Umkumbe Safari Lodge

What stayed with me most was how Shannon treated every animal with care, from beetles and spiders to rhinos and leopards. She gave wildlife space and tried not to disturb or stress it, while explaining how the animals behave and fit into the ecosystem. Her passion for the savanna was infectious, and every drive was fun, whether we were watching impala or seeing all of the Big 5 in a row. I learned so much about birds, medicinal plants, beetles, and the habits of familiar animals like antelopes, wildebeest, and zebra, things I might otherwise have missed. This was our first safari, and Umkumbe Safari Lodge made us feel at home as soon as we arrived. The grounds and accommodation were thoughtfully designed and comfortable, the rooms were cleaned impeccably, and the food was delicious. Everyone was friendly and took great care of us. From our suite terrace we watched baboon families, and along the river we saw elephants come to drink with their families, as well as lions and other animals while we relaxed between drives. We did see the Big 5, but the real highlight for me was Shannon’s knowledge and respect for the wildlife. I’m grateful to her and the whole team at Umkumbe Safari Lodge for such an unforgettable stay.

The food was a mixed bag: breakfast and lunch buffets were good, though not the best we’ve had, while dinner was delicious. The ribs were the best we’ve ever had, and eating outside was a treat. Our room was on the small side, but it didn’t bother us, and I know larger tents are available. There’s a nice pool looking over the river, plus a little outdoor gym with a treadmill, bike, and a few weights. The staff were super friendly, too. We had a lovely lodge and safari, and our ranger Drizzle was incredibly knowledgeable, with an energy and passion for the bush that rubbed off on us.

The food tasted good, but the choices were narrow, usually two meat dishes, one salad, and one dessert. The shower setup was uncomfortable as well. The lodge felt basic and outdated, more like a worn budget B&B than a 3-star place. There was a bathtub indoors but no proper indoor shower, only an outdoor one, which wasn’t practical on cold nights. The water pressure and flow were uncomfortable. We stayed April 17-19 at Ukumkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside. Across four game drives, there were no predators at all, no lions, leopards, or cheetahs. We saw impalas, zebras, rhinos, warthogs, and elephants, mostly the same animals each time, so the variety felt very limited. I wouldn’t recommend it if wildlife viewing is your main goal. For a similar budget, four or five days inside Kruger National Park with all-day game drives would show more animals and offer a better chance at a Big 5 experience. Booking was frustrating, too. Direct booking wasn’t allowed, and the lodge told me to use an agent. That raised the price by about 175 euro per person compared with the rates listed by the lodge, and the pricing structure wasn’t clear.

The best part for me was being out on safari with Shannon. She was a rock star throughout our stay, finding amazing sights on foot and from the truck and sharing her deep knowledge of the animals and environment. Her passion really came through. Our tracker, Bongi, was fantastic too, spotting so many creatures at night and sharing what he knew. The guides showed great respect for the wildlife and the environment. We got a glimpse of animals going about their lives, and the lodge’s riverside location meant we could watch plenty of them during the day between drives, which I hadn’t expected and really enjoyed. The rest of our time at Umkumbe Safari Lodge was wonderful too. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the public areas felt clean, comfortable, and welcoming. Our chalet, Zebra, was amazing, with thoughtful touches ready for our arrival and housekeeping twice a day. Meals were delicious and plentiful, and the dining area was set for each one with beautiful linens. I can’t say enough good things about this stay. I highly recommend Umkumbe Safari Lodge.