Simbavati River Lodge, set along the Nhlaralumi River in Timbavati Private Game Reserve, offers a unique safari experience. A popular waterhole below the dining deck attracts elephants and other wildlife, providing continuous game viewing between drives. This idyllic location combines stunning river views with the charm of close-up wildlife encounters.
Located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, this affordable safari lodge offers a premier Big Five experience on the banks of the seasonal Sand River, where wildlife roams freely. Ideal for families with children over 5, it features owner-managed hospitality. Accessible via selfdrive or flights to Nelspruit, Wi-Fi is available for a fee.
The cuisine at Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside blends hearty South African flavors with international influences. Meals are freshly prepared using seasonal ingredients and served in scenic settings overlooking the Sand River. Guests enjoy a relaxed dining experience, with options ranging from traditional braais to al fresco meals under the stars.
Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside, located in Sabi Sand Game Reserve, offers an authentic Big Five safari experience. Overlooking the Sand River, it features family-friendly accommodations for children over 5, game drives, and hearty South African cuisine. Accessible via self-drive or flights to Nelspruit, the lodge provides comfortable amenities, owner-managed hospitality, and stunning wildlife encounters.
Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside accommodates up to 20 guests in 8 superior suites and 3 standard rooms, all air-conditioned, with some offering river-facing views. Wi-Fi is available for a fee between 09h30 and 16h00. Spa treatments can be arranged in advance and are payable directly at the lodge.
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Summer is hot and sticky; pack extra outfits.
Spa treatment area on a private balcony overlooking the waterhole
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Comfortable walking shoes ensure support and protection on safari.
Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunblock protect against the sun on safari.
Cameras and binoculars capture wildlife up close.
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Neutral clothing ensures comfort and camouflage.
Bathing suit for pool and water activities.
Warm jackets essential in winter (May – Oct)
the mornings are cold during winter.
Morning and evening big five game drives
Star-gazing under African skies
Traditional boma dinner outdoors around a campfire
Sundowners in the bush
Bird watching with diverse species and views.
Walkers must be over 16 years of age. Bush walks are in English only
Exciting night game drives to spot predators.
The average annual rainfall is 350mm, mainly occurring from November to February in short thunderstorms. Maximum temperatures range from 24.5°C in July to 31.5°C in January, with July’s minimum average being 8.5°C. These seasonal changes contribute to diverse landscapes and unique wildlife viewing experiences throughout the year.
The Sabi Sand region is considered a low-risk malaria area, but it’s advisable to consult your doctor for malaria prevention. Common medications for the Kruger area include Malarone, Doxycycline, or Melfloquine. Mosquitoes are more prevalent during the wet season, so using repellent and creams is recommended for added protection.
On game drives, guests can get remarkably close to big game as animals are habituated to vehicles, recognizing them as non-threatening. Drives are conducted in open 4x4 safari vehicles, offering panoramic views of the wildlife and wilderness. This ensures an immersive and intimate safari experience with unobstructed wildlife sightings.
At Umkumbe, the dry season offers excellent wildlife sightings as animals gather around watering holes, while the wet season sees more dispersed wildlife. The reserve is home to the Big 5, particularly leopards, along with giraffes, zebras, hyenas, hippos, wild dogs, cheetahs, and various bird species such as vultures and eagles.
Guests have the option to either self-drive to Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside or fly from Johannesburg, Durban, or Cape Town to Nelspruit Airport. From there, they can arrange a convenient road transfer to the lodge through the reservations office, ensuring a seamless and comfortable arrival to the safari experience.
Award-winning Bisate sets the bar for visionary conservation tourism in Rwanda and brings you closer to endangered mountain gorillas – as well as other mountain creatures.
Award-winning Bisate sets the bar for visionary conservation tourism in Rwanda and brings you closer to endangered mountain gorillas – as well as other mountain creatures.
Experience more with Cape Archives Tours, your trusted local tour operator. Discover the best of Cape Town with expertly guided tours tailored to your preferences. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, we deliver personalized, unforgettable experiences that showcase the beauty and culture of South Africa.
Experience more with Cape Archives Tours – Passionate Travel: Explore, Dream, Discover. As your local tour operator, we craft unforgettable journeys that bring Cape Town's beauty and culture to life. From iconic landmarks to hidden treasures, enjoy personalized, expertly guided tours designed to inspire and create lasting memories.
Experience more with Cape Archives Tours – Lovely South African Destinations. Discover the charm of South Africa with our expertly guided tours, showcasing breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and rich history. From stunning coastlines to iconic landmarks, we provide personalized experiences that make your journey unforgettable and truly extraordinary.
4.9 / 5 Based on 1,464 reviews
Oct 2024
Candy and Mabee were the best hosts I’ve ever had on a tour like this. Mabee even sang for us. The entire day was well organized it would be hard to pick one thing that was the best.Read More
Feb 2019
We had a super trip with Joseph as our guide. He was very informative and we had the perfect amount of time at each stop. A great way to see the different sites and fantastic views.Read More
April 2022
Rodney was such a funny and kind tour guide. He makes an effort to find animals for you and is approachable to answer any questions.Read More
Nov 2023
A great tour, felt like we had plenty of time at each stop and our guide, Rodney, was absolutely fantastic. Really informative, relaxed and made the most of our day for us!Read More
Jan 2025
Fabulous trip with many photo stops and wonderful views. Candy and Mabee did a great job of looking after the group (8 of us) and making suitable adjustments to the order of stops to avoid road works and associated traffic queues. Read More
March 2025
It was perfect from start to finish! The wonderful Candy picked us up from our hotel and for the next 9 hours she looked after us like we were family. Read More
