South Africa's Hidden Secret: Umkumbe Lodge

Umkumbe Lodge offers travellers a perfect holiday in the wilderness of Kruger National Park, South Africa. At Umkumbe Safari Lodge guests enjoy a personal, rustic and real South African safari experience. The lodge consists of ten chalets/rooms with most overlooking the Sand River. Guests regularly see elephants, hippos, buffalo and antelope grazing in the river bed. 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.

The reserve is home to the ‘Big Five’ (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo), as well as cheetah, wild dog and hundreds of other species of animals, birds and plants indigenous to the area. The phrase “Big Five” was coined by hunters of yesteryear – before the advent of the photographic safari – and refers to the animals considered the most dangerous to hunt. 

Umkumbe Safari Lodge is located in the Sabi Sand Wildtuin, considered by many to be the premier wildlife reserve in South Africa. Located on the banks of the seasonal Sand River, Umkumbe Safari Lodge is perfectly situated in one of the best Big Five game viewing destinations in Africa.

The lodge is easily accessible via either a self drive from Johannesburg, or by flying into the closest airports which are Skukuza and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) in Nelspruit. The self drive takes 6 hours from Johannesburg on good, safe roads. The flight takes approximately 1 hour. Road transfers from KMIA to Umkumbe can be arranged and take approximately 2 hours. A road transfer from Skukuza to Umkumbe takes approximately 1-1.5 hours and please bear in mind the Kruger National Park fees due when landing in Skukuza.

FEATURES AND FACILITIES

Umkumbe has 10 rooms and can sleep up to 20 guests. Four of the rooms are Superior Suites and suitable for families with children as they have extra sleeper couches. There are also rooms with inter-leading doors. The rooms all have small verandahs with table and chairs enabling. 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.

DAILY SCHEDULE

A typical day on safari at Umkumbe Safari Lodge:

Expert rangers will ensure that your safari experience is truly memorable. Each day begins with an early morning safari game drive. In the late afternoon guests head out on another game drive and return after dark, offering guests exhilarating night game drives as well! Optional bush walks are offered every day after breakfast/brunch.

• 05h30 Wake-up call
• 06h00 Coffee and a light breakfast
• 06h30 Depart on morning game drive
• 09h00 to 10h00 Return to lodge
• 10h30 Breakfast/Brunch
• 11h00 Optional bushwalk
• 14h00 Tea and a light lunch
• 16h00 Depart on afternoon game drive and night drive
• 19h00 to 20h00 Return to camp and drinks at the bar

Day Trip guests are also accepted at Umkumbe Safari Lodge. The Day Trip guests do not join the Lodge guests, however they do enjoy a meal afterwards in the Boma.

WHEN TO GO

Umkumbe is located in an area of South Africa that is beautiful all year round. The winter months (May to September) are coldest in June and July with bottom temperatures of 5°C at night; however average daytime temperatures are around 24°C.

Winter is the best time for game viewing because it is dry and the bush is bare, making animals easier to spot. Waterholes and rivers become dry and the wildlife is attracted to the remaining water sources. This is a great time of year for superb sunsets, great game photographs, and staying cool!

Summer occurs between October and March, peaking from December to February when temperatures soar into the high 30s (°C). This is the rainy season, which turns the earth a lush green. There is plenty of food and water so the animals are around, but the thicker bush might make them more difficult to spot. Summer migrant birds flock to the Kruger, and the hot weather makes it feel like a holiday!

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