Overview
The reserve is about 65000 hectares and shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park.
Accommodation is growing and will soon sleep 20 people at capacity. Rooms have two single beds, ensuite bathrooms and private patios, while each is fitted with an air-conditioner. Some of the chalets are connected via an inter-leading door, making them ideal for small groups and families. During the heat of summer guests can relax around the swimming pool, which overlooks the Sand River and the open wilderness.
Dining in a traditional boma around a roaring fire is one of the most enjoyable African bush experiences. After dinner, rangers may even take guests out on a night drive to view the nocturnally active wildlife.
Umkumbe is in a prime position and there is almost always game to be seen from the deck and the main guest areas. Elephants, buffalo, antelope, baboons are regular visitors, while a pair of breeding fish eagles nests just in front of the lodge.
Highlights
- Situated at Sabi Sands Game Reserve
- Best value for money
- A variety of room set-ups to choose
- Small camp that runs with emphasis being on service to guests
- Optional guided bush walks available
- Located on the banks of the seasonal Sand River
More Information
Location
On the borders of Kruger National Park, inside Sabi Sand.
Type of Accommodation
Rooms
Comfort Level
Cozy and Comfortable
Facilities
- Bar
- Battery Charging
- Gym
- Internet Access
- Laundry Service
- Library
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Secure Parking
- BBQ facilities
- Terrace
- Boma
- Card Facilities
Rooms
Standard Suite
There are 3 Standard Rooms at Umkumbe, two of which are interleading. The Standard Rooms each sleep two people in either one king size bed or two single beds and has an en-suite bathroom with a shower only. All 3 Standard Rooms face the Sand River, which flows in front of the lodge.
Other Room Types
Superior Suite
There are 7 Superior Suites (Zebra Suite, Giraffe Suite, Leopard Suite, Lion Suite, Rhino Suite, Elephant Suite and Buffalo Suite), each of which sleeps two people in either one king size bed or two single beds.
Every suite also has two sleeper couches and an en-suite bathroom, which includes a bath and outdoor shower. Two of the suites are inter-leading (Buffalo and Elephant), making it a good option for families or friends travelling together. Four of the suites overlook the Sand River, while three suites look onto a small plains area with a watering hole.
Activities
One of the main aims of going on safari is to go on a game drive. On game drives you are able to get a lot closer to big game. The animals are generally habituated to the vehicle.
This means that they are used to the vehicle approaching them and know that it never causes them harm. This enables you to get within five to 10 metres of the large animals – and safely! All game drives are conducted in open 4 x 4 Landrovers. No roof allows you 360-degree views, perfect for wonderful photographic and video opportunities.
Two game drives are offered per day. On the morning drive there is a stop for coffee and on the afternoon drive, you will stop for sundowners. After sundowners guests will get to experience a night drive. The night drives allow guests the opportunity to see the nocturnal animals not encountered during the day.
During the night drives, your tracker uses a powerful spotlight to search for nocturnal animals. You can see a wide variety of animals not normally seen during the day, including leopards, hyenas, serval, porcupines, bush babies, genet cats and nocturnal birds like owls and nightjars.
- Big
- Birdwatching
- Game Drives
- Game Viewing
- Game Walks
- Safaris
- Walks (Guided)
- Boma Dinners