Starting from R6 510.00
- 8 SUPERIOR SUITES
- 3 STANDARD ROOMS
- INFINITY POOL
- BOMA
- SMALL GYM ONSITE
- SPA TREATMENTS AVAILABLE
- CHILDREN 5+
- SABI GAME RESERVE
Set in the heart of the sought-after Sabie Game Reserve
Umkumbe Safari Lodge is situated on the banks of the seasonal Sand River. This wildlife-rich dense region of the Greater Kruger is renowned for its rich biodiversity and legendary leopard sightings. Owner-run and warmly hosted, Umkumbe offers an authentic and affordable safari experience in an iconic wilderness area.
Guests are brought close to the wild. While safety measures keep larger animals at a safe distance, warthogs, bushbuck, and even big game can often be seen meandering near the rooms. In the dry winter months, the Sand Riverbed becomes a natural stage for game viewing, with elephants, leopards, and buffalo regularly spotted from the deck.
Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside at a Glance
Rates
2026 | Full Board
From
R6 510.00
per person sharing per night
1 January 2026 – 31 December 2026
Location
Located on the banks of the Sand River in the heart of the Sabie Private Game Reserve, Umkumbe Safari Lodge is part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem, renowned for its rich biodiversity and frequent leopard sightings. The reserve allows wildlife to move freely, providing guests with regular encounters with a variety of species. Conveniently accessible from Skukuza Airport (1 hour), Nelspruit/Mbombela Airport (2 hours), and Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (3 hours), the lodge is the perfect gateway to a classic South African safari experience.
Lodge & Rooms
The main lodge area includes a decked, infinity style swimming pool with sun loungers and river views, a relaxed lounge and games area, and an open-air boma for dinners under the stars. The atmosphere is relaxed yet immersive – ideal for travellers seeking genuine connection to the environment, without compromising on creature comforts.
There are 11 rooms in total, including 8 superior suites and 3 standard rooms, two of which are interleading – perfect for families. The Superior suites include private verandas, indoor baths, and outdoor showers, with five of the suites overlooking the seasonal Sand River. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning and offer a blend of comfort and bush character, with patios or seating areas to take in the surroundings.
Wildlife
During the dry season the vegetation is sparse and wildlife congregates around watering holes. During the wet season the vegetation is dense and wildlife is more dispersed. Staying at Umkumbe means there is the chance to see the big 5 – in particular leopard.
In addition to the big 5 animals that are regularly sighted include giraffe, zebra, warthog, spotted hyena, baboon, hippo, impala, kudu, vervet monkey, waterbuck, wildebeest, bushbaby, mongoose, duiker and steenbok.
You might also see wild dog, cheetah, honey badger, porcupine, aardvark, civet, caracal and serval. Birds that are regularly seen are vultures, owls, bee-eaters, rollers, eagles, bustards, hornbills, starlings and shrikes.
Facilities / Amenities
- Sleeps 20 guests at maximum capacity
- 8 Superior suites
- 3 Standard rooms
- All rooms are air-conditioned
- Wifi is available at the lodge
- Spa treatments are available. Payable direct in camp but must be prebooked with the reservations office
- Boma area
- Swimming pool
- Indoor and outdoor lounge
- Veranda overlooking Sand River in Main area
- Gym on site
Activities
- Morning: 3-hour game drive with coffee stop. Optional bush walk after breakfast (weather permitting)
- Afternoon: 3-hour game drive with sundowner stop
A typical day at Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside
The below is a typical day on safari. Game drives are at set times, but these times vary during the summer and winter seasons.
Key:
Summer
Winter
05:00
05:30
Wake up call with coffee
05:30
06:00
Morning game drive
08:30
09:30
Breakfast
08:45
09:45
Optional bushwalk
14:00
14:00
Lunch
16:30
15:30
Afternoon game drive
19:30
18:30
Dinner