Umlani Bush Camp is an exclusive rustic lodge accommodating only 16 guests in en suite reed and thatch rondavels. Early morning and evening game drives are in open four wheel drive vehicles accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers. With a traversing area of more than 10000 hectares, over 40 mammal and 350 bird species, this is a wonderful wildlife experience. Umlani makes the whole event personalised and specialises in guided walks into this unspoilt wilderness.
The Experience
Imagine the unspoilt Africa of yesteryear in one of South Africa’s great private reserves - the Timbavati-now part of the greater Kruger National Park. Take your walk on the wildside tracking the Big 5 on foot and experience the thrill of following big game off-road in open Landrovers guided by our knowledgeable rangers. Lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo are all there along with cheetah, giraffe, zebra and many species of antelope.
Walks, day and night drives give you the complete wildlife experience. You’ll become involved with game big and small, the prolific birdlife and be fascinated by the diverse tress, flora and fauna.
Enjoy a spectacular sunrise deep in the bush before returning to the camp for a hearty breakfast. Spend the heat of the day with a coolbox of refreshments at one of our hides watching birds swoop down to the water and mammals materialising out of the bush. Or maybe laze in hammocks around our splashpool sipping iced drinks.
During your evening drive, watch the white light of the moon take over from the flame-coloured sun while enjoying sundowners surrounded by the unique sounds of the African wilderness.
At the end of your spotlighted night drive return to the welcoming comfort of UMLANI, a bush camp in the tradition of old Africa, with the romantic glow of paraffin lamps to light your way.
Enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the convivial bar overlooking the Nshlaralumi river course or around a roaring fire in the boma and watch our chef put the finishing touches to the dinner he has prepared on an open fire. The aromas will make your mouth water and you’ll be more than ready for a candlelit dinner accompanied by fine South African wines, while swopping stories and sightings with your fellow adventurers.
Your comfortable en suite reed and thatch rondavel is calling but before falling into bed, take a steaming hot shower under a blanket of wondrous stars in your own open-air reeded bathroom. The magic is complete when the haunting sounds of nearby hyena and lion lull you to sleep.
The Staff
Umlani is an owner-run bush camp with Marco and Marie Schiess living at the lodge.
From the first of December 2003 Donald and Nina Scott joined our team as camp managers (They will be there for all your needs!
Foremen, Shacrack, Ginger and David are the rangers who will bring you close to nature, accompanied by Peter and Lewis, who will do everything to spot some predator tracks and find the elusive cats.
After returning to camp you can be sure that Doctor, our chef, and his crew has prepared some mouthwatering meals.
Timbavati Nature Reserve
Timabavati, one of the oldest private nature reserves adjoining the Kruger National Park, was formed in the 1950's when Mr Peter Mostert urged his neighbours to pool their resources for mutual benefit and to benifit the wildlife in the area. Today the Timbavati is privately owned by 38 individual members and is governed by an elected committee and a constitution.
Commercial development is permitted within the reserve but is restricted to 16 commercial beds per title deed so as not to destroy the intrinsic wilderness experience that is offered to the visitors. The Reserve is situated on the Western boundary of the Kruger National Park and lies between Umbabat and Manyeleti reserves.
Visitors to the reserve will be rewarded with a glorious wildlife experience, so rare in our modern world. Over 40 mammal species and 350 bird species have been identified within the area, this together with the abundant variety of flora, the tranquillity and the natural beauty of the land ensures an adventure to be cherished and remembered.
The wildlife of today is not ours to dispose as we please.
We have it in trust. We must account for it to those who come after.
Traversing area
Umlani Bushcamp works together in a wonderful, mutual way with other landowners and lodges in the Timbavati. This co-operation results in a huge traversing area of more than 10000 ha of unspoilt wilderness area.
