Umlani Bush Camp

Umlani Bush Camp is an exclusive rustic lodge accommodating only 16 guests in en suite reed and thatch rondavels. Early morning and evening game drives are in open four wheel drive vehicles accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers. With a traversing area of more than 10000 hectares, over 40 mammal and 350 bird species, this is a wonderful wildlife experience. Umlani makes the whole event personalised and specialises in escorted walks into this unspoilt wilderness.

Umlani, meaning Place of Rest, was established in 1990 by Marco and Marie Schiess in the central section of the Timbavati Nature Reserve, which is now part of the greater Kruger National Park. The aim of Umlani is to offer our guests a truly African experience while maintaining an adequate level of comfort. Umlani Bushcamp works together in a wonderful, mutual way with other landowners and lodges in the Timbavati.

ACCOMMODATION

Your comfortable en suite reed and thatch rondavel is calling but before falling into bed, take a steaming hot shower under a blanket of wondrous stars in your own open-air reeded bathroom. The magic is complete when the haunting sounds of nearby hyena and lion lull you to sleep.

ACTIVITIES

Walks, day and night drives give you the complete wildlife experience. You'll become involved with game big and small, the prolific birdlife and be fascinated by the diverse trees, flora and fauna. Enjoy a spectacular sunrise deep in the bush before returning to the camp for a hearty breakfast.

Spend the heat of the day with a coolbox of refreshments at one of our hides watching birds swoop down to the water and mammals materialising out of the bush. Or maybe laze in hammocks around our splashpool sipping iced drinks. During your evening drive, watch the white light of the moon take over from the flame-coloured sun while enjoying sundowners surrounded by the unique sounds of the African wilderness. At the end of your spotlighted night drive return to the welcoming comfort of UMLANI, a bush camp in the tradition of old Africa, with the romantic glow of paraffin lamps to light your way. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the convivial bar overlooking the Nshlaralumi river course or around a roaring fire in the boma and watch our chef put the finishing touches to the dinner he has prepared on an open fire. The aromas will make your mouth water and you'll be more than ready for a candlelit dinner accompanied by fine South African wines, while swopping stories and sightings with your fellow adventurers.