Umkumbe Safari Lodge is the ideal lodge for guests seeking an affordable and authentic experience, where you don’t compromise on game viewing. Located in one of South Africa’s sought after pristine reserves in the heart of the Greater Kruger, it certainly sets the standard in terms of game viewing. The lodge is located on the banks of the Sand River in the Sabi Sand Reserve and boasts exceptional views of the surrounding terrain. Umkumbe offers guests a relaxing and family-friendly lodge where the focus is on simple luxury.
Here are our top 5 reasons to stay at Umkumbe Safari Lodge:
1. Affordable lodge located in a sought after reserve
Year after year, the Sabi Sand Reserve attracts a wealth of celebrities, documentary makers and photographers. Home to award-winning lodges and elite safari style villa accommodation, the reserve offers an exclusive experience with notable game viewing opportunities. The reserve itself is home to the big five and is also known as “leopard central” due to the abundance of leopards.
Umkumbe’s rates are from e R2, 695.00 per person per night, making it one of the most affordable lodges in the Greater Kruger area. Rates are inclusive of daily game drives, morning bush walks (optional) and all meals.
2. Unsurpassed game viewing opportunities
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is a big cat paradise and revered for its leopard sightings. There is a particular fondness for a large male leopard called Maxabeni who often makes his presence known while guests are out on evening game drives. The Charleston and Sparta pride of lions regularly come down to the river, in front of the lodge, to drink.
The Umkumbe traverse is teeming with activity from the big five. In addition to the big five, guests often see other wildlife such as cheetah, spotted hyena, wild dog, honey badger, side striped jackal, caracal, hippopotamus, giraffe, antelope, warthog, wildebeest, crocodile and a variety of venomous snakes. Birding is also incredible and there are over 500 species of birds; making it a go-to destination for ornithologists.
3. The entire lodge is built on the banks of a busy river
The Sand River runs in front of the lodge and the sand banks attract breeding herds of buffalo, elephant and lion prides to its shores. A small splash pool is perfectly positioned on a deck overlooking the river. Guests can relax in the pool while watching elephant herds interact in the river. The wooden deck is the ultimate relaxation spot for enjoying a quiet afternoon drink while reading a book.
4. Easily Accessible and family friendly
There is an excellent road system, making it ideal for self-drive guests. For fly-ins, Umkumbe is also quite accessible. The easiest Kruger airport to fly into is KMIA (Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport) in Nelspruit.
There are five superior rooms which cater for families and two interleading rooms, ideal for friends or older children. Being an owner run and managed lodge means Umkumbe is flexible in terms of guests’ needs.
5. Authentic safari atmosphere
The atmosphere at a lodge is a huge drawcard for any safari experience. Umkumbe offers the chance to experience a traditional South African braai in a boma area. A boma is an outdoor dining area with a huge wood fire set up in a fire pit in the ground. Guests can enjoy plenty of story telling around the campfire after when the evening game drive comes to an end. There is an honesty bar where guests can help themselves to drinks. Umkumbe is a comfortable, friendly and authentic style lodge with warm and welcoming owners.
Watch this video and let it encapsulate you. Book your Sabi Sand Safari here: reservations@sundestinations.co.za
Umkumbe Safari Lodge from Sun Destinations on Vimeo.
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