Luxury Glamping at Umkumbe Bush Lodge – A Slice of Heaven in the Sabie Game Reserve

Umkumbe Bush Lodge offers affordable luxury glamping in the Sabie Game Reserve/Sabi Sands, making it a popular choice for travellers seeking comfort and authentic safari experiences. The camp was fully booked during our visit, yet lodge manager Alta still made time to show us the Luxury Tent, Superior Tent, and Honeymoon Suite.

The heart of the lodge is the communal “Tree House,” built around a massive Weeping Boer-Bean tree. From its raised deck, guests can watch wildlife at the nearby watering hole — during our lunch, a journey of giraffes came down to drink. Adjacent to the deck are the lapa, indoor lounge, bar, and swimming pool. Meals are served alfresco in the Eating Lounge, while dinners take place in the reed-fenced boma, beautifully lit with lanterns and fairy lights.

Our afternoon drive with Charlie brought sightings of giraffe, warthog, impala, kudu, a herd of elephants (including one with an unusually shaped tusk), and a lone hyena. No leopards this time, though we did spot one of the “Little Five” — a leopard tortoise. On the way back, a Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl perched high in a tree rounded off the evening.

The next morning began with a gorgeous sunrise and sightings of impala, giraffe, elephants, zebra, and kudu. A highlight was a white rhino cow with her two calves — one young, one slightly older. Then Charlie made the call to search for cheetahs. After a fruitless drive, we stopped for coffee, only to be interrupted by urgent news: Kurhula, a resident young female leopard and daughter of the Ntsumi female, had been spotted near camp.

What followed was a full Ferrari Safari dash back — bouncing along, clutching railings and camera gear. When we arrived, Kurhula was resting in a tree, her legs dangling. By the time we entered the sighting, she had moved into the thickets to feed on her nyala kill. Visibility was poor, but the thrill of the chase made it unforgettable.

Back at camp, Kathy-with-a-K called us to see a newborn elephant just outside the perimeter fence. Mama and the aunties were protective, but it was a special moment to witness.

We loved our stay at Umkumbe Bush Lodge. It’s excellent value for money — nothing overly fancy, but lacking nothing. Sometimes fancy is overrated, right? One note: if you prefer more space (especially with camera gear), consider upgrading from a Standard Tent to a Luxury Tent.