One game drive included a bit more close-up detail than I desired but that sometimes happens. Sundowner drink stop afterwards at least helped.

Comfortable hut with connected warm outdoor bathroom, delicious meals, wonderful staff (in camp and on game drives and bush walks), nyala wandering through camp (and elephant at night), buffalo, etc. visible in river bed overlooked by bar. Good value and high standards while feeling more authentic than butlered camps.

Stayed in August 2025

A very nice Camp with a personal touch. Good Game drives with interesting sightings of animals.

Stayed in August 2025

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- to be very close to the animals; we watched 15 lions including their babies eating two buffalos from a distance of less than 10m - awesome - highly motivated staff and guides - familar atmosphere - live in harmony with the nature

Stayed in June 2025

Umlani means place of rest. It was peaceful, the team were fabulous, food was great, facilities fantastic. We saw so many amazing animals and got to sit silently alongside them. We learnt so much from the guides about the interplay between the animals. So much to observe, learn and appreciate.

Stayed in June 2025

All staff were super friendly, and the camp was run like clockwork. Our guide Elvis was fantastic and had a brilliant sense of humour. Whilst they can’t guarantee which animals you will see, they managed to spot everything we wanted to see! The food was excellent, varied and the drinks are all inclusive. We found the stay to be very good value and thoroughly enjoyed our honeymoon stay. Thankyou!

Stayed in June 2025

First of all- fantastic game drives. In our first one we saw 4 out of the big 5, and much more. Optional bush walk- a different kind of experience. The food was excellent, the staff members were friendly, the atmosphere was cozy and special. Price was not cheap as in all private reserves, but also not expensive in comparison to other lodges. Very recommended!

Stayed in April 2025

In summer it would be very hot in the chalets. Perhaps solar powered air con?

Value for money. Personal approach. Location.

Stayed in March 2025

We loved Umlani - brilliant staff, amazing location and a relaxed atmosphere.

Stayed in April 2025

Nothing

Everything surpassed all expectations, our welcome, care from the staff, quality and variety of food, comfort of huts, amazing safaris.

Stayed in March 2025

Nothing

Had a fantastic two nights at Umlani Camp. Everything was fantastic. The accommodation was very comfortable and clean. The food was amazing. We did four Jeep drives and saw all the animals we had hoped to see. We also did a bush walk, which was very interesting too. Met some lovely people on camp which made our stay even more special. It was a very relaxing camp, without any formalities like having to get dressed for dinner etc. Congratulations to Michaela and all her team for creating such a wonderful environment. I would highly recommend.

Stayed in February 2025

Nothing

Wow what an awesome family feel to this place. The food was excellent, the staff were amazing and the animals on safari were just excellent. You can watch elephants whilst in pool. Loved the afternoon at the treehouse. Loved EVERYTHING about our stay. Thankyou

Stayed in January 2025

It was all great. The pool could be cleaned a bit more often but don’t let that put you off. It’s truly an amazing stay.

A beautiful, authentic bush stay. The staff are amazing, as is the food. I loved how they had enough food for all but not excessive to avoid wastage. A real thought to eco living and sustainability. The game drives were amazing - a huge thanks to Elvis and Opa as driver and tracker respectively. We saw absolutely everything. A magical experience. Thanks to Mikela and all her staff. A place I’ll remember forever.

Stayed in December 2024

I didn't like that I didn't book for a longer stay :)

The game drives, the hut, the staff. The photos don't do justice to the beautiful place that Umlani is.

Stayed in December 2024

the food for lunch is quite light

great service , great lodge, great gamedrives, excellent quality price point !!

Stayed in November 2024

This a place is simply magical!

Stayed in November 2024

All good!

The food was delicious. Also, the game drives were very well organized and we managed to see all big 5. In addition, there is a tree house one can visit and see a lot of animals.

Stayed in October 2024

The ranger we were assigned to was clearly very knowledgeable and experienced but his communication and social skills were really below par. He didn’t connect (nor did he want to connect) with the guests sitting in his vehicle except with the lady sitting next to him. When a question was asked his reactions were blunt and rude and most of the time the question was answered by a story with beared little relevance. The ranger is such a big part of your expirerende at a game lodge that we left feeling unsatisfied without stay whilst everyone else at the lodge was so welcoming and friendly.

One of the last remaining bush camps in Timbavati who have stayed through to their ethos of delivering a great bush experience and homely comfort without whistles and bells.

Stayed in October 2024

nothing

If you are looking for a luxury lodge you should check twice. If you are looking for a bush camp it is the place to be. max. 17 guests in beautyful bush-houses - they are like family - clean, super food, very nice people - wonderful game drives - we won`t forget

Stayed in August 2024

We have just returned from a fantastic week long stay at Umlani. The game drives, lead by our ranger JD and tracker Lucky exceeded our expectations. We saw all of the big 5, plus lots more! However the highlight of our game drives were our conversations with our ranger and tracker, who shared so much knowledge with us regarding both the wildlife and local culture. They were so cheerful and kept us smiling throughout! This warm service extended to the camp, where we felt extremely comfortable and well cared for. During our trip we celebrated an engagement and my fiancés 30th birthday! All of the staff at Umlani made these occasions very special for us, organising a special treehouse stay, balloons, a special dinner and even a homemade birthday cake. We were genuinely sad to leave and feel like we have made lifelong friends. We cannot wait to return and can’t recommend Umlani highly enough.

Stayed in August 2024

Wi-Fi only cover some areas, but I was too busy enjoying nature to care

Great location, staff and food. Rangers were amazing and gave us great game drives. We’d also recommend to book a stay at the treehouse for some extra viewing of the wildlife

Stayed in August 2024

I can't fault the place at all

The location was fantastic for game viewing and nothing was too much trouble for the staff. Elvis and Atriel made sure that we saw as many animals as possible.

Stayed in August 2024

Nothing could be better.

This was the second time we stayed at Umlani and had another fabulous experience. The game drives, food, hospitality, comfort of the individual huts, were all excellent. We wished we had stayed longer and will definitely be back.

Stayed in July 2024

Bush walk could have been more educational.

Very friendly and attentive staffs. Game drives were great; comfortable truck. Bush stay, nice fire and meals. Terrace looking over the water hole with animals coming by. WIFI was slow but good enough to check and send messages.

Stayed in May 2024

It was nice to switch off from the outside world however it would have been nice to have better wifi. It was only available by reception and even then was very patchy and unreliable.

The feeling of being 'in the bush,' makes Umlani a truly fantastic, affordable option for those who want a private reserve which is great value for money. All of the staff, from the hosts to the rangers and the chefs, were welcoming and couldn't do enough for us. There are two game drives a day and we were fortunate enough to see all 'Big 5,' as the rangers do all they can to ensure this. We also did the bush walk which was informative and also spent an afternoon at the treehouse, where we saw an elephant come up to drink water where we were sitting. The food exceeded expectations, with 3 varied and delicious meals a day and unlimited drinks throughout the day. Our room were like 'modern huts' with a rustic feel to it. It had a large comfy bed with mosquito net, electricity, electric fan and good toilet and outdoor shower. We only stayed for 2 nights but definitely wish it was more!

Stayed in April 2024