Umkumbe Bush Lodge

We weren’t guests here - however we did do a game drive with Frekkie here and I must say this man is a national treasure. He is so passionate about conservation and really geeks out about the wild life in the area. A+ to him for our wonderful sunset game drive.

Wow! Pieter, Phineas, Sharon, Africa, Nnanza, Leita, Abigal and all the others fantastic staff were quite amazing and highly rated in customer service/hospitality. Game drives seeing many leopards on lovers lane, all the big 5, so many elephant and giraffe and more think than we had planned for during our trip. The bushwalks with Pieter and his fellow guides were so cool! The gardens and grounds of the property are beautiful and just seem to make you happy!! Perfect balance between nature, peacefulness and service from a warm, homey and friendly staff. We could go on and on. My family has worked in hospitality and only had compliments!! Can't share all my photos but here is some from our fun, relaxed and super enjoyable time at the umkumbe bush lodge. Bravo peeps!

Wonderful experience! Everything went smoothly from airport transfers, to check-in, to game drives. All guests generally follow the lodge's schedule, with a morning wake up call followed by morning game drive, then breakfast, lunch, afternoon game drive, sunset drinks, and dinner by a campfire. The guides are passionate and knowledgeable, able to share tidbits about the animals that we spot and also being able to go off-road, up-close to the animals without scaring or aggravating them. Managed to spot all the Big 5 within 1.5 days of game drives (of course, also depends on luck). Tents were very comfortable, heated and with the usual sanitary fixtures. The animals often come very close to the lodge as well, it is possible to see elephants, warthogs, impalas, nyalas just a few metres away, from the tents. No regrets at all choosing to go with Umkumbe!

My husband and I loved our three nights at the bush lodge in June (winter). We stayed in the luxury and standard tents and were very comfortable in both (although the standard tent was easier to keep warm at night since it was smaller). The hot water bottles at turndown and on the morning rides were very much appreciated. Our guides, Ananja and Elzaan, along with their trackers Fineas and Thembe, really made the trip— they were so knowledgeable and attentive and great at spotting! We saw so many animals, including giraffes, rhinos, lions, duiker, leopard, and even a cheetah! Many great birds as well. We really appreciated their accommodating our request to switch safari cars to be with people who wanted similar experiences. The food was incredible and the dinner at the boma around a fireplace was fun. Massages were also among the best we’ve experienced! Also we LOVED the outdoor bush gym! It was great to have the opportunity to be active between the game drives.

It was my first visit to Africa and Umkumbe Bush Lodge blew me away with their great food, welcoming environment, and knowledgeable staff. Frikkie was an excellent bush guide, getting us close to the animals for great photos and sharing his endless knowledge in the process. He also made sure to stop at night and teach us about the endless stars visible in the African bush. Overall, my time at Umkumbe Bush Lodge was fantastic, and I hope to return someday!

Really disappointing, I didn't stay here so I can't speak for the facilities but I did take the “night safari” that they sold me at my hotel, they sold me a night safari where I could see the Big 5 in a nature reserve. When I arrived I realized that it was not a natural reserve but a lodge. We walked around the establishment's park and saw a leopard, some hyenas, a giraffe, and 4 lions but they were not wild. It looked like a zoo. Maybe the experience for people who stay there is nice because they have everything included, but we had to pay a significant sum for something that was not what they said. Under no circumstances was it a safari but rather a walk through a mini zoo. Really very disappointed, I almost feel cheated.

Where to begin… Special call out to Pieter (Guide), Lucky (Tracker), Frekkie (Bush Walk Guide), Sharon (Admin) and Jan (Manager). Most helpful, genuinely friendly folks at this Lodge. Lucky helped us spotting animals during the night drives. Not sure at some point, how he did it. But that’s what makes a good tracker! Pieter, our guide was so knowledgeable and fed us with info throughout the Game Drive! My husband, had some luggage issue, that was not delivered to Joburg as planned and Jan and Sharon helped us putting some pressure on the airline, which was highly appreciated. We had a wonderful Bush Walk with Frekkie. Very informative and good to see the animals in their natural habitat in the different perspective and to learn how they actually react to humans on foot compared to on a vehicle. We were fortunate enough to have spotted all of the big five during our stay as well as the rest of the remainder of big game. Food was very fresh and tasty. Definitely recommend this beautiful place to anyone that is planning a safari.

Hospitality was superb and housekeeping was regular and thorough as well! Overall felt that the staff was very welcoming and nice, and the place’s cleanliness was surprisingly good for a sandy and dusty area. Our guide, Frikkie, was excellent as well and we managed to see 4 out the big 5 thanks to him! A meticulous guide with a good sense of direction and safety measures.