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Escape into the heart of untamed Africa at Umlani Bushcamp, an award-winning, off-the-grid eco-lodge nestled within the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which shares an unfenced border with the legendary Kruger National Park. Far removed from the crowds and conventional safari routes, Umlani offers an intimate and immersive wilderness experience where nature reigns supreme.
At Umlani, the absence of electricity is a defining feature — not a compromise, but a conscious return to simplicity. Softly glowing lanterns illuminate pathways and communal areas, setting the stage for romantic evenings beneath the stars. Without modern distractions, guests are invited to rediscover the magic of the bush, where every rustle, roar, and call of the wild is heightened.
The lodge is designed in harmony with its natural surroundings — sustainable, rustic, and full of character. Eco-conscious practices are at the heart of Umlani’s philosophy, from water conservation to waste reduction and solar-powered operations. Your stay contributes to both wildlife preservation and community empowerment, ensuring that your safari leaves a lasting, positive impact.
Umlani is situated in one of South Africa’s most wildlife-rich regions. The unfenced wilderness of Timbavati means that elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo roam freely between the reserve and Kruger. Game drives are led by highly skilled rangers and expert Shangaan trackers who don’t just find the wildlife — they share their deep knowledge of animal behavior, tracking techniques, and the diverse ecosystem of the Lowveld.
In addition to twice-daily game drives, guests can join guided bush walks at sunrise — a chance to learn about the smaller details of the bush, from medicinal plants to insects, spoor, and bird calls.
Accommodation at Umlani Bushcamp is built in the traditional African style using natural materials. Choose from:
Four Double Huts: Each features a comfortable double bed, en-suite bathroom with an open-air bush shower, white mosquito netting, crisp linen, eco-friendly amenities, insect repellent, and bottled water (though the tap water is safe to drink). Perfect for couples seeking a romantic, off-grid escape.
Four Family Huts: Ideal for families or small groups, each hut includes one double bed and two single beds, with similar en-suite facilities and open-air showers. Every unit accommodates up to four guests.
All huts are designed to keep you cool and comfortable in the heat of the day while offering uninterrupted views and natural sounds at night.
Between game drives, unwind in a hammock beside the swimming pool, sipping a refreshing drink from the bush bar as zebra, nyala, or elephants gather at the waterhole across the dry riverbed. Umlani’s unique setting allows for wildlife viewing right from camp, without ever needing to leave your lounger.
Dining is a warm, communal affair — honest, hearty meals served under the stars or in the open-air dining boma. Every dish is lovingly prepared using locally sourced ingredients, offering a refreshing alternative to the over-the-top fine dining found at many lodges. Think soulful African cooking that fuels your adventure.
The reputation of Umlani Bushcamp is built on its outstanding guiding team. With decades of combined experience, the rangers and trackers will not only help you track big game but will also offer deep insights into the flora, fauna, geology, and cultural heritage of the Timbavati region. Morning and late afternoon game drives in open 4×4 vehicles are tailored to maximize wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities.
Umlani Bushcamp offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature. With no electricity and lantern-lit pathways, the lodge creates a deeply atmospheric, old-world safari charm that’s both intimate and unforgettable.
Located in the heart of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve — a pristine wilderness sharing unfenced borders with Kruger National Park — Umlani delivers extraordinary wildlife sightings, from large herds of elephant to elusive leopards and prides of lion.
Built using natural materials and powered by solar energy, Umlani is committed to conservation and community upliftment, offering guests a safari experience that’s both meaningful and responsible.
Whether dining under the stars, listening to the calls of the wild around a fire, or watching game at the waterhole from a hammock, Umlani is rich in character and soulful in every detail.
Stay in beautifully crafted reed and thatch huts, each with open-air bush showers, mosquito-netted beds, and all the essentials for comfort — offering a blend of rustic charm and thoughtful simplicity.
Experienced rangers and expert Shangaan trackers ensure that every game drive and bush walk is insightful, safe, and unforgettable, with rich stories, cultural knowledge, and deep bush wisdom.
If you’re seeking a true back-to-basics safari that embraces the spirit of old Africa, Umlani Bushcamp is a rare gem. This off-the-grid, eco-friendly lodge offers an unplugged experience — with no electricity, no Wi-Fi in rooms, and no distractions — just the sounds of the bush and the glow of lanterns.
While Umlani’s minimalist philosophy may not suit luxury-seekers looking for high-end frills, it is perfect for those who value authenticity, atmosphere, and raw wilderness. Guests consistently describe the experience as magical and soul-stirring — a retreat that reconnects you with the natural world in the most profound way.
Pack light, embrace simplicity, and bring a good torch. Be sure to join the optional early-morning bush walk to discover the smaller wonders of the Timbavati ecosystem that are often missed on game drives — from medicinal plants to fascinating insects and animal tracks.
Also, make time to simply relax at the waterhole-viewing deck or in a hammock by the pool. Some of the best wildlife sightings happen while you’re doing absolutely nothing — that’s the Umlani way.
