Umkumbe Bush Lodge

Umkumbe Bush Lodge can be found in a secluded forested thicket, just above the seasonal Sand River, below an open savanna and has a winding dry drainage line that encircles the lodge. Draped with dappled light from a canopy of giant boerbeans, jackalberrys, marulas and tamboti trees, it’s a prime location for variety of wildlife. The camp is easily accessible via car, with easy selfdrive routes from Johannesburg, or by flying into the closest airport which is Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) in Nelspruit. Driving from JHB takes + 6 hours and the flight takes approximately 1 hour from OR Tambo. The distance to Umkumbe Bush Lodge by road from Johannesburg is approx 480km’s. The scenic route descends from the Highveld to the Lowveld with spectacular views of the Drakensberg Mountains in the distance. * Take the N12 or N4 highway respectively to Witbank / eMalahleni (from Johannesburg Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). * Follow the N4 highway past Middleburg (Toll Plaza), Belfast / eMakhazeni and Machadodorp (Toll Plaza). * Follow the Schoemanskloof option on the N4 towards Nelspruit / Mbombela. * At Nelspruit / Mbombela, turn left onto the R40 to White River. * In White River, at the first set of traffic lights in the town itself, turn left, following signs to Hazyview and Wildtuin / Kruger National Park. * At the next set of traffic lights, turn right. Cross over the next set of traffic lights. and then at the final set, with a Caltex garage on your right, turn left on the R40 for Hazyview (the R538, via the Numbi Gate, is a busy road and not recommended). * After approximately 45 km, you will go down a steep hill towards a Tjunction. Turn left, staying on the R40 and drive towards Hazyview and follow as per the below. FROM HAZYVIEW * Proceed through Hazyview until you reach a set of traffic lights with a thatched shopping centre on the corner. * Turn here onto the Paul Kruger Road which will be signposted Kruger Gate and the R536. * Continue along this road for approximately 34.5 km and on the lefthand side of the road, you will see lodge signboards for various lodges including Inyati, Idube, Exeter and Savanna. * Go past these, and approximately 3 km further on, on the lefthand side of the road, you will see signposts for the private game reserves of MalaMala, Sabi Sabi and Londolozi. * Turn left here onto the gravel road. (You will travel along the fence until the gate.) From the tar to the gate is approximately 8.5 km. You will get to a 4 way crossing with white and green buildings. Turn right and carry along the fence and you will get to the Sabie Game Reserve (use the left hand gate – This is the reserve that you need to enter to reach Umkumbe Bush Lodge. * Once inside the gate, follow the signs to the property (Umkumbe) through the reserve. Allow between 3050 minutes to drive from the gate to the lodge. Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive offroad in any circumstances. FROM KRUGER MPUMALANGA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT * Turn right out of the airport onto the R538 and follow the signs to White River (Witrivier). Continue for approximately 12 km, until you reach the first set of traffic lights in White River, with the mosque on your left. * Turn right and travel towards Hazyview on the R40. After approximately 45 km, you will go down a steep hill towards a Tjunction. * Turn left, staying on the R40 and follow the directions from Hazyview as above. ^ FROM SKUKUZA / PAUL KRUGER GATE * Exit the Kruger National Park at the Paul Kruger Gate and drive towards Hazyview on the R536. * Approximately 5km later, on your right hand side, you will see signposts for the private game reserves of MalaMala, Sabi Sabi Londolozi, Umkumbe etc. * Turn right here onto the gravel road. * Follow final directions from Hazyview