Umkumbe Safari Lodge is an owner managed and run lodge that nestles in the 65 000 hectare private Sabi Sands Game Reserve and shares an unfenced border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park. The Sabi Sands Game Reserve offers unrivaled game viewing with an abundance of wildlife moving freely between the reserve and the Kruger Park.
Children 5 years and older are welcome at the lodge
Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside is perfectly situated in the heart of the Sabie Game Reserve, within the Greater Kruger area. The Sabi Sand region is widely regarded as South Africa's premier wildlife reserve, known for its high density of animals, particularly leopards. With no barriers separating the Kruger National Park from the private game reserves, wildlife roams freely throughout the area. The lodge overlooks the Sand River, a frequent gathering spot for a variety of animals, offering both standard and superior accommodations for couples and families with children over five. Guests can embark on twice-daily game drives, promising thrilling encounters with wildlife, and enjoy evening meals in a traditional boma under the stars.
The lodge overlooks the seasonal Sand River, where guests often spot animals grazing in the riverbed. It accommodates up to 20 guests in 11 chalets/rooms, with configurations that suit families, small groups, or friends. The clean and comfortable rooms offer an affordable stay in a predator-rich private reserve within the Greater Kruger.
Connected by walkways, the lodge’s main areas include a boma, bar, lounge, outdoor dining room, and gym. A swimming pool with sun loungers invites relaxation, while the unfenced grounds allow smaller wildlife to roam freely, providing guests with engaging views from their rooms. Safety for children is ensured by a tripwire that deters larger animals.
In the dry season, sparse vegetation draws wildlife to water sources, while in the wet season, animals are more dispersed due to denser vegetation. Staying at Umkumbe offers the chance to see the Big Five, especially leopards. Other frequently spotted animals include giraffes, zebras, warthogs, spotted hyenas, baboons, hippos, impalas, kudus, vervet monkeys, waterbucks, wildebeests, bushbabies, mongooses, duikers, and steenboks. You may also encounter wild dogs, cheetahs, honey badgers, porcupines, aardvarks, civets, caracals, and servals. Common bird sightings include vultures, owls, bee-eaters, rollers, eagles, bustards, hornbills, starlings, and shrikes.
August 24, 2024
Pascal the man
Pascal the man
August 19, 2024
Pascal has been effective in tailoring…
Pascal has been effective in tailoring a program in challenging dates. It was a pleasure interacting with him… felt in very good hands from the get go!
August 15, 2024
Pascal John was awesome!
Pascal John was very helpful with planning our trip. We had specific dates and time frames that we had to make sure corresponded correctly with the rest of our South Africa trip and Pascal John could not have made it any easier. He was professional and always responded over text in a timely manner. Definitely would recommend!
Sep 17, 2024
Thanks to Keith!
Keith was prompt, thorough and efficient. He was available as and when needed, answering all the questions I had, and guiding us along the way.
Sep 17, 2024
This Travel Firm is Ready for You!
We have completed the preliminary reservations with this amazing travel firm. Thank God they exist! We would never have been able to figure out how to put the pieces of our trip to AFRICA together without them. They are patient, caring, detailed, and responsive to communications…something you expect, but do not always receive when service is involved. Connect with them via email if you are even thinking about going to Africa. Cheers!
Sep 16, 2024
First time to Cape Town
We are a group of ten friends traveling together to Cape Town for the first time. Safari.com was our top choice for travel agents. Leché and Tracy were incredibly helpful and prompt with our questions and bookings. The trip to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve was fantastic, and everything went off without a hitch. We highly recommend Safari.com for your safari plans!
Sep 15, 2024
Very responsive
Very responsive, I sent an email and got a response almost immediately (I checked it’s like 11pm their time…on a Sunday)
Sep 15, 2024
Shann was amazingly helpful
Shann was amazingly helpful! After spending several days online on our own trying to find good accommodation or even available rooms and lodges, we reached out to safari and to shann, who set us up in record time with a beautiful destination, flights and transfers. I absolutely recommend this dite and the incredible service
Sep 15, 2024
Safari booking
Fadiel was very prompt in responding to my emails. Despite a double booking for our Safari - not his fault - everything worked out well in the end.
Sep 14, 2024
Sara Van Coillie
Sara Van Coillie, representing Safari.com, has gone above and beyond in assisting with a custom booking for an African safari experience I wanted arranged for my colleagues visiting Namibia for the first time. I highly recommend reaching out to her—she’s a true champion! It’s been a pleasure working with her.
Sep 14, 2024
Had such an amazing experience working…
Had such an amazing experience working with Leigh-Ann. She was able to get me everything I wanted at the price I wanted. Could not recommend more.
Sep 13, 2024
Sara curated a trip of a lifetime
Sara curated a trip of a lifetime. Met all our requirements and exceeded our expectations all within our budget!