Umkumbe Safari
Lodge
Situated along the banks of the seasonal Sand River, Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside is set within the renowned Sabie Game Reserve, offering an unparalleled blend of comfort and exceptional wildlife viewing. As one of the most affordable accommodations in the area, the lodge delivers an authentic safari experience without compromising on quality. Family-owned and operated, Umkumbe benefits from deep-rooted expertise in the region, particularly famed for its leopard sightings.
The lodge features 11 rooms—8 superior suites and 3 standard rooms, including 2 interleading options. Each superior suite boasts an outdoor shower, and four offer stunning views of the Sand River. Most rooms include private outdoor seating areas equipped with camping chairs, providing guests with the perfect spot to unwind, birdwatch, and take in the tranquil surroundings. The lodge can comfortably accommodate up to 20 guests.
The main area includes a stylishly designed pool deck overlooking the Sand River, a cozy lounge, a pool table, and a patio. Guests relaxing by the pool’s sun loungers can often spot buffalo, leopards, and lions along the riverbank. A winding path through a grassy lawn—frequented by warthogs and bushbuck—connects the rooms to the main lodge. While the lodge remains unfenced, a tripwire system ensures safety by deterring elephants and larger wildlife.
In the winter months, the Sand River recedes, revealing a unique vantage point where herds of elephants, prides of lions, and buffalo roam the dry riverbed just in front of the lodge. Guided by expert safari guides—who are skilled big-cat trackers, photographers, and passionate wildlife enthusiasts—guests can enjoy two game drives per day, one in the morning and another in the late afternoon. Coffee breaks and sundowner stops are always a highlight of the experience!
Pricing For Accommodation
FromR4835 / Per Person Per Night
All meals, game drives & bush walks, teas & coffees. |
FromR6410 / Per Person Per Night
All meals, all local drinks (soft & alcoholic) game drives & bush walks, teas & coffees. |
FromR5680 / Per Person Per Night
All meals, game drives & bush walks, teas & coffees. |
FromR7390 / Per Person Per Night
All meals, all local drinks (soft & alcoholic) game drives & bush walks, teas & coffees. |
Information
Facilities
WiFi
Wi-Fi is available at the lodge from 09:30 to 16:00 for an additional fee.
General Information
Location
Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside is situated on the Sand River, in the heart of the Sabie Private Game Reserve.
Weather
The average annual rainfall is 350mm, with most precipitation occurring from November to February during mid-summer. Rain typically falls as short, intense thunderstorms that rarely last more than a few hours. Average maximum temperatures range from 24.5°C in July to 31.5°C in January, while the average minimum temperature occurs in July, at 8.5°C.
Wildlife
During the dry season, the vegetation is sparse, and wildlife tends to congregate around watering holes. In the wet season, the vegetation becomes dense, and animals are more widely dispersed. Staying at Umkumbe offers a chance to see the Big 5, especially leopards.
In addition to the Big 5, other frequently sighted animals include giraffe, zebra, warthog, spotted hyena, baboon, hippo, impala, kudu, vervet monkey, waterbuck, wildebeest, bushbaby, mongoose, duiker, and steenbok. There’s also a possibility of spotting wild dog, cheetah, honey badger, porcupine, aardvark, civet, caracal, and serval.
Birdwatchers can enjoy regular sightings of vultures, owls, bee-eaters, rollers, eagles, bustards, hornbills, starlings, and shrikes.
Game Drive Vehicles
During game drives, you can get much closer to big game, as the animals are typically habituated to the vehicle. They are accustomed to its presence and understand that it poses no threat. All game drives are conducted in open 4×4 safari vehicles, offering panoramic views of the wildlife and the surrounding wilderness.
Malaria
The Sabi Sand region is considered a low-risk malaria area. It is advisable to consult your local doctor for guidance. Common medications for the Kruger area include Malarone, Doxycycline, or Melfloquine. Mosquitoes are more common during the warmer, wet season, so using mosquito repellent and creams is an effective preventative measure.