Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside | Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
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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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, Internet Access (Paid), Library, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Electrical Outlets, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Safe, Shower
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Laundry Service (Available)
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Safaris, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Animal Encounters, Big 5, Bird Watching, Cultural Tours, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Safaris
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
Fast Facts
Lodge
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English
No. Rooms: 10
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Bahia Mar Boutique Hotel | Vilankulos
Located in Vilankulo, along the south-east coast of Mozambique, Bahia Mar Boutique Hotel rests on a lush green hillside overlooking an expansive beach.
This luxurious boutique beachfront accommodation features a spa and wellness centre, an infinity outdoor swimming pool, and a tropical garden with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean.
Elegant rooms come equipped with air-conditioning, a terrace overlooking the islands, a mosquito net draped over the bed, and a modern en-suite bathroom. Alternatively, treat yourself to a suite with a private pool, a relaxing sitting area, a giant bathtub and a bed you could get lost in...
Take a trip on our luxury private speedboat to a romantic sandbank picnic, snorkel on the famous Two Mile Reef, or try your hand at fishing, kite-surfing, wind-surfing, a cultural tour by tuk-tuk and so much more.
As Mozambique's only Fair Trade Tourism certified hotel, your stay also supports local conservation and community projects.
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Total of 10 Garden Suites
- Large and private independent bedrooms, located in the luxurious gardens of Bahia Mar,
- En-suite bedroom with a choice of two 3/4 beds or one super large king sized bed, shower, large veranda with sun beds and outside shower,
- This bedroom can sleep a single person or two people sharing a bed or twin bed,
- A child below 1 year old (sleeping in a cot) is free of charge,
- Max of 2 children until 11 years old can sleep in an extra bed or bunkbed for an additinal fee
- There are 2 bedrooms that are inter leading ideal for families,
- One of the garden suites is designed and equipped for disabled guests.
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Bunk Bed, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, En Suite Bathroom, External Shower, Fan, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Available), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Satellite / Cable TV, Shower, Smoke Alarm, Stretcher Beds, Telephone, Television, Twin Bed, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Total of 8 Sea View bedrooms:
- Located on the upstairs floor,
- En-suite bedroom with a queen-sized bed, shower, large veranda with sun beds and seaview
overlooking the Bazaruto islands,
- This bedroom can sleep a single person or two people sharing a queen sized bed,
- A child below 1 year old (sleeping in a cot) is free of charge.
A total of 3 Luxury Beach Suite
- Located on the downstairs floor,
- Pied-à-terre self catering unit with king- sized bedroom, bath and shower, DSTV lounge and
fully equipped kitchenette, terrace with sunbeds and a private splash pool,
- This bedroom can sleep a single person or two people sharing a bed,
- 2 children below 11 years old (bunk-bed), a child below 1 year old (sleeping in a cot) are free of charge.
1 Presidential Suite:
- Private pied-à-terre luxury self catering unit with king- sized bedroom, DSTV lounge and fully equipped kitchenette, a private barbecue area in the garden, a terrace with sunbeds and a private pool,
- This bedroom can sleep a single person or two people sharing a bed,
- 2 children below 11 years old (bunk-bed), a child below 1 year old (sleeping in a cot) are
free of charge.
Family Unit (a total of 4 units).
Bahia Mar offers the option of the whole unit. The ideal choice for a family. This unit consist of two double bedrooms on the first floor and one pied-à-terre luxury suite on the ground floor. Both as described above.
Property Facilities
Bar, Barbeque Facilities, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Clothes Press, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Cooking Equipment, Cooking Facilities, Disabled Rooms, Fridge, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Disability, Laundry Service (Available), Meal on Request, Room Service
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fishing, Garden Tours, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Kite Surfing, Massages, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Water Skiing, Whale Watching, Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Animal Encounters, Beach, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Deep Sea Fishing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Garden Tours, General Sightseeing, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Historical Tours, Horse Riding, Kayaking / Paddling, Kite Surfing, Marine Adventures, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Water Skiing
The Bazaruto Archipelago is best explored from the water, and our sister company Wild Africa operates one of the finest vessels in the region to do just that.
Mothassane is a spacious, well-appointed speedboat powered by twin 200hp Yamaha engines, with a bow lounger for sunbathing and a rear diving deck perfect for snorkelling and reef fishing. She accommodates up to 14 guests in comfort, and her experienced crew — at home in these waters — takes care of every detail.
Day trips depart at 8:30am and include a full island itinerary: snorkelling at Two Mile Reef, climbing the world-famous Bazaruto dune for panoramic views over the Archipelago, and a freshly prepared fish BBQ lunch on Benguerra Island — away from the crowds. Whale watching is available in season. Guests return to the mainland around 3:30pm.
Island destinations include Bazaruto & Benguerra, Santa Carolina and Magaruque. Mothassane is also available for private hire, ideal for groups, romantic outings or a custom day on the water.
Magarugue Island is the smallest island and closest island to the mainland and the fishing town of Vilankulo. Travel with a traditional Dhow, enjoy cooked lunch prepared on the open fire on the boat itself and snorkel along with the stream of the ‘Magaruague Express’, enjoying ample marine life and coral worlds. Families with small children often opt for this specific trip as they can easily walk around the entire island in less than two hours and swim in the sheltered bay facing the mainland, protected from strong sea currents.
For more information please visit https://www.sailaway.co.za/
Since 2014, Bahia Mar has supported community preschools in Vilankulo to provide learn-through-play opportunities to local three to five year olds. Without this support, children would start school at six years old and miss out on critical development opportunities that bring life-long benefits.
The children love to receive visits from guests!
Bahia Mar partnered as exclusive sponsor, with ParCo and the local authorities, to combat large-scale seahorse poaching in the area through an intensive campaign at the end of 2018.
Through education, enforcement, research, and tourism, the community is finding alternative incomes linked with the protection of the seahorse species instead of poaching.
When you embark on an adventure to snorkel with the seahorses led by the local community, you contribute to protection too!
Expect flat, waist deep water and consistent winds making this spot a kitesurfers paradise.
Whether you're a total beginner or wanting to push your kiteboarding skills to the next level, we have a range of courses to meet your needs.
Opened on the 1st August of 2019, The SPA @ Bahia Mar is the perfect place to indulge in a journey of sensations. An unforgettable experience that can leave guests relaxed and rejuvenated.
Bahia Mar also offers full package retreats. Please contact us for more information about the 7 day Detox and Wellness Retreats
Equipped with the best and professional service, The Gym @ Bahia Mar offers a diverse program of group classes and a well equipped machines room. Guests won't feel guilty while they are on holiday!
Bahia Mar also offers full package retreats. Please contact us for more information about the 7 day Weight Loss and Detox Retreats!
Bahia Mar Restaurant
At the heart of Bahia Mar's dining experience are Joël and François, our French head chefs with over two decades of experience cooking in Mozambique. Their kitchen brings together the best of local and international flavours — fresh seafood landed nearby, produce sourced from local suppliers, and classic techniques applied with a light, tropical touch.
Breakfast is generous and unhurried, setting the tone for the day ahead. The à la carte lunch and dinner menus feature freshly caught fish and seafood, alongside vegan and lighter options for those seeking something simpler. The cooking is rooted in local and seasonal ingredients — reflecting our broader commitment to responsible, sustainable sourcing.
When the sun starts to drop over the Archipelago, the infinity pool bar becomes the place to be. Fresh fruit smoothies, cold beers and handcrafted cocktails — all with one of the finest views in Vilankulo.
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Bonguili Project
Our Mission
Bahia Mar proudly partners with ParCo, a local NGO focused on community development. With generous support from our guests, we fund the Bonguile Preschool, providing over 60 children each year with quality early education, nutritious meals, and essential learning resources.
In a region where many children stay home until age six, this program gives them a vital head start—building skills in Portuguese, socialization, early math, and literacy.
Our Impact
Thanks to ongoing guest contributions, our teachers receive consistent pay, and the school remains a safe, welcoming place - even when local families face financial hardship. Visitors often enjoy stopping by the preschool to connect with the children through games and shared joy.
We’re deeply grateful to all our guests that supported the Bonguile Project throughout these years.
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Sea Horse Project
Our Mission
Since 2018, Bahia Mar has partnered with ParCo and the Mangalisse community to combat the illegal capture and trade of seahorses for the Chinese medicine market. Once a major threat to local marine life, poaching was reduced by an estimated 80% following a targeted campaign involving education and the arrest of outside traffickers.
To create sustainable alternatives, we support the development of seahorse safari tourism, offering villagers new income opportunities while protecting marine biodiversity.
Our Impact
Together with regional and international partners, we continue to drive research, enforcement, and environmental education in the area.
As tourism recovers post-COVID and post the recent political unrest in the country, ParCo is now working closely with the village fishing committee to tackle a recent resurgence in poaching and ensure long-term protection for this unique ecosystem.
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1,000 Trees
Our Mission
Launched in 2021, the 1,000 Trees project is Bahia Mar’s commitment to environmental sustainability and urban beautification.
For every guest who stays with us, a tree is planted in the growing city of Vilankulo.
Our Impact
In partnership with the Mayor, the local NGO Friends of Vilankulo, and our wonderful guests, we’ve already planted 527 flowering shade trees along new roads and in local schools—bringing greenery, shade, and beauty to the community.
This initiative helps our guests leave a lasting, positive impact while supporting the development of a cleaner, greener Vilankulo.
Rooted in Mozambique
Our Mission
In 2021, in the middle of the uncertainty of Covid-19, Susana wanted to find a way to celebrate every guest who chose to spend their holiday at Bahia Mar. What began as a small gesture has grown into one of the projects we're most proud of.
Since then, for every guest who stays with us, we plant a tree in partnership with Trees4Moz, a registered non-profit organisation working to restore forest landscapes in Mozambique. Their work focuses on the Nhamacoa Forest, one of the last remnants of a once great miombo forest, where indigenous trees such as Chanfuta, Panga Panga and Umbaua are grown from seed and replanted to help the forest recover and expand. bahiamarretreatsbahiamarretreats
Our Impact
To date, this partnership has planted a total of 10,410 trees — each one a small but lasting mark left by a guest who passed through Bahia Mar. Every stay here adds to this forest, one tree at a time..
Your Stay
3 Nights
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Fast Facts
4 Stars
Hotel
Spoken Languages: English, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish
No. Rooms: 22
Special Interests: Beach / Coastal, Birding, Fishing, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Sports, Watersports, Wildlife
