway into an unfiltered experience of Mother Nature at her finest. Embrace the call of the wild and allow Umkumbe Bush Lodge to be your sanctuary in the heart of the African savanna. It's an adventure you won't soon forget!
Rates from R4 700.00 per person
- Umkumbe Bush Lodge rates
- Per person per night sharing (pp)
- Rates are in South African Rands
- *Rates may vary according to season
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Two game drives per day
- Teas and coffees
- Drinking water
- All flights
- Transfers
- All soft and alcoholic drinks
- Conservation levies
- Travel insurance
- Any item not described above
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
Top 12 Luxury Lodges In Kruger National Park
Welcome to the ultimate guide to the top 12 luxury lodges in Kruger National Park, where opulence meets the wild heart of Africa. This curated list showcases lodges that offer unparalleled comfort, exceptional service, and thrilling wildlife encounters.
Located in Kruger National Park and nearby private reserves, these lodges offer an unforgettable safari experience. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or both, these luxurious retreats fulfil all your desires, ensuring a memorable South African safari.
Private Game Lodges Near Kruger National Park
A trip to Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa is an unparalleled experience, allowing visitors to observe some of the world's most spectacular wildlife in their natural habitat.
With access to exclusive areas of the park, luxurious accommodations, expert guides and personalised service, these private game lodges provide guests with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore and enjoy the African wilderness.
Singita Sweni Lodge Review
Are you looking to immerse yourself in a once-in-a-lifetime African safari experience? Look no further than the iconic Singita Sweni Lodge.
As one of South Africa’s premier safari lodges, Singita Sweni offers stunningly luxurious accommodations and an abundance of exciting wildlife sightings that will create memories to last a lifetime.
Greater Kruger Family Safari
"How many more sleeps?” this became our son's wake-up call as the days neared his first ‘safari’ to the Greater Kruger National Park.
James and I had decided to combine a bit of family time with a quick update of the 'family friendly safari lodges' in the greater Kruger area.
My 4 Day Kruger Adventure
My 4-Day Kruger Adventure was one of the highlights of my travelling; having not visited the area for such a long time, the Kruger National Park was stunning.
Leaving Cape Town and flying north to OR Tambo and then a 5-hour drive to the Kruger from where we stayed in parks board accommodation.