Umkumbe Safari Lodge is located in the Sabi Sand Wildtuin, considered by many to be the premier wildlife reserve in South Africa. Located on the banks of the seasonal Sand River, Umkumbe Safari Lodge is perfectly situated in one of the best Big Five game viewing destinations in Africa.
The reserve is home to the ‘big five’ (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo), as well as cheetah, wild dog and hundreds of other species of animals, birds and plants indigenous to the area. The phrase “big five” was coined by hunters of yesteryear – before the advent of the photographic safari – and refers to the animals considered the most dangerous to hunt.
The lodge is easily accessible via either a self drive from Johannesburg, or by flying into the closest airports which are Skukuza and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) in Nelspruit. The self drive takes 6 hours from Johannesburg on good, safe roads. The flight takes approximately 1 hour. Road transfers from KMIA to Umkumbe can be arranged and take approximately 2 hours. A road transfer from Skukuza to Umkumbe takes approximately 1-1.5 hours and please bear in mind the Kruger National Park fees due when landing in Skukuza.
Umkumbe Safari Lodge: Glorious Isolation
The focus at the lodge is of the view of the seasonal Sand River. Almost daily, guests are treated to sightings of various animals grazing in the riverbed. The lodge sleeps a maximum of 20 guests in 10 chalets/rooms. Most of the rooms have a small verandah with camping chairs, and with views of the Sand River, while others look onto a small plains area with a watering hole.
Umkumbe Safari Lodge has a variety of room set ups, that allow families to travel with ease, as well as a small party of three adults, or friends looking for their own rooms but connected via an inter-leading door. The accommodation is clean, comfortable and suitable for guests looking for a well priced and affordable option in the Sabi Sand. All the rooms are en-suite and airconditioned and have full electricity.
As you may expect from a renowned brand owner like Sun Destination, the Umkumbe Safari Lodge provides flawless, world-class service. Similar to other Sun Destination resorts, all guests are warmly greeted at check-in and escorted to their accommodation. All your queries are handled expeditiously to provide guests with a memorable and hassle-free experience.
How to get there
The lodge is easily accessible via either a self drive from Johannesburg, or by flying into the closest airports which are Skukuza and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) in Nelspruit. The self drive takes 6 hours from Johannesburg on good, safe roads. The flight takes approximately one hour. Road transfers from KMIA to Umkumbe can be arranged and take approximately two hours. A road transfer from Skukuza to Umkumbe takes approximately one-and-a-half hours and bear in mind the Kruger National Park fees is payable when landing in Skukuza.
Management
Managed by the renowned Sun Destinations which has an impressive portfolio of some of Southern Africa’s most coveted selection of authentic bush camps and supreme safari lodges. From riverside boma fires, to uninterrupted views of the stars, all Sun Destination lodges are selected based on their location, their owner-managed intimacy, and excellence in wildlife encounters.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Sabi Sand Wildtuin is from May to September. Winter mornings and nights are cold. May and September are wonderful because it is less cold and, especially in September, the wildlife viewing is excellent.
Through the lens…
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