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Umlani Bushcamp was founded in 1989 and is an authentic African game lodge located in the Timbavati Game Reserve, one of the oldest private nature reserves adjoining the Kruger National Park. Timbavati Game Reserve was formed in the 1950’s, when a group of conservation minded private game park owners, on the western boundary of the Kruger National Park, decided to pool their resources for mutual benefit and to benefit the wildlife in the area. In recent years, the fences separating Timbavati, private game park, from the Kruger National Park were dropped, thus forming a pristine wilderness area of approximately four million hectares.

Umlani Bushcamp offers an authentic wildlife experience in Big Five territory. View lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, in over 10 000 hectares of traversing area, also home to over 40 mammal species and 350 bird species. Experience the thrill of game drives in open Land Rovers, guided bush walks, and tracking game on foot with highly experienced rangers and trackers. You are guaranteed an adventure of a lifetime in one of Africa’s world-renowned unspoilt wilderness reserves. Umlani is furthermore a proud Fair Trade in Tourism member (www.fairtourismsa.org.za).

Accommodation

Umlani’s traditional African reed and thatch huts will not only provide you with all the comforts you need, but will also provide you with an authentic experience of local tribal (Shangaan) architecture and style, which blends in naturally with the environment. Each hut has en-suite facilities including an open-air bush shower fuelled by wood fires. The hut is comfortably fitted with white mosquito nets, crisp white linen and towels. Umlani’s philosophy of simplistic luxury and ’getting back to nature’ is enhanced by the romance of operating without electricity, so each hut and the entire camp is lit by candle light and oil lamps, providing a warm and romantic atmosphere.

The camp can take a total of 16 guests. There are five double huts, two huts that sleep four people, and one hut that sleeps three people.

Activities

Umlani is renowned for their outstanding Shangaan rangers and trackers, who will not only find you the game, but will also introduce you to the wealth of flora, fauna, bird life and cultural heritage of the region. You will be taken out on two game drives per day, in open top land rovers. During the day you can go on short walks with the ranger after breakfast, or lounge in the double hammocks around the swimming pool sipping your favourite drink. Alternatively, laze away the day in our spacious bush bar and deck overlooking the riverbed and watering hole. For exclusive tranquillity there is a tree house about 2.5 kms from the camp overlooking a dam, where we can leave you for an hour or two with blankets and big comfortable pillows as well as a cooler box with drinks.

In the evening you will be treated to pre dinner drinks in the traditional boma around the fire, followed by one of Umlani’s award winning meals in the candle lit dining room, or out in the open riverbed surrounded by flares and cauldron fires.

Apart from the wildlife safari’s there are some optional daytime activities outside of the Timbavati Game Reserve that are accessible from Umlani Bushcamp: a one hour microlight flight over the Klaserie Big Five Reserve, a visit to the Mafunyane Shangaan Cultural Village or the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, balloon safaris, White Water rafting, horse back riding, etc.

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