Umkumbe Private Game Reserve is one of the most affordable properties in Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. Owned by the same family since 1937, this small chunk of untamed wilderness shares unfenced borders with the immense Greater Kruger ecosystem, which means that wildlife can cross in and out as it likes. All the are frequently seen, and leopard viewing is exceptional. This is because Umkumbe borders MalaMala Game Reserve, a renowned leopard hot spot, and several individuals have overlapping territories.
Even within Sabi Sands, Umkumbe has a prime location. It enjoys direct Sand River frontage in the relatively quiet east of the reserve, sandwiched between the prestigious likes of MalaMala, Londolozi and Singita. There are only two small lodges on Umkumbe, and no other properties have , so tend to be very relaxed and you can usually linger at good sightings to make the most of them.
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Best Time To Go
- May to September (Dry season)
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High Season
- October to March (It can get quite busy)
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Size Sabi Sands*
- 650km² / 251mi²
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Altitude Sabi Sands*
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272-479m /892-1,572ft
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Pros & Cons
- Exceptional viewing of all the including rhino and leopard
- Off-road driving permitted to get close to and other iconic species
- Only two safari lodges, both with an intimate feel
- Offers the full Sabi Sands experience at relatively affordable rates
- Situated on the Sand River in the quietest part of Sabi Sands
- None of the cross-traversing associated with smaller reserves in western Sabi Sands
- No budget or option available
- Guides tend to focus on locating the and large carnivores
Wildlife
As with other properties in Sabi Sands, the emphasis is on the . Elephants often browse along the river, and you’re almost certain to see , buffalo, lion, leopard and cheetah. , and often hang out in mixed herds, while , and lurk in dense riverine vegetation. On , look out for the likes of , and .
Scenery
Like much of Greater Kruger, Umkumbe is dominated by flat , with and among the more common trees. The monotony is alleviated by the Sand River, a wide seasonal tributary of the Sabi River that usually retains a few permanent pools throughout the year. The fringing the Sand River includes some handsome old trees and supports a diverse and colorful birdlife.
See Sabi Sand Nature Reserve for more info
Umkumbe is part of the greater Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. See the links below for more information about Sabi Sands.