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 10, 2024
Quick reactions to requests
Quick reactions to requests. Very efficient.
Sep 9, 2024
First Time Safari
Mel provided an amazing itinerary and took our feedback and adjusted accordingly. She was very helpful and would strongly recommend her to anyone new to the process.
Sep 9, 2024
It was a great experience dealing with…
It was a great experience dealing with Shann. She was most accommodating and patient. We managed to sort things out very eventually. The only sore point I have is the 2 % surcharge for the card handling fee, which I find too excessive. Otherwise, I am pleased with everything.
Sep 8, 2024
Keith went above and beyond…
Keith went above and beyond expectations arranging our holiday safari travels (for one vegan and one mobility-impaired traveller, no less:-). Safari.com is lucky to have Keith on board. He helped us feel confident in our choices, keeping us up to date with options, and finessing holiday scheduling issues with aplomb.
Sep 5, 2024
Tanya Lomas was very efficient and it…
Tanya Lomas was very efficient and it was a pleasure booking through her.
Sep 3, 2024
Knowledgable and responsive
Jayson created a fantastic itinerary within budget and answered questions promptly. Super helpful. I can't wait to get going!
Sep 2, 2024
Although we didn’t end up booking…
Although we didn’t end up booking through Safari.com the service we received was great and they were really helpful.
Sep 2, 2024
Trip to Kruger at Mdluli Safari Lodge
I loved working with Anja from safari.com. She put together my itinerary within my price range and was very professional, thorough and empathetic. She followed up with me many times to see if I needed anything throughout my trip and even filled out some forms for me when I was having difficulty. When the lodge I stayed at was not being accommodating in the slightest, she quickly contacted the manager and got them to rearrange their services to meet my needs. I would most certainly use safari.com again due to my wonderful experience working with Anja.
Aug 31, 2024
Nicole at Safari.com is AMAZING!!!
I would love to share my experience with Nicole. She has worked tirelessly to help me make my dream vacation a reality. I had no idea how to start planning. Nicole suggested the most wonderful South African resorts and safaris. No matter how many changes I threw her way it was always received with a happy, positive attitude. I live in Hawaii and even though we were on a 12 hour time difference she was always available to answer any questions or concerns. Her expertise, knowledge and patience are unmeasurable. I was plagued with numerous payment issues from my bank in Hawaii. Nicole never wavered from being patience and more importantly positive that we could resolve each issue and get my trip booked. Nicole is a huge asset to Safari.com and I will scream it from the mountains to let everyone know what excellent customer service I have received. Nicole is a ROCKSTAR!!! We are so excited for our upcoming adventure of a lifetime!