Umlani Bushcamp

My wife and I came to Umlani with friends who had stay there before. It was really amazing, exiting and restful time. The drive crew would go to all lengths to find and engage us with the wildlife. The support crew at the lodge were so attentive, polite and always looking after us. For me, a gluten intolerant person, every attention was made to ensure my food was gluten-free - thank you. A trully enjoying time that I highly recommend.

I have stayed at Umlani many times, and just absolutely love it here. I love the rustic feel of being one with nature. The rooms are not as rustic as they used to be, .. and now upgraded, but has not lost its unique charm. I always judge a room by its shower, and here its one of my favourite outdoor showers. Best at night in the moonlight!!. Game viewing is always super amazing!!. Food is fantastic. All in all great value for your money for an Authentic safari experience!!. Cant wait to be back ...

Umlani was amazing! the staff were so friendly and very attentive. the camp was gorgeous and so quiet. the perfect place to relax. the game drives were incredible. Elvis and Lucky were fanstastic driver and daniel and martin were amazing trackers! the best holiday!

The rooms are not luxurious but they are extremely comfortable and you always feel like you’re in the bush. The wildlife viewing was exceptional and the tracker / guide team friendly and dedicated. Several leopards, wild dogs, lions hunting and on several kills, hundreds of elephant and antelope, several rhino, a huge herd of buffalo, a leopard on a kill, a honey badger and a pangolin. Oh the food is great too. Relaxing days with action packed game drives. We loved the place.

What a perfect stay. Excellent communication with hosts before arrival. All questions answered quickly. Rooms very clean. Loved the outside shower. Loved the elephant watching from pool area and the treehouse. The safaris were amazing. Saw 4/5 big 5 (missed leopard in morning) and so many other animals. Well coordinated with other Timbavate lodges. It was warm at night but the fan was good and we could sleep easily. Food varied and yummy. I would highly recommend this stay to everyone coming to Greater Kruger area.

Our ranger and tracker (Elvis and Oupa) gave us a marvelous experience. We saw something exceptional on every drive - lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, buffalo, elephants and more! Elvis also knows a lot about the beautiful birds we saw. The lodge does a wonderful job of balancing comfort with a little 'bush' feel - you have comfortable, beautiful cabins with thatch roofs. You can hear the lions roaring in the near-distance at night. Early morning coffee was prepared on a small wood fire in the boma. Food was good, and I loved the way members of the staff came and sat with us as hosts each night. We felt it was a very welcoming gesture. Airport transfers were handled in a way that really matched our schedule, and they can do laundry for you inexpensively!

We stayed at Umlani for a 4 day safari break, between Victoria Falls and Cape Town, as part of our Southern Africa adventure. From the booking process right through to our departure, the Umlani team made us feel part of the family, and nothing was too much trouble to ensure that our time in Timbavati was as special as we had hoped for. Being able to spend 1 night at the treehouse was a magical experience which combined with all of the big 5 coming out to welcome us, made our short but highly rewarding trip so memorable. Having stayed at Umlani, we completely understand why so many guests return. Thank you Umlani family.

This was our 10th or 12th visit! From the moment we arrived, the fantastic, energised staff made us feel at home with epic service and warm hospitality. The amazing food was a delightful surprise—every meal was fresh, flavourful, and beautifully prepared. But the true highlight? The most incredible sightings imaginable! We saw the Big 5 up close, including breathtaking encounters with lions and leopards. Our ranger Efrahim was exceptional, sharing their deep knowledge and passion for wildlife whist driving the Land Rover ever so carefully. This is the ultimate safari experience—authentic, unforgettable, and absolutely magical! We can’t wait to return! 🦁🐘