066 512 3093
info@siyezasafari.com
Located in the heart of the world-famous Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside offers an intimate and personalized safari experience within one of South Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. Nestled along the banks of the seasonal Sand River, this owner-managed lodge provides front-row seats to some of the most remarkable game viewing opportunities in the Greater Kruger region. The lodge shares an unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park, allowing wildlife to roam freely between the reserves, making it one of the best places in Africa to view the Big Five in their natural habitat.
Umkumbe Safari Lodge features a total of 10 well-appointed rooms, divided into three Standard Chalets and seven Superior Suites. Each room is designed with comfort and tranquility in mind, blending rustic charm with modern amenities.
Standard Chalets: These cozy units offer a choice of king-size or twin beds, mosquito netting, air-conditioning, an en-suite bathroom with a shower, an in-room safe, comfortable seating, and a private patio that opens out onto the wild bushveld.
Superior Suites: Ideal for couples or families, the Superior Suites offer additional space, a sleeper couch for children, and luxurious en-suite bathrooms with double vanities, a bathtub, and an outdoor shower for an authentic African experience. Four of these suites overlook the Sand River, providing excellent wildlife viewing right from your room, while three are set near a frequently visited waterhole and open plains.
The central lodge area boasts sweeping views of the riverbed and includes:
A comfortable lounge for relaxation
Indoor and outdoor dining spaces
A fully stocked bar
A spacious deck with a swimming pool and sun loungers
A traditional open-air boma for unforgettable dinners under the African stars
Sabi Sands is renowned for its exceptional density of wildlife. Guests at Umkumbe Safari Lodge often witness the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—along with frequent sightings of cheetah, hyena, wild dogs, and other plains game. The lodge is particularly well known for its high chances of spotting elusive leopards, especially during the evening game drives.
Night drives may reveal nocturnal animals such as porcupines, civets, honey badgers, genets, and bush babies, adding another layer of excitement to the safari experience.
For birding enthusiasts, the region is a paradise, home to over 500 recorded species, including the iconic Big Six: the Saddle-billed Stork, Martial Eagle, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Ground Hornbill, Kori Bustard, and the Lappet-faced Vulture.
Daily activities are led by knowledgeable rangers and trackers who offer rich insights into the surrounding ecosystem. Activities include:
Morning and late afternoon open-vehicle game drives
Optional guided bush walks to explore the smaller details of the African bush
Bird watching from the lodge and during game drives
Umkumbe Safari Lodge is well-suited to all types of travelers—from romantic couples and honeymooners to solo explorers and small families seeking a classic, no-frills, authentic safari experience with warm hospitality and exceptional wildlife encounters.
Children aged 12 and older pay the full adult rate.
Children aged 5–11 receive a 50% discount on the adult sharing rate.
Children 5 years and older may join game drives at the discretion of the lodge management.
Please note: there are no babysitting services available on-site.
Umkumbe Safari Lodge boasts a spectacular location right on the banks of the seasonal Sand River, a natural lifeline that attracts an abundance of wildlife throughout the day. From the comfort of your private patio or the main lodge viewing deck, guests are regularly treated to incredible sightings of elephants, antelope, buffalo, and even big cats as they come down to drink or graze along the riverbed. This prime riverside setting enhances the safari experience by offering uninterrupted, up-close wildlife encounters without ever leaving the lodge. The ever-changing views of the river ensure that no two days are the same, making Umkumbe Safari Lodge a standout destination for wildlife photographers, nature lovers, and safari enthusiasts alike.
Despite Umkumbe Safari Lodge having a more intimate traversing area within the world-renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve, the quality of game viewing is consistently exceptional. The lodge’s location along the Sand River is a major advantage, as it serves as a wildlife magnet—particularly during the dry season when animals congregate near water sources. The Sabi Sand is widely regarded as one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five, especially the elusive leopard, which is frequently spotted here. Thanks to expert rangers and skilled trackers, guests often enjoy close-up wildlife encounters and engaging insights into animal behavior. If you’re looking for an authentic safari with top-tier sightings in a more personal, relaxed setting—Umkumbe is a fantastic choice.
