Umlani Bushcamp in Timbavati Game Reserve, Greater Kruger
  • from
    10,780
  • R
  • 10241
  • per room per night
    conditions apply
Free cancellation up to 60 days before arrival
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  • Property TypeGame Lodge
  • Guests16
  • Rooms/Units8
  • Minimum Stay1-2 Nights
  • + 
    • FEATUREPool

Umlani Bushcamp is a 3 star graded game lodge offering Timbavati accommodation in 8 guest rooms.

About Umlani Bushcamp

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 Timbavati Nature Reserve is situated on the Western boundary of the Kruger National Park and lies between the Klaserie, Umbabat, Manyeleti and Sabie Sands Reserves. In recent years the fences separating Timbavati from the Kruger National Park were dropped, thus forming a pristine wilderness area of approximately four million hectares.

At a Glance

What to expect at the lodge/reserve

  • All meals included
  • Guided game drives included
  • Safari / bush walks by arrangement

Accommodation

This authentic camp is the ultimate experience of true wilderness and seclusion. Umlani, meaning Place of Rest, accommodates only 16 guests in traditional African reed and thatch huts. Umlani's traditional African 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.

There are four double huts, three family huts that sleep four people and one hut that sleep three people. This allows us to be flexible with friends and families that would like to share accommodation. Each hut has en-suite facilities including an open-air bush shower fuelled by wood fires. The hut is comfortably fitted with white mosquito nets, crisp white linen and towels, as well as with standard bathroom amenities, bottled water (although the tap water is perfectly safe to drink) and insect repellent.

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 candlelight and oil lamps, providing a warm and romantic atmosphere.

Dining

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 candlelit dining room, or out in the open riverbed surrounded by flares and cauldron fires.

Facilities & Activities

Umlani Bushcamp offers an authentic wildlife experience in Big Five territory. View lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, in over 10 000 hectares (24 000 acres) of traversing area, also home to over 40 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. Umlani is renowned for their outstanding Shangaan rangers and trackers, who will not only find you the game, but will also, introduce you to the wealth of flora, fauna, bird life and cultural heritage of the region. You are guaranteed an adventure of a lifetime in one of Africa's world-renowned unspoilt wilderness reserves.

You will be taken out on two game drives per day. The morning game drive will leave at dawn and the night drive will leave in the late afternoon. During the day you can go on short walks with the ranger after breakfast, or lounge in the double hammocks around the swimming pool sipping your favourite drink.

Alternatively, laze away the day in our spacious bush bar and deck overlooking the riverbed and watering hole. For exclusive tranquillity there is a tree house about 2.5 kms from the camp overlooking a dam, where we can leave you for an hour or two with blankets and big comfortable pillows as well as a cooler box with drinks.

Features you'll appreciate

  • swimming
    pool
  • wifi
  • parking
  • wake up
    calls
providedonly in some rooms

In Room / Unit

  • Additional bed / mattress
  • Area information booklet
  • Bathroom (en-suite)
  • Bathroom towels supplied
  • Bed linen supplied
  • Children: cot, highchair, etc.
  • Cleaning materials supplied
  • Complimentary toiletries
  • Disabled equipped
  • Patio / verandah / balcony
  • Private pool
  • Smoking: not allowed

On Site

  • Child friendly (all ages)
  • Childcare / babysitting service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Parking (undercover)
  • Reception (24 hours)
  • Swimming pool
  • Wake up calls
  • Wheelchair access

Food & Drink

  • Bar (fully licenced)
  • Complimentary tea / coffee
  • Restaurant / dining room

Internet

  • Free Wi-Fi
fluentsome understanding

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Afrikaans
  • Shangaan

Rooms & Rates

Select your check-in and check-out dates to view availability and the rates applicable.

Hut 1 - Rhino Eco Hut

Qty: 1
Sleeps: 2 guests (max 2 adults)
Children: from 0-18 years are allowed

Each hut has en-suite facilities including an open-air bush shower fuelled by wood fires. The hut is comfortably fitted with white mosquito nets, crisp white linen and towels, as well as with standard bathroom amenities, bottled water (although the tap water is perfectly safe to drink) and insect repellent.

  • Area information booklet  
  • Bathroom (en-suite)  
  • Bathroom towels supplied  
  • Bed linen supplied  
  • Cleaning materials supplied  
  • Complimentary toiletries  
  • Patio / verandah / balcony  
  • Smoking: not allowed

Hut 7 - Lion Eco Hut

Qty: 1
Sleeps: 2 guests (max 2 adults)
Children: from 0-18 years are allowed

Built to enhance thermal storage qualities, it is lovely and warm when cold out side and much cooler when hot out side. Each hut has en-suite facilities including an open-air bush shower fuelled by wood fires. The hut is comfortably fitted with white mosquito nets, crisp white linen and towels, as well as with standard bathroom amenities, bottled water (although the tap water is perfectly safe to drink) and insect repellent.

  • Area information booklet  
  • Bathroom (en-suite)  
  • Bathroom towels supplied  
  • Bed linen supplied  
  • Cleaning materials supplied  
  • Complimentary toiletries  
  • Patio / verandah / balcony  
  • Smoking: not allowed

Hut 6 - Wild Dog Reed Hut

Qty: 1
Sleeps: 2 guests (max 2 adults)
Children: from 0-18 years are allowed

Built to enhance thermal storage qualities, it is lovely and warm when cold out side and much cooler when hot out side. Each hut has en-suite facilities including an open-air bush shower fuelled by wood fires. The hut is comfortably fitted with white mosquito nets, crisp white linen and towels, as well as with standard bathroom amenities, bottled water (although the tap water is perfectly safe to drink) and insect repellent.

  • Area information booklet  
  • Bathroom (en-suite)  
  • Bathroom towels supplied  
  • Bed linen supplied  
  • Cleaning materials supplied  
  • Complimentary toiletries  
  • Patio / verandah / balcony  
  • Smoking: not allowed

Hut 2 - Giraffe Reed Hut

Qty: 1
Sleeps: 4 guests (max 4 adults)
Children: from 0-18 years are allowed

Each hut has en-suite facilities including an open-air bush shower fuelled by wood fires. The hut is comfortably fitted with white mosquito nets, crisp white linen and towels, as well as with standard bathroom amenities, bottled water (although the tap water is perfectly safe to drink) and insect repellent.

  • Area information booklet  
  • Bathroom (en-suite)  
  • Bathroom towels supplied  
  • Bed linen supplied  
  • Cleaning materials supplied  
  • Complimentary toiletries  
  • Patio / verandah / balcony  
  • Smoking: not allowed

Hut 3 - Buffalo Reed Hut

Qty: 1
Sleeps: 3 guests (max 3 adults)
Children: from 0-18 years are allowed

Each hut has en-suite facilities including an open-air bush shower fuelled by wood fires. The hut is comfortably fitted with white mosquito nets, crisp white linen and towels, as well as with standard bathroom amenities, bottled water (although the tap water is perfectly safe to drink) and insect repellent.

  • Area information booklet  
  • Bathroom (en-suite)  
  • Bathroom towels supplied  
  • Bed linen supplied  
  • Cleaning materials supplied  
  • Complimentary toiletries  
  • Patio / verandah / balcony  
  • Smoking: not allowed

Hut 4 - Impala Reed Hut

Qty: 1
Sleeps: 3 guests (max 3 adults)
Children: from 0-18 years are allowed

Each hut has en-suite facilities including an open-air bush shower fuelled by wood fires. The hut is comfortably fitted with white mosquito nets, crisp white linen and towels, as well as with standard bathroom amenities, bottled water (although the tap water is perfectly safe to drink) and insect repellent.

  • Area information booklet  
  • Bathroom (en-suite)  
  • Bathroom towels supplied  
  • Bed linen supplied  
  • Cleaning materials supplied  
  • Complimentary toiletries  
  • Patio / verandah / balcony  
  • Smoking: not allowed

Hut 5 - Elephant Reed Hut

Qty: 1
Sleeps: 4 guests (max 4 adults)
Children: from 0-18 years are allowed

Each hut has en-suite facilities including an open-air bush shower fuelled by wood fires. The hut is comfortably fitted with white mosquito nets, crisp white linen and towels, as well as with standard bathroom amenities, bottled water (although the tap water is perfectly safe to drink) and insect repellent.

  • Area information booklet  
  • Bathroom (en-suite)  
  • Bathroom towels supplied  
  • Bed linen supplied  
  • Cleaning materials supplied  
  • Complimentary toiletries  
  • Patio / verandah / balcony  
  • Smoking: not allowed

Hut 8 - Leopard Reed Hut

Qty: 1
Sleeps: 2 guests (max 2 adults)
Children: from 0-18 years are allowed

Each hut has en-suite facilities including an open-air bush shower fuelled by wood fires. The hut is comfortably fitted with white mosquito nets, crisp white linen and towels, as well as with standard bathroom amenities, bottled water (although the tap water is perfectly safe to drink) and insect repellent.

  • Area information booklet  
  • Bathroom (en-suite)  
  • Bathroom towels supplied  
  • Bed linen supplied  
  • Cleaning materials supplied  
  • Complimentary toiletries  
  • Patio / verandah / balcony  
  • Smoking: not allowed

RATES INCLUDE:
Accommodation, 3 meals per day, 2 x game drives, optional bush walks, all local brand drinks + 15% VAT.

RATES EXCLUDE:
Vehicle permit – Payable at the Timbavati Gate, per vehicle R 160.00
Guide Accommodation per day R 935.00
Conservation Levy – Payable at Umlani Bushcamp R 368.00 pp/per night

Take the Tour

Guest Reviews

9 Reviews from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.

Verified reviewexcellent

Having returned to Somerset West after all my children flew back to their various destinations in Sydney, London and Munich I would like to thank you and your staff once again for the wonderful holiday we had at Timbavati and Umlani Bushcamp in particular. It was the sort of experience one needs from time to time to restore one's batteries and to regain the positive outlook on life which is so badly needed in these crime-ridden times. Please pass on our sincere thanks to all who made a contribution to that memorable experience, be it in the seats of the Land Rover or at the dining room table. A special thanks also for the champagne and the cake on my birthday and for including Sandy & Mark Wilkes, too.

April 2017

Klaus (South Africa)

Verified reviewexcellent

Dear Louise and Kyle We're back in the states (as of yesterday) and just wanted to send you a note of thanks for our recent experience at Umlani. Lynn, Tess and I all loved it there, and it was an experience that we won't forget. You and all the staff there were incredibly gracious hosts and it was great to meet you and the other guests there. Thanks again and look us up if you're ever in Seattle! Regards, Kevin Kevin O'Neill

July 2010

Kevin O' Neill (USA)

Verified Host

  • Telephone number verified
  • Email addressed verified
  • Host identification on file
  • Proof of address on file
  • Host on SA-Venues.com for 14 years

Need to Know

Response timeUmlani Bushcamp typically responds to requests in 5-10 minutes.

Child policyChildren of all ages are welcome.

Closest airport(s)Eastgate / Hoedspruit Airport - 30km
Kruger Mpumalanga Airport - 190km
OR Tambo International - 500km

Check-in/-out timesCheck-in from 12h00
Check-out by 10h30

Payment methods accepted by the property Diners, American Express, Visa, Mastercard, EFT or secure online payment via SA-Venues.com

Host on SA-Venues.com for 14 years

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