Home » Best Sabi Sands Lodges » Sabi Sands Accommodation » Umkumbe Bush Lodge – Sabi Sands Lodges Reservations – Kruger National Park – South Africa
Umkumbe Bush Lodge - Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Umkumbe Bush Lodge is the first luxury tented camp in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, the Glamping experience offers guests the opportunity to experience an authentic yet luxurious accommodation in the heart of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve at an affordable price. Our guests deserve only the best and therefore we designed luxury safari-styled tented chalets to offer just that.
Our tented chalets offer crisp white linen, designer decor, complimentary items, neat bathrooms including a private outside shower in our tented suite, and air conditioning in order to make your stay extra comfortable. Sleep safely in a bushveld environment among the wildlife right underneath the stars. Listen to the roar of lions in the middle of the night and the chirping of the birds in the early mornings.
Our standard tents consist of a king-size bed that can be converted into 2 single beds. Including an aircon, ensuite bathroom with shower, and a private deck. Our standard tents are named Apple-leaf, Jackalberry, Tamboti, and Marula - all named after the indigenous trees in the area. Leadwood is our luxury suite tent, this spacious tent is what we will be expanding to with all our tents in the future and includes an ensuite sitting area and bathroom with his and hers, bathtub, and outdoor shower. This tent is ideal for honeymooners and is spacious enough to be converted into a family unit.
Sabi Sands Lodges Reviews!
I did my research before booking into which area we wanted to stay and which camp, so I knew what
...moreI did my research before booking into which area we wanted to stay and which camp, so I knew what we expected , but what we got was beyond that.
From our collection at the airport to our return to the airport we had amazing service from all the staff, shout out to Wonder who picked us up from the airport and to Pell who greeted us as we arrived at the camp. We saw a few smaller animals on the drive from the airport to camp including bush McDonalds ( Impala - will explain later) we frantically took photos amazed at how close we were for Wonder to tell us first you will take and first you will delete as you will run out of space and have loads of them
Our luggage was taken to our lodge by Dale and the team (cant all them rooms as they were so much more) whilst we were given a quick tour and then told lunch was waiting for us.
What a lunch it was - my friend said it was the best steak pie she has EVER had - so much so that she asked Jann for the recipe, there is no shortage of food that's for sure. We said a quick hello to a few other camp guests and all were welcoming as were the team who served us, everyone introduced themselves to us. We had our first interaction with he camp monkeys (I now truly know where the phrase cheeky monkey comes from) we found it funny at first that they were trying to pinch food from the tables but we could soon see the nuisance they were for the staff (cute nuisances though) They really do work as a family
It was then a quick freshen up and out on our first game drive. Well that's when we got to the jeep as a warthog decided to pay us a visit blocking our path from the lodge, I love how the animals are free to roam. Jeff was our driver and Conrad was tracking , it wasn't long before we saw our first of the big five a leopard who was resting after a good feed on its catch which we could see some leftovers up the tree and the male hyena hoping for it to fall, I was rather nervous at first as we were close than I ever thought we would be but I also felt safe , That drive we saw loads of animals Rhino, Wildebeest, Elephants, Hypo, Dad Leopard with son and daughter Kudo to name a few and then we met the other guest out in the bush for sundowners.
Back to the lodge, we popped to our room to change and a lovely bath had been prepared for us with candles and a bottle of bubbly for our wedding anniversary, the oil lamps were lit and the ambiance stunning, of to diner and another amazing spread, we thought we were not hungry after the big lunch but we still managed to eat a fair amount. A nice few drinks then we headed back to our lodge as we knew we had an early start.
The weather took a bit of a turn whilst we were there but given we are English (and northern) we are used to it, but as we went out for the early drive Conrad had prepared the vehicle and our seats had nice blankets and hot water bottles to help with the early chill until sunrise - another great drive seeing lots and Jeff teaching us so much about the animals and general bush life.
The change in weather meant that we didn't unfortunately get to use the pool, we did though have a massage and that was fantastic and great value
There wasn't a single drive that we didn't see something that took our breath away and I can tell you about it and show you pictures but nothing can replicate the feeing. On talking to other guest that had experienced safari holidays in other camps or countries all said the same they saw more animals with Nottens easily than they had with others, this reinforced my research as A safari trip was always on my dream bucket list as a once in a lifetime - however I loved it so much I will be returning and hope to get my family from Australia to meet us there.
Jann and the team in the kitchen are hidden gems the food is all outstanding and wine keeps flowing as does Amarula (one of my new fav drinks)
For me Notten's was perfect it was natural and bush like, but we were treat like royalty without the pretence, the whole staff team are a credit from those very early wake up calls right through till the last person goes to bed nothing is too much trouble.
Loved our time at Nkorho. Our guide, Matt, and tracker, David, were extremely professional and knowledgeable. The safari rides were
...moreLoved our time at Nkorho. Our guide, Matt, and tracker, David, were extremely professional and knowledgeable. The safari rides were incredible and we certainly saw everything we came to see. The entire staff works hard to ensure a great experience for their guests. Our suite was great, very clean and comfortable . The swing was cozy on the front deck! Enjoyed our meals and evenings in the bar. Thanks to all for a great time!
Accommodation at Umkumbe Bush Lodge
Umkumbe's accommodation is beautifully designed, the lodge offers accommodation in 10 tented style suites, 4 of which are standard, 1 luxury and 5 superior. They are all air conditioned and offer different style that cater for all types of travelers.
Large superior tented suites are big enough to accommodate large families up to 5 guests, the newly built honeymoon tented suite offers a private plunge pool and the standard tents offer authentic luxury tented experience. Each tented suite has its own private deck or verandah and is fully equipped for a comfortable safari retreat.
Named after different indigenous trees found in the region, the stylish accommodation and spacious tented suites at Umkumbe are all positioned on private raised wooden decks nestled in nature. The luxury & superior suites are totally secluded and have their own private view of the drainage line below. It also boasts a bathtub, his/hers sinks and an outdoor shower.
Suite facilities at Umkumbe Bush Lodge include a tea/coffee station, standing fan, air con, hand luggage stand, hair dryer, mosquito net, safe, bathroom amenities, changeable twin/double bed configurations and a private seating area on a raised wooden deck.
Umkumbe Bush Lodge - Image Gallery
The Sun Destinations portfolio is a growing representation of some of Southern Africa’s most coveted, yet preserved wildlife areas; a careful selection of authentic bush camps and supreme safari lodges to be discovered. From riverside boma fires, to uninterrupted views of the stars, our lodges are selected based on their location, their owner-managed intimacy, and excellence in wildlife encounters. This is the home of marketing and reservations for a collection of Africa’s Hidden Secrets.
Rates
| Room Type: | 2025 Rates | 2026 Rates |
| Standard Tents | R5,400.00 per person sharing per night
R7,020.00 per single person per night |
R6,100.00 per person sharing per night
R7,930.00 per single person per night |
| Luxury Tents | R6,300.00 per person sharing per night
R8,190.00 per single person per night |
R7,100.00 per person sharing per night
R9,230.00 per single person per night |
| Superior Tents | R8,300.00 per person sharing per night
R10,790.00 per single person per night |
R9,400.00 per person sharing per night
R12,000.00 per single person per night |
| Superior Honeymoon Tent | R9,200.00 per person sharing per night
R11,960.00 per single person per night |
R10,400.00 per person sharing per night
R13,000.00 per single person per night |
Includes
* All meals * 2 game drives per/day * Bush walks * Teas & coffees
Excludes
* Drinks * Conservation levies * Gate fees if self-drive * Gratuities
Safari Experience at Umkumbe Bush Lodge
Umkumbe Bush Lodge offers a true Big Five wildlife experience, this wildlife is what drives us to be passionate about what we do. We are truly grateful to spend time with each one of these amazing creatures and we are honored to share these experiences with you. At Umkumbe Bush Lodge we offer our guests the chance to experience close encounters with the animals, including the world-renowned Big Five.
Our highly qualified and friendly guides take guests out on game drives where they treat them on interesting facts and stories regarding each species of animals, birds, and plants. These drives are perfect for bird watchers and wildlife photographers too, as our guides are more than willing to assist you as best they can. The bushveld has so much to offer and we want you to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience with us!
Our Treehouse Main Building is where we want our guests to feel most at home. Spend time with friends and family in our cozy lounging areas or read a book by the poolside. Grab a drink at our modern bar or grab a coffee at our coffee station. Enjoy making precious memories inside by the fireplace or appreciate nature from our Tree House Deck's point of view. Here you'll find one of the oldest and biggest Weeping Boer Bean Trees (Schotia brachypetala) alive. This is also where we will be serving our breakfasts and lunches. We would like to tell you more, but we would love it for you to come and see for yourself!
Umkumbe Bush Lodge - Wildlife Image Gallery
This is Glamping at its best!
This was our third lodge to visit during our holiday, we loved the simple accommodation and the luxury amenities provided available. We stayed in the luxury tent and my family loved it as it's air-conditioned and it had an outdoor shower. There are 2 safari drives every day and our ranger really went above and beyond to find us all the animals we asked for 🙂 We took amazing photos and we had monkeys near our tent, they are amazing creatures.