3 Day Umkumbe Luxury Safari Lodge Holiday in Kruger National Park, South Africa
South African Safari Experience
Sabi Sand Game Reserve, located in the southwestern corner of the Kruger National Park in South Africa, is one of the most renowned and sought-after safari destinations in the world. Spanning an area of approximately 65,000 hectares, the reserve is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including the iconic “Big Five” - lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo.
Key information
- Private or group safari
- Maximum group size of 10 participants
- Children from the age of five years old can join under the supervision of a parent or guardian at least 16 years old
- Starts and ends in Johannesburg
- Services of an English-speaking guide
- Conservation fees per person per night included
Highlights
- 2 game drives daily in open-air safari vehicles (afternoon drive continues well after dark)
- Bush walk
- Pristine wilderness famous for its exceptional game viewing
- Opportunity to experience an authentic African safari
- Transport from and to the lodge included
- 2 nights accommodation
- All meals, teas and coffees daily, plus water and juice included with meals
- Conservation fees per person per night included
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Styles
Accommodation
Facilities
- Air-conditioned public areas
Umkumbe Safari Lodge (2 nights)
Umkumbe Safari Lodge is located in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, considered by many to be the premier wildlife reserve in South Africa, unfenced from the western boundary of Kruger National Park. Located on the banks of the seasonal Sand River, Umkumbe Safari Lodge is perfectly situated in one of the best Big Five game viewing destinations in Africa.
The lodge is easily accessible via either a self-drive from Johannesburg or by flying into the closest airport, which is Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) in Nelspruit.
The self-drive takes six hours from Johannesburg on good, safe roads. The flight takes approximately one hour. Road transfers from KMIA to Umkumbe can be arranged and take approximately two hours.
The focus at the lodge is on the view of the seasonal Sand River. Almost daily, guests are treated to sightings of various animals grazing on the riverbed. The lodge sleeps a maximum of 20 guests in 10 chalets / rooms. Most of the rooms have a small veranda with camping chairs and views of the Sand River, while others look onto a small plains area with a watering hole.
Umkumbe Safari Lodge has a variety of room set-ups that allow families to travel with ease, as well as a small party of three adults or friends looking for their own rooms connected via an inter-leading door. The accommodation is clean, comfortable, and suitable for guests looking for a well-priced and affordable option in the Sabi Sand.
All the rooms are ensuite, air-conditioned, and have full electricity. The ensuite rooms can take two persons (twin or double) in this standard room. The rooms have an ensuite bathroom, air-conditioning, beds with linen, and lounge chairs. The room also has a veranda, dressing table, and coffee-making facilities.
Resting comfortably under a canopy of indigenous trees on a riverside in the Sabi Sand is Umkumbe Safari Lodge. This luxury lodge offers all the creature comforts from home and is the first of its kind - “affordable luxury.” Your stay will be a full-board experience including meals, twice-daily game drives, and bush walks.
Please check availability before you book.
- Accommodation level: Mid-range
Program
Day 1: Johannesburg to Kruger Park
Begin your Kruger safari with a dedicated safari transfer taking you to the charming Umkumbe Lodge, located near Kruger National Park (arrival by 14:00). Take a moment to have some leisure time to rest and enjoy the beauty around you.
Once settled in, head out for an exciting afternoon game drive in open-sided safari vehicles within Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Keep an eye out for the Big Five and other fascinating wildlife.
Enjoy a delicious three-course dinner offering traditional South African dishes (with ice-cold water and juice in jugs included), before retreating to your comfortable, ensuite tent / accommodation for a peaceful night under the African sky.
Day 2: Kruger National Park
Start your day with a light snack and coffee, enjoying freshly baked biscuits to energize you for the adventure ahead. Embark on an early morning game drive to maximize your chances of spotting the Big Five. Afterward, treat yourself to a hearty breakfast with a variety of hot and cold options, paired with your choice of coffee, tea, or juice.
Take the afternoon to relax by the pool or indulge in a refreshing nap under the warm African sun. After your rest, join another thrilling afternoon game drive within Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Keep your camera handy for the incredible wildlife encounters that await.
As evening falls, savor a delicious three-course dinner featuring authentic South African flavors. Water and juice in jugs on ice is included, and additional drinks can be settled upon check-out. Retire to your cozy, air-conditioned ensuite tent / accommodation at Umkumbe, ready for a restful night’s sleep under the African stars.
Day 3: Kruger Park to Johannesburg
Start the final day of your Kruger Safari with light snacks and coffee, accompanied by freshly baked biscuits. Set off on an early morning game drive to maximize your chances of encountering the Big Five. Afterward, enjoy a tasty breakfast with hot and cold options, along with your choice of coffee, tea, or juice.
After an exhilarating morning, relax by the pool or bask in the African sun. You can then board your shuttle to return and catch your flight.
Note:
For greater convenience, alternative transfer options are available. Please refer to Kruger Park Tours' included pick-up and drop-off locations for more information.
Location
This safari will be located in Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa, and afterwards, inside Kruger National Park. The Sabi Sand Game Reserve shares a common 50-kilometer unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park and houses some of the most exclusive game lodges in the country. It is located on the southwestern corner of the Kruger National Park.
On view will be the Big Five animals and countless other species (some of which are critically endangered) as well as its amazing leopard viewing.
A unique ecosystem
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is situated in a prime location within the larger Kruger ecosystem, offering visitors access to a wide range of landscapes, from open savannahs to dense bushveld and riverine forests. The region benefits from a varied climate and abundant water sources, which support a vibrant and diverse array of plant and animal species.
The area’s biodiversity is complemented by its location along the Sabi and Sand Rivers, which provide critical water sources for wildlife throughout the year. These rivers are often the focal point of safari drives, as they attract a wide range of animals, especially during the dry season.
Big Five and exceptional wildlife viewing
The Sabi Sand is especially known for its high density of leopards, making it one of the best places in the world to spot these elusive creatures. With a combination of skilled rangers, expert trackers, and open 4×4 vehicles, guests are afforded unparalleled opportunities to witness not only leopards but also lions, elephants, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
The reserve’s game drives are conducted early in the morning and late in the afternoon, when animals are most active and the light is perfect for photography.
Aside from the Big Five, Sabi Sand offers sightings of cheetahs, wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles, and a vast variety of bird species, including vultures, eagles, and the endangered African wild dog.
With the help of knowledgeable guides and trackers, guests can also enjoy rare sightings of smaller creatures, such as nocturnal animals like civets, genet cats, and bush babies during night drives.
Exclusive and luxurious lodging
Sabi Sand is home to a selection of luxurious, private lodges, many of which are situated along the riverside or within the heart of the reserve, offering guests direct access to the wilderness. These lodges are designed to blend seamlessly with the environment, providing comfort without compromising on the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Many lodges offer an all-inclusive experience, with gourmet meals, private guides, and personalized safari experiences. The emphasis will be on relaxation, luxury, and immersion in the natural world, allowing visitors to unwind and recharge.
Conservation and sustainability
Sabi Sand is also a leader in wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism practices. The reserve operates under a conservation management model that aims to protect its diverse ecosystems while fostering responsible tourism.
Many of the lodges in Sabi Sand contribute to community development programs, wildlife protection, and research initiatives that help ensure the long-term sustainability of the reserve.
Unforgettable safari experience
A visit to Sabi Sand is much more than just a safari. It’s a transformative experience. Whether guests are seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection with nature, the reserve offers a variety of activities, such as bush walks, birdwatching, and even wellness treatments at some of the lodges.
The experience is truly personalized, ensuring that every visitor leaves with unforgettable memories of Africa’s wild beauty.
In conclusion, Sabi Sand Game Reserve remains a premier destination for those seeking an authentic, luxurious, and immersive safari experience. With its exceptional wildlife, world-class accommodations, and commitment to conservation, it offers an unparalleled way to connect with Africa’s natural heritage.
Food
Enjoy hot beverages and rusks / biscuits in the morning. You will be served breakfast and brunch. In the afternoon, you will be served lunch. At night, you will be served dinner.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Lacto-ovo Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Pescatarian
- Hallal
- Lactose Free
- Whole food
- Paleo diet
- Other dietary requirements on request
Things to do (optional)
The Kruger park has a restaurant with a deck overlooking the Sabi River, where you can enjoy additional snacks and drinks. A souvenir shop (which is also a general dealer) is available inside the rest camp. The rest camp has a pool (free of charge). A museum is open to the public.
Panorama route excursion
Kruger Park Tours can offer a Panorama route tour on one of the middle days of the safari at an additional 5,000 ZAR in total for two people. It will cost 7,500 ZAR to add it to the last day en route to Johannesburg.
Highlights include The Graskop Gorge Lift, God's Window, Lisbon or Berlin Waterfall, Bourke’s Luck, and Three Rondavels. The tour excludes lunch and includes entry fees.
Spa treatments
A fully-equipped spa offers the following at an additional cost:
- Haircuts
- Nails
- Hot stone massage
- Pedicures
What's included
- 2 game drives daily in open-air safari vehicles (the afternoon drive continues well after dark)
- Bush walk
- Transport from and to the lodge
- Conservation fees per person per night
- 2 nights accommodation
- All meals, teas, and coffees daily
- Water and juice with meals
What's not included
- Airfare
- Airport taxes or landing fees, where applicable
- Alcoholic beverages
- Telephone calls
- Personal items and souvenirs
- Gratuities
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
72 km
Transfer included
Getting to and from the safari location in Southern Kruger
Arrival by plane
Please book your flight to arrive at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP), O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), or Skukuza Airport[1] (SZK). Transfers from and to these airports are included in the price.
Flights come at an additional cost on top of a safari package rate that already includes transport by road. Domestic flights are however more convenient and recommended, should you be able to afford them. This can also help, should your international arrival flight land too late to join the safari on the same day that it starts.
In the safari quotation, Kruger Park Tours can include pick-up and drop-off to the following airports / locations:
O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) (in Johannesburg) or Kempton Park-only hotels
- Pick-up time: 06:30 for 07:00 departure
- Alternative pick-up time: 10:30 for 11:00 (only offered for safaris accommodated at the rest camps of Kruger Park on the first night - then the first activity will be a night game drive)
- Drop-off between 16:30 and 18:00
Skukuza Airport[1] (SZK) - inside Kruger Park (one-hour drive to Sabi Sand)
Arrival should be preferably around 12:00 and departure around 12:30 - A 30-minute check-in / check-out is fine for domestic flights; please do an online flight check-in before departure
Ask your consultant about the flight times that you wish to book, as Kruger Park Tours is aware that direct flights from / to Cape Town do not always perfectly match the required arrival and departure flight times. You will still be in time for your flights should you pre-arrange these types of flights with Kruger Park Tours. Your consultant will explain the requirements in such cases.
Also, do take note that this airport is located inside the Kruger National Park. The airport charges the park entry fee after you have landed. Kruger Park Tours will deduct this landing fee from your quoted price.
Park entry fees en route back to the airport are included (Kruger Park Tours includes additional park fees required, as it replaces the shuttle costs). Please just note that they will not pay for these entry fees should you change from a shuttle to a flight on short notice.
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) - two hours from Kruger Park and three hours from Sabi Sand
- Arrival flights before 12:00, preferably
- Departure flights after 13:00, preferably
Any address or location in Hazyview
- Pick-up by 12:00
- Drop-off by 12:00
In case your flight logistics just dosn’t fit, Kruger Park Tours can also offer an any-time private transfer at an additional cost of 9,000 ZAR on top of the safari price (one-way) for the whole group. Please just note that you will still need to take the start time of your first activity into account in this case.
Groups with five people or more get private transfers included as standard at no additional cost on all safaris.
Arrival by shuttle
The transportation from O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg starts with a shuttle (a small, reliable, and quality bus company that does regular drives from / to the airport). The shuttle starts at the airport and ends in Hazyview.
The shuttle will be a great road trip tour and quite fun. You will get to see much of South Africa when driving and get to meet new people from interesting backgrounds. The road travels through towns and past coal mines, down the escarpment (with nice scenic mountains and forests) down to the Lowveld, and ultimately, the Kruger Park / Sabi Sand.
It will be a long trip. However, most of the way will be highway and most guests do the safaris via road transfer due to the affordability of it. Thinking about it, it is not really that far (just manageable).
From Hazyview, you will have a transfer to the safari location on a private vehicle or with other passengers doing the same safari.
The shuttle cost is part of the safari package rate and is the most affordable way to get to the safari location.
Arrival by car
The drive to Kruger Park / Sabi Sand from Johannesburg takes about six to seven hours.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 50% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookAllSafaris.com. All major credit cards supported.