Discover Your Safari Stay

Umlani Bush Camp

From ZAR 7,761 per night, per person sharing

Discover Umlani Bush Camp in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, where authentic safari experiences, exceptional guiding, sustainable tourism, and unforgettable Big Five wildlife encounters await in the Greater Kruger.

Location

Nestled within the renowned Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Umlani Bush Camp offers an authentic safari experience in one of the Greater Kruger’s premier wildlife destinations. Established in the 1950s, Timbavati is now part of the unfenced Greater Kruger National Park, allowing wildlife to roam freely between neighbouring reserves including Klaserie, Sabi Sand, Balule, Manyeleti, and Kruger National Park itself.

Covering almost 4 million hectares of protected wilderness, this remarkable ecosystem is celebrated for exceptional Big Five game viewing and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

The Lodge

Umlani Bush Camp is one of the Greater Kruger’s original eco-friendly safari camps, offering an authentic bush experience that captures the spirit of traditional African safaris. Family-owned and operated by one of the reserve’s founding landowner families, the camp has earned a reputation for exceptional guiding, genuine hospitality, and responsible tourism.

Built using locally sourced natural materials, Umlani embraces understated comfort rather than luxury, creating a relaxed atmosphere where the focus remains firmly on the wildlife, the wilderness, and the unforgettable experiences shared around the campfire.

Accommodation

Accommodation consists of traditional rondavel-style Eco Huts, thoughtfully designed to blend into the surrounding bush while providing all the comforts needed for a memorable safari.

Guests can choose from:

Four Eco Huts for couples
Four Family Eco Huts accommodating three or four guests

Each rondavel features:

Comfortable king or twin beds
Crisp white linen
Mosquito nets
Ceiling fan
Ensuite bathroom
Open-air hot shower
Private patio overlooking the bush

The camp remains unfenced, allowing wildlife to pass naturally through the surrounding area and creating a truly immersive safari experience.

Facilities & Dining

Umlani’s communal spaces celebrate the simplicity and beauty of life in the African bush.

Guests can enjoy:

Swimming pool overlooking the dry Nhlaralumi River
Bush bar with viewing deck
Traditional open-air boma
Open-sided dining area
Hammocks and shaded relaxation areas
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Charging stations
Curio shop
Babysitting service (available on request)

Evenings are spent around the fire beneath the stars, sharing stories while enjoying hearty home-cooked meals in the traditional reed boma.

As one of the pioneers of sustainable tourism in the Greater Kruger, Umlani continues to operate using alternative energy solutions while maintaining a strong commitment to environmentally responsible safari experiences.

Safari Experiences

Umlani is renowned for its outstanding guides and trackers, whose knowledge, storytelling, and passion for the African bush have become one of the camp’s defining features.

Guests enjoy:

Morning Big Five game drives
Afternoon and evening game drives
Optional guided bush walks with armed rangers
Exceptional wildlife tracking
Birdwatching

Each safari focuses not only on finding wildlife but also on understanding the fascinating behaviour, ecology, and interconnectedness of the Greater Kruger’s remarkable ecosystem.

Rates

Per Person Sharing
From ZAR 7,761 per night

Single Traveller
From ZAR 10,454 per night

Children (Under 12 Years)
From ZAR 3,880.50 per night

What’s Included

Safari accommodation
Three meals daily
Tea and coffee
Local wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks
Morning and afternoon/evening game drives
Optional guided bush walk
VAT

What’s Excluded

Timbavati Gate Fee (ZAR 350 per vehicle)
Conservation Levy (applicable per person, per night)
Premium imported beverages
Personal purchases and gratuities

Why We Love Umlani Bush Camp

Umlani Bush Camp is one of the Greater Kruger’s true safari classics. Long before sustainable tourism became an industry focus, Umlani was leading the way through conservation, community development, and the training of local guides and hospitality professionals.

Today, the family-run camp remains committed to authentic safari experiences where exceptional guiding, responsible tourism, and heartfelt hospitality take centre stage. For travellers seeking a genuine African bush experience rather than polished luxury, Umlani delivers one of the most rewarding safaris in the Timbavati.

Customer Reviews

Crafted by People Who Know Safari Best

Judy and her team organized an incredible safari experience at Umlani lodge in February 2026 for my friends and I on our trip to South Africa. From start to finish, she was professional, responsive, and provided years of expertise which ultimately allowed us to book the perfect safari experience. They were always quick to respond to questions, provided clear communication throughout the planning process, and made the entire trip feel effortless, which allowed us to fully unwind and enjoy the trip without any stress. We couldn’t have asked for a more memorable safari experience and would highly recommend Wildlife Encounters to anyone planning a trip to the Kruger area.

Reviews “We booked our safari in December 2025 through Wildlife Encounters. We spent the first three days at Baobab Ridge, which was a wonderful lodge. The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming, and the ranger in particular organized the game drives with great enthusiasm. We saw all the animals, including the Big Five – all on the same day. We spent the next three days at Thaba Mati Resort – an absolutely fantastic, newer lodge set amidst stunning scenery. At night, you could even watch the hippos at the pond and hear them loud and clear. Judy from Wildlife Encounters organized the trip with great care and everything went wonderfully including the pick-up and all transfers.

When we decided to go to South Africa, we knew that a safari was on our list. What we didn’t know was how to narrow down the numerous options available to us. We sent enquiries to several outfitters, but as soon as we received Judy‘s email, we knew that she could plan the perfect trip for us. We stayed at Xanatseni Private Camp (in Klaserie Nature Reserve) and Umlani Bush Camp (in Timbavati Nature Reserve). In staying at two different camps, we had both a luxury and an eco lodge experience, and two different styles of safari to view the area wildlife. Judy also planned a perfect private tour of Blyde Canyon with an overnight stay at Moholoholo Ya Mati. From the moment we stepped off the airplane to the moment we returned to the airport, everything was seamlessly planned with knowledgeable and professional drivers. We couldn’t have had a better time on this once in a lifetime trip, thoughtfully planned by Judy to ensure we had the best possible experience.

Took our trip from a worry to an experience of a lifetime! Booking our safari experience was new and a little scary for us. Judy from Wildlife Encounters took all of our desires, gave us suggestions we would never have known to think of, and organized a trip of a lifetime! The communication was exceptional and clear, all of our questions were answered, and from the time we got picked up, to drop off - we didn't have a worry! You could feel Judy's passion, and as a result - our safari experience went beyond our wildest imaginations. nDzuti Bush Camp was one of our stops and a true highlight that we highly recommend experiencing! If you're looking for a communicative, helpful, kind, knowledgeable and a great, priced experience (who wouldn't) then look no further! Wildlife Encounters is truly for you! I have no doubt your experience with Wildlife Encounters will be as exceptional as ours was.

This was our 1st safari with Wildlife Encounters but it won't be our last! We knew from our first correspondence with Judy, when we were trying to figure out which camp was the right fit for our family, that we were in good hands. Because we were traveling with younger children, we ended up staying at the Tuskers Safari Camp and basically had the place to ourselves. The camp is situated above a watering hole, and we spent countless hours mesmerized by the various animals that came and went right below us. It was amazing! JD is an expert ranger and Vusi a very knowledgeable tracker. They not only found us a variety of wildlife (even the elusive leopard) but also spent time teaching our children all about the bush. From learning fun facts about the wildlife and terrain to stopping the jeep to look at different animal tracks, our kids had so many stories to tell their friends when we returned home. The camp itself was clean and comfortable. Every meal prepared by Victory and her team was tasty and memorable. The staff went out of their way to make sure all our needs were met. We can’t recommend Tuskers and Wildlife Encounters enough!

Exceptional Judy and Bruce are super attentive and welcomed us very well. Their campsite is stunning and during our stay elephants were nearby and we were able to watch them from the "balcony" of our tent. Sabre is an incredible ranger and we got to see a lot of animals and learn a lot about the savannah and how it works. We highly recommend it.

I felt like I was part if the family! If I could give more stars to Judy, Bruce, Sabre, and Justin, I definitely would! I picked the “Best of both worlds” tour and I dońt regret it! Even since de beginning, when booking the tour, I felt I was being taken care of, Judy was so kind and so patient, and she made sure my tour was as incredible as I could imagine. The second place I stayed at is Ndzuti Bush Camp, which is run my Judy and Bruce, and it was amazing, I felt so safe and so welcome there, it being a family business truly makes a difference! I even felt part of the family. And I can’t describe what it feels like to see the animals roaming free, it really changes your life. And Sabre does such an amazing job as a guide! She makes sure everyone is comfortable and happy and is always ready to answer your question. I don’t have enough words to describe what an amazing experience I had, I can’t wait to come back!