Getaway to nature vetted accommodations
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Accommodation options

Hut 4 Impala - Reed Hut
Max 3 Guests
1 single, 1 double

from R 5390 / per person per night sharing

Hut 5 Elephant - Reed Hut
Max 4 Guests
2 double

from R 5390 / per person per night sharing

Hut 6 Wild Dog - Reed Hut (Double)
Max 2 Guests
1 double

from R 5390 / per person per night sharing

Hut 7 Lion - Eco Hut (Double)
Max 2 Guests
1 double

from R 5390 / per person per night sharing

Hut 8 Leopard - Reed Hut (Double)
Max 2 Guests
1 double

from R 5390 / per person per night sharing

Hut 1 Rhino - Eco Hut (Double)
Max 2 Guests
1 double

from R 5390 / per person per night sharing

Hut 2 Giraffe - Reed Hut
Max 4 Guests
1 double, 2 single

from R 5390 / per person per night sharing

Hut 3 Buffalo - Reed Hut
Max 4 Guests
1 double, 2 single

from R 5390 / per person per night sharing

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About Umlani Bush Camp

Established in 1989 by Marco and Marie-Louise Schiess, Umlani Bush Camp is a spectacular safari escape situated in the central part of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. In 1993, the removal of fences between the Timbavati and the Kruger facilitated wildlife migration, transforming this pristine wilderness into the renowned Greater Kruger National Park. The founders, Marco and Marie-Louise, aimed to embody their vision of an authentic African adventure within the camp's essence and experience. Their desire was for the camp to seamlessly integrate with the surroundings, leading to the construction of the entire bush camp using natural materials in a traditional African architectural style.

Offering lodgings in traditional African huts made of reed and thatch, along with an Eco Rondavel, each of the accommodations seamlessly blend into the natural surroundings while ensuring pure comfort. All accommodation choices feature en-suite facilities, including open-air bush showers for an exceptional stargazing experience. They are equipped with comfortable beds, pristine white linen, soft towels, mosquito netting, insect repellent, and standard bathroom amenities. Complimentary bottled water is provided, although the tap water is entirely safe to drink.

Umlani Bush Camp Setting

Umlani Bush Camp collaborates harmoniously with fellow land and lodge proprietors in the Timbavati Game Reserve of South Africa, providing guests access to an extensive sanctuary spanning over 10,000 hectares of pristine African wilderness. Umlani Bush Camp provides a diverse range of amenities to enhance the comfort and enjoyment of guests during their stay.

In addition to twice-daily game drive excursions, the camp offers a serene environment for relaxation and rejuvenation, immersed in the captivating natural beauty of the Lowveld. Umlani Bush Camp is celebrated for its exceptional rangers and trackers, who go beyond merely locating game. They also provide insightful introductions to the rich diversity of flora, fauna, bird life, and cultural heritage in the region ensuring a wealth of knowledge to hang onto long after you leave.

What's included

  • Accommodation
  • All meals
  • Twice daily game drives
  • Optional bush walks
  • All local brand drinks

Location

How to get there

  • 6 hrs

    O.R. Tambo International Airport

  • Umlani Bush Camp

    Timbavati Nature Reserve, Hoedspruit, 7985

  • Check in at Umlani Bush Camp

    12:30 on day of arrival

  • Check out at Umlani Bush Camp

    11:00 on day of departure

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

  • Beautiful Lodge

    Beautiful and very comfortable rooms and common spaces, great food, friendly staff. Loved everything about Umlani and would stay there again in a heartbeat. Really liked the social atmosphere and comraderieship built with other travellers as we safaried, ate and relaxed together. SUPERB!

    Conservio.com review

    J. May

  • The most authentic way to experience the bush

    All of the staff, from reception to the chefs, the drivers and rangers were unbelievably friendly, knowledgeable and went out of their way to ensure we’d an exceptional experience, including accommodating dietary needs. The bush walk and tree house stay were really special.

    Conservio.com review

    R. Trenton

  • Highly Recommend

    Fantastic game viewing. Leopards up trees devouring prey. Many prides of lions. Rhino. Elephants. Zebras. Warthogs. Etc. Wonderful hospitality including lovely little touches like cold towels after game drives and beautifully decorated dinner tables in basic rustic setting. Kind staff. Great bed.

    Conservio.com review

    V. Maden

Umlani Bush Camp impact highlights

Umlani Bushcamp has held the Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) certification for many years. Their commitment to fair practices includes ensuring fair wages and working conditions, equitable distribution of benefits, and a deep respect for human rights, culture, and the environment. To maintain this certification, Umlani Bushcamp undergoes a thorough annual assessment to meet the stringent criteria set by Fair Trade Tourism.

Umlani Bushcamp is committed to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices across various aspects of its operations. The camp operates solely on 100% alternative energy sources, primarily utilizing solar power with a standby generator for backup. The commitment extends to the use of 100% non-toxic and biodegradable cleaning products, a towel and linen reuse program, and the installation of low-flow showerheads and toilets for water conservation. The camp's indigenous, water-wise gardens feature drought-resistant plants and are maintained using organic gardening practices. Supporting local communities, Umlani Bushcamp sources all fresh produce locally and incorporates organically grown vegetables in its kitchen whenever possible. The restaurant adopts a no-individual-packaging policy for items like sugar and butter. Waste management is integral, with the camp recycling all waste and composting organic waste on-site.

Environmentally conscious policies extend to the use of lead-free paint and ongoing education for guests and staff on various aspects of environmental awareness. Umlani Bushcamp is a member of the Timbavati Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to conservation. The camp has implemented measures to reduce waste, including replacing individual soap and lotions with dispensers. Additionally, the use of effective microorganisms (EM) helps manage the fat trap, septic tanks, and greywater system, neutralizing harmful bacteria. As part of their commitment to biodiversity, Umlani Bushcamp plants and maintains five indigenous trees per month in partnership with Greenpop. These comprehensive initiatives reflect Umlani Bushcamp's dedication to responsible and sustainable practices in harmony with the environment.

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