There is as much to see from the camp as there is out on game vehicles in a beautiful wilderness area.
Umkumbe means ‘white rhino’ in Shangaan. Nevertheless, it seems that the scientific community is now adopting the term square-lipped rhino instead of white rhino, with the black rhino referred to as the hook-lipped rhino. Both designations are more accurate, considering both species’ actual colour is grey! Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside offers visitors a relaxed and laid-back ambience.
The lodge is conveniently located, just a short shuttle ride from Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport. The tranquil sound of trickling water in the fountain at the entrance harmonises with the symphony of birdsong and other bush noises, creating a sensory experience.
The meticulously landscaped garden, reminiscent of an English country haven transplanted into the heart of the African wilderness, sets the stage for an extraordinary first impression. Indigenous art punctuates the neutral tones of the lodge buildings, introducing a captivating feature.
The area surrounding the pool could aptly be referred to as the ‘heart’ of the lodge. It serves as a central gathering place for many guests before and after meals, as well as for after returning from exhilarating game drives. Lounging in the pool, guests can gaze at the seasonal Sand River, where fortunate sightings of the Big Five are not uncommon. Guests can enjoy the privilege of witnessing both lions and elephants from the safety of this deck, alongside antelope and various bird species.
Servings in serenity
To the left of the pool is the dining area, with a boma behind the fence providing the backdrop for buffet-style meals. An indoor space accommodates a lounge, an intimate dining area and a surprising addition (for a game lodge, at least) – a pool table; a first for me!
The outdoor lounge is where guests and guides convene before setting out on a drive. A tea and coffee station ensures guests remain caffeinated during their stay, bridging the gap between meals and excursions.
All meals, except one boma dinner, are enjoyed on the deck adjacent to the pool and overlooking the river. Given the fact that the meals are prepared in the middle of the bush, it’s incredible that the food on offer would not be out of place in any acclaimed urban restaurant. Served buffet style, all the meals include a vegetarian option for the non-carnivores, a must for today’s health-conscious travellers.
Highly qualified field guides carry out the morning and afternoon game drives, and on the evening drives, there is also a knowledgeable tracker on the vehicle. Given that the lodge is situated in the Sabie Game Reserve, one of the best wildlife areas for leopard sightings, it was not as surprising as it might have been to spot these elusive cats on more than one occasion. The highlight of the visit was certainly spending time with a female leopard and her two cubs.
Sit and see
The Superior suites are situated along the riverbank, each boasting a deck that allows guests to savour private game viewing or perhaps just some relaxation before joining the rest of the guests for meals or drives.
There are echoes of Victorian England seen in the pole lamps interspersed between the rooms, creating an enchanting blend of eras in the heart of the wild.
The interior of the Zebra Superior suite contains everything a visitor could desire and more. Sit inside on the sofa and observe passing game when the weather outside refuses to cooperate or, when waking in the morning, embark on a mini safari from the comfort of your bed before preparing for the morning drive.
The privacy of the suite decks affords a view of the Sand River, providing a front-row seat to observe various game species quenching their thirst or feeding on the lush vegetation along the riverbanks.
An outdoor shower should always be a highlight of any lodge visit – a unique experience every guest should embrace, even in the dead of winter.
Boma dinners are often the introduction to meat prepared on a braai for international tourists. Bomas are known as gathering places for guests to share tales and experiences beneath a star-filled sky. The crackling fire enables international guests to perhaps experience the African bush as it might have been in the early days of local pioneers.
As the night descends, it is time to slip under the mosquito net and settle in for the night, enveloped in superb linen with the sounds of the bush serenading as a lullaby before slipping into the embrace of Morpheus.
The transition from day to night is seamless; an immersive experience in the heart of the wild.
The lodge is a place to create memories of vibrant landscapes, tranquil moments by the pool and distinctive decor. With its welcoming ambience and attention to detail, it provides an enchanting retreat in the heart of the African wilderness, blending comfort with the untamed beauty of nature.
Text and photography | David Batzofin
For more information or to book a stay, go to umkumbe.co.za.
