Highlights

• Morning and evening Big Five game drives
• Sundowners in the bush
• Bird watching
• Outdoor traditional boma dinners around a campfire
• Optional morning bush walk after breakfast (walkers must be over 16 and walks are conducted in English)
• Night game drives

You Should Know

Children five years and older are welcome at the lodge.

The Details

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.

Accommodation

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.

Wildlife

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.

Price Includes

• Accommodation, all meals, game walks & drives, teas & coffees.
• Our rates are per person sharing unless otherwise noted.
• Single supplements may apply.
• Request a quote or speak to one of our agents for the best, most current rates available.