Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside is one of the most affordable lodges located in the heart of the Sabie Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger. The reserve is about 65000 hectares and shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park.
The accommodation sleeps 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.
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Leopard Room with elephants in the Sand River beyondCredit: Shannon WildLeopard Room with elephants in the Sand River beyond
Superior Suite: Leopard RoomCredit: Shannon WildSuperior Suite: Leopard Room
Superior Suite: Leopard RoomCredit: Shannon WildSuperior Suite: Leopard Room
Superior Suite en suite bathroom with outdoor shower and indoor bathCredit: Shannon WildSuperior Suite en suite bathroom with outdoor shower and indoor bath
Superior Suite en suite bathroom with outdoor showerCredit: Shannon WildSuperior Suite en suite bathroom with outdoor shower
Superior Suite: Zebra RoomCredit: Shannon WildSuperior Suite: Zebra Room
Superior Suite: Zebra RoomCredit: Shannon WildSuperior Suite: Zebra Room
Standard RoomCredit: Shannon WildStandard Room
Standard RoomCredit: Shannon WildStandard Room
From the front - Umkumbe's pool, deck, and main lodge areaCredit: Em Gatland
Umkumbe's deck and swimming pool at duskCredit: Em Gatland
A place to relax at the pool, overlooking the Sand RiverCredit: Em Gatland
The large pool deck and loungers under an evening skyCredit: Em Gatland
The lively boma where dinner is servedCredit: Em Gatland
The spacious deck and lunch time dining area - all overlooking the riverCredit: Em Gatland
The entertainment room and loungeCredit: Em Gatland
Rhinos on game driveCredit: Em Gatland
Watching elephants from the deck at UmkumbeCredit: Em Gatland
Umkumbe and a game viewer in the morning light
The view of Umkumbe from the riverCredit: Em Gatland
There are 8 Superior Suites, each of which sleep 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.
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.
Property Facilities
Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Gym, Internet Access (Paid), Laundry Service (Available), Library, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking
At Umkumbe we offer two game drives per day, one in the morning that departs at approximately 06h00 and the afternoon drive at 16h00. 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 on the journey back to the lodge.
The night drives allow guests the opportunity to see the nocturnal animals not encountered during the day. Your tracker uses a powerful spotlight during the night drives to search for nocturnal animals, which include hyenas, aardvarks, bush babies, genet cats and mongoose.
After a full breakfast guests have the option of going on morning bush walk. Walks are led by qualified and trained field guides. You will have the opportunity to track wildlife, learn about the surrounding vegetation and how to read the African bush. If you're lucky you will enjoy a few close encounters with large predators.
Game walks are upon request and do not form part of the standard, set daily itinerary. Game walks are in English only and are subject to guide availability and weather conditions. They are not guaranteed.
Outdoor Traditional Safari Style Dining
Guests dine together in the open-air boma when they stay at Umkumbe. The tables are centred around a campfire, which is often the hub of activity after dinner. Rangers will often come and sit with guests to answer questions about the day's safari.
Dinner is served at a set time after the evening game drive, and there is always a variety of deliciously prepared dishes available buffet-style.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Tea and Coffee Included
Fast Facts
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English
No. Rooms: 10
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife