Umkumbe Safari Lodge offers all the thrills that you require when on safari, yet is perfectly safe for families with children as there are trip wires that ensure the larger animals remain at some distance.
Umkumbe Safari Lodge is owner managed and run; ensuring guests enjoy a personal, rustic and real South African safari experience. Due to the position and openness of Umkumbe Safari lodge, there are excellent game viewing opportunities for small mammals, various types of antelope and much more throughout the day. Umkumbe is a well-run and comfortably luxurious game lodge that strives to fulfil their guests’ desires of an unprecedented wildlife experience. The perfect location of this lodge in the Sabi Sand Reserve allows guests to participate in exciting game drives to see an amazing array of wild animals. This includes the magnificent Big Five (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo), wild dog, cheetah and hundreds more. The name Big Five comes from hunters of the past who claimed these animals were the most dangerous to hunt. Today they are perhaps the most famous animals in the world, and the most sought after for viewing by tourists. Umkumbe is very good at offering safari drives that include the Big Five and plenty of additional animals that you often do not even expect to see.
Accommodation
The lodge consists of ten chalets/rooms with most overlooking the seasonal Sand River. Guests regularly see elephants, hippos, buffalo and antelope grazing in the river bed. Most of the rooms have a small verandah with camping chairs, and with views of the Sand River, while others look onto a small plains area with a watering hole. Umkumbe Safari Lodge has a variety of room set ups, that allow families to travel with ease, as well as a small party of three adults, or friends looking for their own rooms but connected via an inter-leading door. The accommodation is clean, comfortable and suitable for guests looking for a well priced and affordable option in the Sabi Sand. All the rooms are en-suite and airconditioned and have full electricity.
The Superior rooms are larger and also have outdoor en-suite showers which the Standard rooms do not. Additional facilities include a swimming pool, lounge, bar and dining area and the traditional boma, where guests will be served delicious and hearty South African meals.
Facilities
There is a indoor lounge with couches on which to relax, as well as a snooker table. An outdoor sitting area has views of the Sand River and a help yourself tea & coffee station. There are two dining areas, one being the boma and the other an outdoor area under thatch. The bar is fully stocked and guests are encouraged to help themselves via an honesty bar service.
The lodge does have wifi, however it is a paid for service and is available between 07:00 – 16:00. The wifi service can be intermittent due to the location of the lodge.
There is a large deck area with tables and chairs and also a wonderful pool with a view with sun loungers. Further away are more tables and chairs under a shade, and with beautiful views of the riverbed. For the fitness minded, there is a gym.
Activities
When you go on safari at Umkumbe you can expect fantastic wildlife experiences and game drives that are exciting from start to finish, and filled with plenty of opportunities to take some magnificent photographs and videos. The night drives are particularly exhilarating as you will experience part of the excursion in the darkness and may come across all sorts of interesting nocturnal animals. During the later evening is also the time when many predators are on the prowl. These will be an integral part of the wonderful memories that you take home after your trip.
If you would like to include an extra activity in your day, optional bushwalks with one of the rangers are available as well for all who would enjoy a quieter and closer look at nature. The walks begin after the morning game drives and after breakfast and will be conducted according to your preferences and fitness level.
