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.
November 30, 2024
Great advice, responsive and knowledgeable!
Pascal John at Safari.com guided me on different safari lodges (experience, rating), and most importantly knew about specials (buy 3 nights, get 4th for free) which allowed my family to secure a 5-star location at a more reasonable rate. Great advice, responsive and knowledgeable!
September 20, 2024
Sabi Sands Game Reserve reservations made easy
Made safari reservations with Pascal John. He was very helpful as we had a specific time frame that corresponded with the rest of our Africa trip. Pascal John was professional, sent documents on time, and and with no errors. He responded via email very very quickly. We definitely recommend Safari.com and Pascal John!
August 24, 2024
Pascal the man
Pascal the man
Dec 4, 2024
Prompt & knowledgeable
Prompt & knowledgeable
Dec 4, 2024
Great service from Denise at Safari.com
Denise from Safari.com was extremely helpful. She responded promptly, provided good advice on safari lodgings options and worked up a couple of itinerary options to suit our budget. Denise also organised flights and transfers very quickly so that we could finalize our booking in a short time. Much appreciated.
Dec 4, 2024
It was amazing
It was amazing. She even helped us with some of our questions and where to stay.🌞
Dec 2, 2024
a seamless booking experience with…
a seamless booking experience with everything handled really well. Bravo!
Dec 2, 2024
Kim Abrahams is as great to work with
Kim Abrahams is as great to work with. Very responsive and helpful for setting up my trip to Africa
Nov 30, 2024
Great advice, responsive and knowledgeable!
Pascal John at Safari.com guided me on different safari lodges (experience, rating), and most importantly knew about specials (buy 3 nights, get 4th for free) which allowed my family to secure a 5-star location at a more reasonable rate. Great advice, responsive and knowledgeable!
Nov 29, 2024
Fast responses and informative answers.
Fast responses and informative answers.
Nov 29, 2024
Nicole was amazing and dealt with all…
Nicole was amazing and dealt with all my requests and changes in a timely manner
Nov 29, 2024
Mel du Toit
Mel du Toit, gave us excellent service and was so quick to respond to our request!! We are looking to return to Simbavati, because of our previous experience there, and Mel has shown that we may continue to expect this !!! Thank you !!!