1 / 30
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 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.
J. May
Stayed at: Umlani Bush Camp
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!
R. Trenton
Stayed at: Umlani Bush Camp
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.
V. Maden
Stayed at: Umlani Bush Camp
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.
Timbavati Game Reserve, Hoedspruit, 1380
FROM JOHANNESBURG
Get onto the N4 towards Witbank
N4 highway is also the highway/ main road to Nelspruit & Maputu
Toll Road
Take left off ramp to Belfast
Pass through the small town of Belfast and follow road signs turning right onto the R540 to Dullstroom
Follow the signs on R540 to Lydenburg
At the Tjunction, outside Lydenburg, turn left
Pass through the town of Lydenburg and follow the road signs, turning left, onto the R36 towards Ohrigstad
Pass through the town of Ohrigstad, still on the R36
Continue on the R36 towards the Strydom Tunnel
Pass through the mountainous region and the Strydom Tunnel this road will lead you into Hoedspruit
Pass through the small town of Hoedspruit and at the 2nd four way stop turn right onto the R40 towards Klaserie and Acornhoek
Leave the town of Hoedspruit and after 6km turn left onto the Timbavati Road (lots of Game Lodge Signs).
Travel for 17,8km along the Timbavati Road until you reach the Timbavati Gate you will pass the Eastgate/ Hoedspruit Airport on your left hand side
On arrival at the Timbavati Gate please pay R230for issue of permit p/vehicle
Once through the Timbavati gate continue along the tar road for 13,7 kms
On the left hand side of the road you will see a round cement road maker with lodge names on it turn right directly opposite onto a dirt road
Follow the small wooden signs "UMLANI" to the camp there are 3 wooden signs in total
You can hire a car and self drive, book on a shuttle from OR Tambo (R950.00 pp one way)or fly into Hoedspruit with airline or Cem air and we can arrange an airport transfer for you. The transfer will cost R550 per person one way
Yes our rates include 2 game drives per day
Conservation Levy:
Non-SA Resident (Adult) - R575.00 per person per night
Non-SA Resident (U12) - R288.00 per person per night
SA Resident (Adult & U12) - R220.00 per person per night
Yes, the JHB - Umlani Transfer for 1-2 Guests is R6,970.00 + R300.00 Gate Fee. (Schoemans Transfer Rate)
The accessible unit is Hut 6 , has grab bars, bigger entrance and can accommodate if anyone needs this option
We have power outlets (Solar) in the rooms for charging Phones, camera batteries etc. Yes there are fans in the rooms.
Yes, Self Drive - Will need to pay R300.00 Vehicle Permit Fee at Gate upon entering.
The Treehouse is at no extra charge. When enquiring mention that you'd like to stay in the tree house and we can assist. If you want to book the Treehouse in camp, its on a first come first serve basis.
Yes, there is for guests to use.
HDS Airport - Umlani (Based on Schoemans Transfers Rates - may differ with other companies)
1 Person - R1,385.00 per person + R300.00 Gate Fee (One Way)
2 People - R690.00 per person + R300.00 Gate Fee (One Way)
3 People - R550.00 per person + R300.00 Gate Fee (One Way)
4 People - R450.00 per person + R300.00 Gate Fee (One Way)accessible