Umlani Bushcamp is a classic African safari camp located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. The camp offers an authentic wildlife experience in Big 5 territory. View lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, as well as over 40 other mammal species and 350 bird species.
Experience the thrill of game drives in open Land Rovers, guided bush walks, and tracking game on foot with highly experienced rangers and trackers. You are guaranteed an adventure of a lifetime in one of Africa's world-renowned unspoilt wilderness reserves. In between game drives and bush walks, you can lounge in the double hammocks around the swimming pool sipping your favourite drink. Alternatively, laze away the day in the spacious bush bar and deck overlooking the riverbed and watering hole.
In the evening you will be treated to pre-dinner drinks in the traditional boma around the fire, followed by one of Umlani's award winning meals in the candle lit dining room, or out in the open riverbed surrounded by flares and cauldron fires.
For exclusive tranquillity there is a tree house about 2.5 km from the camp overlooking a dam, where the lodge can leave you for an hour or 2 with blankets and big comfortable pillows as well as a cooler box with drinks.
Umlani's 4 traditional African reed and thatch huts will not only provide you with all the comforts you need, but will also provide you with an authentic experience of local tribal (Shangaan) architecture and style, which blends in naturally with the environment. Each hut has en-suite facilities including an open-air bush shower fuelled by wood fires. Umlani's philosophy of simplistic luxury and 'getting back to nature' is enhanced by the romance of operating without electricity, so each hut and the entire camp is lit by candle light and oil lamps, providing a warm and romantic atmosphere.
There is also two Eco Huts with an outdoor shower and bathroom, and 4 family huts with a double and 2 single beds and an open-air bush shower.
Rates Include
All meals; the Timbavati Conservation Levy; daily morning/afternoon game drives; optional daily bush walk; and all local branded drinks are included. IN ADDITION: For self-drive visitors, there is a vehicle entrance fee of R280 per vehicle (subject to change), which is payable at the Timbavati Gate (cash or Visa/MasterCard credit cards only).
Children Policy
Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed on bush walks.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 12 years are not allowed on bush walks. The final decision on whether a guest can join a guided bush walk remains with the guide and camp manager.
Directions For Drivers
From Hazyview: Follow the R40 towards Klaserie. Once past Klaserie, continue along this road until you see the turning off to the right for Eastgate Airport. Turn right here and proceed along this road until you reach the main Timbavati Control Gate/Enkhulu Gate.
From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport: Turn left and proceed along this road until you reach the main Timbavati Control Gate/Enkhulu Gate.
From Johannesburg/Pretoria: Take the N12 or N4 highway to Witbank/eMalahleni (from Johannesburg Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). Follow the N4 highway past Middleburg (Toll Plaza), Belfast/eMakhazeni and Machadodorp (Toll Plaza). Follow the Schoemanskloof option on the N4 and then take the R36 to Lydenburg/Mashishing.
Follow the R36 to Ohrigstad, go through the Strydom Tunnel and take the R527 to Hoedspruit. Turn right onto the R40 towards Klaserie, and continue along this road until you see the turning off to the left for Eastgate Airport. Turn left here and follow the directions as above From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport.
From Kruger National Park/Orpen Gate: Exit the Park, and continue along the R531. Turn right onto the R40, and continue along this road until you see the turning off to the right for Eastgate Airport. Turn right here follow the directions as above From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport.
ONCE AT THE TIMBAVATI CONTROL GATE: For self-drive visitors, there is a vehicle entrance cash fee of R280 per vehicle payable at the gate (cash or Visa/MasterCard credit cards only and subject to change). Please retain your receipt as proof of entrance and have it stamped at your destination when you are leaving, which acts as your Exit Permit. Once inside the gate, follow the signs to the lodge through the reserve.
Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.
Also, we would advise that you do NOT use a GPS once in the Timbavati, as it is likely to give you incorrect directions!
General Information For Guests
All rooms have mosquito netting.
Complimentary bottled water is provided, although the tap water is perfectly safe to drink.
Each room is discreetly lit by a combination of solar and oil lanterns.
The Double Huts have a double bed and an open-air bush shower.
The Eco Huts have a double bed and an outdoor shower and bathroom.
The Family Huts have a double and 2 single beds and an open-air bush shower.
There is a traditional African boma/dining room, curio gift shop and a swimming pool. The bar/deck area overlooks a waterhole, and there is a nearby tree house for game and bird watching.
You will be taken out on 2 game drives per day, in open top 4 wheel drive vehicles. The morning game drive will leave at dawn and the night drive will leave in the late afternoon. There is always a ranger on stand-by for an optional morning bush walk.
Other activities available include a one hour microlight flight, early morning balloon safaris, horse back riding and visits to Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. These activities can be arranged by camp management, and a transfer service can also be organised to and from Umlani Bushcamp (additional cost).
For exclusive tranquillity there is a tree house about 2.5 km from the camp overlooking a dam, where you can enjoy an hour or 2 with blankets and big comfortable pillows as well as a cooler box with drinks. A sleep out can also be arranged - it is advisable to pre-book this activity.
A babysitting and a laundry service can be arranged - please speak to the Lodge Manager.
Breakfast is served after the morning game drive from 09:00. Lunch is served from 13:30 and dinner from 19:30.
Guests can also contact the camp via Whatsapp on +27 (0) 60 501 6780.
If you are arriving/departing via FedAir, the camp is a 20 minute drive away from the airstrip.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 12 years are not allowed on bush walks. The final decision on whether a guest can join a guided bush walk remains with the guide and camp manager.
We absolutely LOVED Umlani and would go back there in a heartbeat. It was fantastic. Highly recommend!