Umlani Bush Camp

Umlani means place of rest and since the safari lodge opened in 1990 it has been a favourite with many returning guests. Umlani Bush Camp is located in the beautiful Timbavati Nature Reserve which is adjacent to the Kruger National Park and is a very rustic and romantic, non-electrified, safari lodge built in a traditional African style. Although it lacks many of the facilities that we otherwise take for granted, this also means that guests at Umlani truly get a chance to experience nature without any distractions. At night Umlani is lit up with candles and paraffin lamps, creating a very romantic feel with the beautiful African night sky and the sounds of the bush in the background.

At Umlani guests are still treated to exquisite food and there is of course cold beverages and a hot shower available when you return from game drives and game walks.

Guests sleep in traditional African round huts with thatched roof, or so called rondavels, these are placed around the camp in such a way to create privacy for all guests staying at Umlani. All eight rondavels have en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers. The safari lodge is close to a river, which only flows during the rainy season, however it is frequented by lots of game. A great place to view the game is either from the pool or the bar overlooking the river.

"In an early morning game drive, we saw five separate lion tracks along a dry river bed. Our game ranger suggested that we follow the tracks on foot to see if we could see the lions. After a few hundred meters the tracks split but we continued to follow the tracks along the river bed, after another a few hundred meters we went around a bend and there were two lionesses sunbathing in the early morning sun.  As soon as they saw us they stood up and had a good look, but after a few minutes they lay back down and we could continue watching these beautiful animals, it was truly and amazing experience." -  Alexandra

General Information:
At Umlani the rangers are allowed to take the vehicles off-road which means that guests can get very close to the animals.
Bush walks can be arranged at Umlani.
Umlani is a simple but very charming safari lodge where the emphasis is on an incredible safari experience rather then five star luxury.

Rates include: Accommodation, 3 meals per day, game drives, optional bush walks, all local brand drinks + 14% VAT