Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside

Amazing location, super peaceful, great staff, great guides, the perfect stay if you care about having an amazing safari experience. Jayden our guide was absolutely amazing and so knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

The whole experience of staying right on the river bank and seeing the animals up close was great. The game drives in the morning and evening were interesting and educational. Rain ponchos were issued for rain and blankets when it got chilly. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The Boma dinner was the best.

Our first safari experience and our Leopard Suite at Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside was beautiful and comfortable. We enjoyed self-driving to the Lodge via rental car from Kruger International Airport. Just 2hr drive (follow closely Umkumbe’s provided driving directions to arrive at Sabi Sands Shaw’s Gate - take the R40 avoiding Numbi) and shortly after entering through Shaw’s Gate we spotted lions, warthogs, and buffalo! The warm welcome, the staff, the food were all wonderful. The game drives an absolute highlight in the expert hands of Michaela and Moses. And relaxing on the deck watching a herd of ~30 elephants at the river right in front of us was spectacular!

The staff were all fantastic. A warm welcome followed by special treatment for my wife's Birthday. The Tracker and Ranger were both brilliant and found plenty of animals on the safari trips. The rooms are lovely and the food is excellent.

There is a pool but not much room for relaxing in the sun. The sun is also shaded from the room balcony by lots of trees.