Top Reasons to Go on a Summer Safari in Southern Africa

Umkumbe Safari Lodge

Crowded promenades, overpriced resorts, and long queues just to claim a patch of sand—summer at the beach can feel more exhausting than relaxing. But what if there was a better way to spend the festive season? While winter is often seen as prime time for a safari, the summer months in the bushveld offer a […]

Birding for Beginners: How to Start Noticing (and Loving) Birds of the Bush

Yellow-billed hornbill bird

Most people don’t fully “get” birding until they come to the bush.But with each visit, you begin to tune in to the wildly diverse birds that flutter through the skies, perch in the trees, and call out across the savannah. Adding bright bursts of colour, they are jewels of the skies. Birds signal so much to those […]

Through the Lens: Q&A with Pro Wildlife Photographer Emma Gatland

Emma Gatland

Emma is part of the Sun Destinations fabric. Her award-winning snapshots have been featured in publications around the world — and lucky for us, across the pages of our social media too. With an incredible eye for detail, Emma captures not only breathtaking wildlife moments but also beautifully curated lifestyle shots that reflect the essence […]

Spring Wildlife Highlights: Blossoms, Babies and Nature’s Comeback

elephant trunk

Spring is, after all, the season of new beginnings and in the wild, this rings especially true. With the return of the rains, dry landscapes are transformed into vibrant, lush wonderlands. Nutrient-rich grasses and fresh foliage emerge, offering a buffet for herbivores, while waterholes refill — perfect for sightings like dagga boys and elephant herds […]

Exploring the Iconic Private Reserves of the Greater Kruger

Umkumbe sabie sands

There is a magic in Africa that seeps into your soul and changes you forever. You will always want to come back. Whether it is the golden sunsets, the vast open plains, the never-ending feeling of spaciousness, the wildness, the vibrant and warm people, the once-in-a-lifetime moments. Africa changes you forever and stays with you […]

The Great Migration of the Skies: Migratory Birds Return

European roller

Billions of birds are sun-worshipping, summer-only travellers. Living in a winterless world they migrate from summer to summer up on repeat. Their time of arrival and departure depends solely on availability of food. When summer rains begin to fall and the bush bursts to life. As do the insect populations! Experts believe migration behaviour is […]

Capturing The Wild: A Q&A with Wildlife Photographer Kevin MacLaughlin

Kevin maclaughlin filming

You may have seen some of the phenomenal wildlife footage on our socials, captured by wildlife enthusiast and photography pro Kevin MacLaughlin. His lens reveals intimate moments and breathtaking close-ups of some of Africa’s wildest and most elusive creatures. Each month, Kevin spends dedicated time exploring the spectacular Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, home to Africa […]

Your Guide to the Wild: Meet Jessica from Umkumbe Safari Lodge

Guided game drives

Until you’ve been on safari, it’s hard to grasp just how well-camouflaged wildlife can be. A leopard can lie motionless in the dappled shade just metres from a vehicle, invisible to the untrained eye, even to the prey who it is patiently waiting to ambush. A lion can melt into the dry, golden grasses of […]

What to Pack for a Safari: Spring & Summer Essentials for the African Bush

Lion at nambu camp

The change of seasons is here. The air is thick and crackles with the tension of the rains that hover over the horizon.  The dry, dusty earth lies parched, eagerly awaiting the showers that will transform the landscape in a matter of days. Every shower bringing fresh hope and new life to the land. Animal […]