Umkumbe Safari Lodge

A friendly family-run safari lodge, Umkumbe is ideally located for Big Five game-viewing on the banks of the Sands river in renowned private reserve Sabi Sands, adjoining the South Africa’s Kruger National Park. The focus here is on an authentic safari experience with enthusiastic knowledgeable guides and wildlife sightings second to none, including leopard, lion and rhino. Elephant, hippos and antelope often graze in the river bed below the lodge. Comfortable and unpretentious, Umkumbe offers the best value for money in the Sabi Sands, with two game drives daily, a swimming pool, optional bush walks and warm hospitality.

Small and intimate, the lodge has twelve comfortable air-conditioned chalets with twin or double beds and en-suite bathrooms. Most of these look out over the seasonal Sand river, so guests can watch passing wildlife from the privacy of their own stone verandah in between game drives. The five spacious Superior suites have an extra sleeper couch and feature a glorious outdoor shower allowing the magic of star-gazing from the luxury of a hot shower in the middle of the African bush.

Exciting game drives are the main activity, the morning 6am start exploring the reserve in the cool of the day when the wildlife is most active, and the afternoon drive stretching into the evening with sundowners in a strategic spot, before returning in darkness with a spotlight for thrilling viewing of the nocturnal animals. Leopards are frequently sighted in the area, as are lions and rhinos, and the experienced guides seek out and bring to life the smaller creatures such as the honey badger, mongoose, wild dogs, as well as the better known Big Five.
A big breakfast awaits after the morning drive, then guests can relax beside the swimming pool, take an optional walking safari, or view passing animals from the comfortable lounge, before a light lunch. Dinner is a communal affair, often in the Boma around a camp fire, with hearty and satisfying South African home-cooking.

With its friendly relaxed atmosphere, superb wildlife and beautiful bush location, Umkube is a top choice for an affordable safari in South Africa.