UMKUMBE BUSH LODGE

Umkumbe Bush Lodge is an authentic Sabi Sabi Safari Lodge.

Resting comfortably under a canopy of indigenous trees in the southern stretches of the Sabi Sand sits the inimitable and understated Umkumbe Bush Lodge.

This luxury tented camp offers all the creature comforts of home and is the first of its kind in the reserve.

The building of the lodge is based on the idea of glamping but with a luxurious twist.

Accommodation at Umkumbe Bush Lodge:

Accommodation-wise, Umkumbe Bush Lodge accommodates guests in luxury Meru-style tented suites, ranging from standard to superior.

Umkumbe is a beautifully designed bush lodge that offers accommodation in 10 tented style suites, 4 of which are standard, 1 luxury, and 5 superior.

Each tented suite has its private deck or veranda and is fully equipped for a comfortable safari retreat. 

Named after different indigenous trees in the region, the stylish accommodation and spacious tented suites at Umkumbe Bush Lodge are all positioned on private raised wooden decks in nature.

The luxury & superior suites are secluded and have a private view of the drainage line below.

It also boasts a bathtub, his/her sinks, and an outdoor shower. 

Suite facilities at Umkumbe Bush Lodge include a tea/coffee station, standing fan, air-con, hand luggage stand, hair dryer, mosquito net, safe, bathroom amenities, changeable twin/double bed configurations, and a private seating area on a raised wooden deck.

Facilities at Umkumbe Bush Lodge:

The main area of Umkumbe houses a boma, bar & swimming pool, expansive viewing decks, an eating lounge area, and a cozy inside sitting space that is furnished with local artifacts.

Built around a Weeping Boer Bean, the main lodge overlooks a variety of habitats – a winding drainage line leading to the seasonal Sand River, a forested thicket, and a section of open savanna.

Guests can wildlife watch, relax, and take in the wilderness surroundings in between activities and meals.

Dining at Umkumbe Bush Lodge:

Breakfast and lunch will be served alfresco at the

main lodge on private tables and the evening dinner will be hosted in the Boma area around a central roaring fire. (Subject to weather conditions).

Built around a beautiful Weeping Boer bean, the main lodge features a well-stocked bar, a large pool and sun lounge area, a tea/coffee station, various secluded lounge areas, wildlife lookout points, open-air dining area, beautiful garden grounds, a public restroom, upstairs games room, and a classic boma/campfire.

Safari Activities at Umkumbe Bush Lodge:

This scenic part of the Sabie Game Reserve has a beautiful mix of environments from winding riverbeds and woodland to open savanna and riverine thickets.

This wilderness reserve is home to the big five as well as a huge diversity of different flora and fauna to discover.  

There are 2 daily game drives included in a safari stay at Umkumbe Bush Lodge.

The morning safari will stop for a scenic coffee pit stop and on the afternoon drive, guests can enjoy a classic safari sundowner and snacks. 

The walk is an opportunity to experience the bushveld at close quarters.

Qualified guides lead all walking safaris.

They will explain the animal tracks and what animals passed through during the night, in addition to the sophistication of termite mounds and other interesting facets of the bush that go unnoticed on game drives.  

A sundowner at Umkumbe Bush Lodge is simply a ‘happy hour’ during sunset over the African Savanna.

It’s a classic safari tradition dating back to the colonial days. 

As you finish your afternoon game drive, your guide will take you to a beautiful and remote location in the bush. 

You may find yourself on a hilltop overlooking the savanna or next to a waterhole watching the wildlife come for their last drink of the day.

Location of Umkumbe Bush Lodge:

Umkumbe Bush Lodge is in the Sabie Game Reserve, within the borders of the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, considered by many to be the premier wildlife reserve in South Africa, and unfenced from the western boundary of the Kruger National Park.

Overlooking a waterhole, Umkumbe Bush Lodge is perfectly situated in one of the best Big Five game viewing destinations in Africa. 

GPS co-ordinates S 24°52.346′ E31°32.716