South Africa

Umkumbe Safari Lodge

From $247/ person in September

A Big 5 safari lodge on the Sand River banks in Greater Kruger

Located in the Big 5 abundant Sabi Sands Game Reserve of the Greater Kruger, Umkumbe Safari Lodge is a top luxury safari destination for the conscious traveller. Perched on the banks of the Sand River, Umkumbe offers guests all the comforts of home with exceptional game-viewing opportunities. Start the day with an early morning game drive, then relax in the pool before sampling South Africa’s best dishes in the traditional boma. Sabi Sands is a fantastic eco destination; the reserve is involved in multiple grassroots outreach initiatives in the local communities, along with various environmental management programs ranging from tackling soil erosion to controlling invasive plant species.

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Our top picks

Trips we think you'll love whilst staying at Umkumbe Safari Lodge

22 nights
•
0.408t CO₂

South Africa's Southern Coast Spoils

Explore South Africa’s sensational southern coast while falling in love with the ever-changing landscapes along the way.

From $6,086/person

14 nights
•
0.270t CO₂

Garden Route Glamping: 15 Days of Wine, Wave and Whale Eco-Adventures

Adventure through South Africa’s great outdoors featuring thrilling nature sights and activities with eco-friendly stays for groups of all ages.

From $603/person

11 nights
•
0.183t CO₂

The Best of KwaZulu-Natal: Shores to Sanctuaries in 12 Days

Dive into the verdant nature scenes, diverse wildlife, rich Zulu culture and luxury lodges of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal.

From $3,372/person

View all trips

Rooms

FAQs

Leopard Superior Suite

3•

The Leopard Superior Suite offers guests magnificent views of the beautiful Sand River from a verandah. The suite is fitted with either a king-size bed or 2 single beds and 2 sleeper couches with mosquito nets and thoughtfully chosen linen, as well as an en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower.

Zebra Superior Suite

3•

In the Zebra Superior Suite guests can enjoy their coffee and views of the Sand River on their private veranda. The suite is fitted with either a king-size bed or 2 single beds and 2 sleeper couches with mosquito nets and thoughtfully chosen linen, as well as an en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower.

Lion Superior Suite

3•

The Lion Superior Suite boasts beautiful views of the Sand River, accessible from a private veranda. The suite is fitted with either a king-size bed or 2 single beds and 2 sleeper couches with mosquito nets and thoughtfully chosen linen, as well as an en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower.

Rhino Superior Suite

3•

The Rhino Superior Suite overlooks the Sand River and includes a private verandah. The suite is fitted with either a king-size bed or 2 single beds and 2 sleeper couches with mosquito nets and thoughtfully chosen linen, as well as an en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower.

Giraffe Superior Suite

3•

Giraffe Superior Suite offers guests the chance to watch an active waterhole and admire the surrounding bush via their verandah. The suite is fitted with either a king-size bed or 2 single beds and 2 sleeper couches, as well as an en-suite bathroom.

Buffalo Superior Suite

3•

The Buffalo Superior Suite boasts views of an active waterhole and the surrounding bushveld. The suite is fitted with either a king-size bed or 2 single beds and 2 sleeper couches, as well as an en-suite bathroom. There is the option to connect this suite with the Elephant Suite for larger groups.

Elephant Superior Suite

3•

The Elephant Superior Suite offers vistas of an active waterhole and the bushveld. The suite is fitted with either a king-size bed or 2 single beds and 2 sleeper couches, as well as an en-suite bathroom. There is the option to connect this suite with the Buffalo Suite for larger groups.

Wild Dog Superior Suite

3•

The Wild Dog Superior Suite boasts views of the Sand River and includes a private verandah. The suite is fitted with either a king-size bed or 2 single beds and 2 sleeper couches with mosquito nets and thoughtfully chosen linen, as well as an en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower.

Standard Room 1

1•

Standard Room 1 offers Sand River views via a private verandah. The room is fitted with either a king-size bed or 2 single beds and 2 sleeper couches with mosquito nets and thoughtfully chosen linen, as well as an en-suite bathroom.

Standard Room 2

1•

Standard Room 2 overlooks the Sand River via a private verandah. The room is fitted with either a king-size bed or 2 single beds and 2 sleeper couches with mosquito nets and thoughtfully chosen linen, as well as an en-suite bathroom.

Standard Room 3

1•

Standard Room 3 includes Sand River views from its verandah. The room is fitted with either a king-size bed or 2 single beds and 2 sleeper couches with mosquito nets and thoughtfully chosen linen, as well as an en-suite bathroom.

Featured Trips

Discover the extraordinary

22 nights
•
0.408t CO₂

South Africa's Southern Coast Spoils

From the fynbos filled mountains in Cape Town to the astonishing Karoo, this trip will romance you with stunning biodiversity. You’ll be lured in by the enticing Winelands and swayed along the Garden Route, all the way to the beguiling Eastern Cape.

From $6,086/person

9 nights
•
0.286t CO₂

Botswana Starlight Honeymoon: Stellar Delta to Desert

On this trip, you can stay at grand safari camps that boast incredible stargazing opportunities. After sleeping under uninterrupted stars, explore the preserved landscapes of the sun-coloured Kalahari, the Makgadikgadi’s ancient dried lake, and the natural sanctuary of the Okavango Delta, all featuring diverse and remarkable wildlife to spot.

From $14,670/person

12 nights
•
0.616t CO₂

Discover Namibia’s North: Wildlife & Wetlands in 12 Days

Experience the best of Namibia's wildlife in two dramatically different settings: seek out the Big 4 in the arid and white Etosha National Park before finding the elusive number 5 — buffalo — in the green wetlands and woodlands of the Zambezi Region.

From $3,204/person

7 nights
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0.405t CO₂

Namibia's Best in a Week

This unforgettable trip starts in glorious Windhoek, from where you'll go on to see Etosha’s iconic wildlife. Next up, you’ll dip into Swakopmund’s coastal vibe before concluding the trip among Sossusvlei’s world-famous dunes.

From $796/person

12 nights
•
0.478t CO₂

The Namibian Starter Pack: Self-Drive Adventure on a Budget

Consider this your complete course for “Everything Namibia”. Meet its desert-adapted wildlife including elephants and lions roaming around freely in Etosha. Then, learn about ancient rock engravings before feasting on the cherry on top - epic sand dunes in Sossusvlei.

From $1,278/person

15 nights
•
0.598t CO₂

The Namibian Classics

Have your camera ready because every stop of this journey is Insta-worthy! Enjoy Sossusvlei’s breathtaking dunes or check out the petrified camel thorn trees at Deadvlei. Then, break off to Swakopmund for sandy activities and beach views before meeting Etosha’s wildlife.

From $2,070/person

9 nights
•
0.365t CO₂

Dunes & Deserts in 10 Days

After crossing from the Kalahari to the Namib Desert, the iconic sand dunes in Sossusvlei will be awaiting you. Enjoy a beachside break at Swakopmund before continuing to the Erongo mountains for more picturesque views.

From $858/person

18 nights
•
0.724t CO₂

Extended Self-Drive Package: Namibia's Wildlife & Wilderness

For the best wildlife experiences, this tour allows you to meet the country’s famous animals at Etosha and the Kalahari Desert. Along the way, enjoy the vast open wilderness of the Fish River Canyon and rocky Damaraland.

From $1,817/person

13 nights
•
0.543t CO₂

Wanderer’s Namibian Bucket List

Begin your journey with an exciting game drive observing Etosha’s wildlife. After a stop at rocky Damaraland and world-famous Sossusvlei, end your adventure at the Kalahari Desert for a chance to meet more wild animals.

From $1,410/person

11 nights
•
0.425t CO₂

Classic Namibian Wonders

Begin your trip at the world’s most famous dunes at Sossusvlei, then head to salty Swakopmund before trading the sand for the rocky moonscape of Damaraland. To round up, end your trip with an exciting game drive through wildlife-brimming Etosha.

From $1,137/person

15 nights
•
0.524t CO₂

Dunes & Safaris in 16 Days

Heading out from the Kalahari Desert, stop over at Sossusvlei to enjoy its iconic dunes and clay pans. Then, go on exciting game drives around Etosha’s many waterholes before ending your time at the lush Waterberg Plateau.

From $2,526/person

14 nights
•
0.270t CO₂

Garden Route Glamping: 15 Days of Wine, Wave and Whale Eco-Adventures

Get lost in South Africa’s awe-inspiring nature with scenery ranging from mountains to forests to oceans. Overnight at comfortable self-catering stays while travelling from the Cape to the Garden Route to spot whales, hike hills, surf waves, and explore vineyards!

From $603/person

13 nights
•
0.495t CO₂

Wild & Wonderful Namibia

On this epic, 13-night tour, you’ll get to travel deep into the Namibian wilderness and experience a wealth of wildlife, including 4 of the Big 5. You’ll visit Windhoek, Waterberg, Etosha, Damaraland, Swakopmund, and Sossusvlei along the way.

From $1,319/person

14 nights
•
0.595t CO₂

Classic Namibia Bucket List

Discover the country’s most famous landscapes on this 14-night tour that takes in the country’s biggest highlights. From desert dunes to jagged canyons and epic wildlife encounters, this is Namibia at its finest!

From $1,456/person

12 nights
•
0.562t CO₂

Luxury Namibian Fly-in Safaris: Deserts, Shipwrecks, and Wilderness

There is no better way to experience Namibia than with a fly safari around the country. Expect unforgettable stays in some of Namibia’s most awe-inspiring places, from iconic Sossusvlei to the vast wilderness of Etosha, ancient Damaraland to eerie Skeleton Coast.

From $9,520/person

11 nights
•
0.183t CO₂

The Best of KwaZulu-Natal: Shores to Sanctuaries in 12 Days

From the onset in the vibrant Durban, relish exquisite stays with sundowner serenity. Travel to Saint Lucia and iSimangaliso Wetland Park for a bush and boat safari. Move on to Zululand to appreciate verdant nature scenes and experience adventure and relaxation in luxury.

From $3,372/person

18 nights
•
0.414t CO₂

The 19-Day Cost-effective Garden Route & Safari Combo

Let your start in Cape Town inspire you to venture further into the beautiful Western Cape. When you reach the Garden Route, get ready for incredible beaches and lagoons followed by spirited safari adventures before making your way back to the mountains on a path featuring small-town South African charm.

From $1,719/person

10 nights
•
0.664t CO₂

Namibian Wildside: Etosha to Zambezi

This voyage will take you from dramatic salt pan scenery in Etosha to the green rivers of the Zambezi Region and back again, gobsmacking wildlife sightings assured! Marvel at desert-adapted animals and admire elephants and hippos in the waterways of the Kwando River.

From $2,939/person

11 nights
•
0.200t CO₂

West Coast Retreats and Wild Mountain Escapes

Your adventure in South Africa looks like this: On this 12-day self-driving itinerary, you will experience 3 memorable destinations: Cape Town, the West Coast & Cederberg Conservancy. Marine life, hiking, stargazing & other highlights await you.

From $2,317/person

6 nights
•
0.175t CO₂

Classic Safari in South Africa: Kruger in a Week

Looking for a quintessential South African safari? This trip takes you to Kruger savannah sundowners and the unmissable Big 5. Move between different sections of the Greater Kruger to experience all it has to offer – think game drives, walking safaris, conservation experiences, and more.

From $2,484/person

8 nights
•
0.082t CO₂

Relaxing Rwandan Getaway: Virunga Gorillas & Lake Kivu

Break away to Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains for the chance to soak up the serenity of sweeping waters, forested hillsides, quaint villages, and charming retreats. Spend your time trekking gorillas in Volcanoes National Park before enjoying a restful setting next to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s great lakes.

From $7,656/person

8 nights
•
0.177t CO₂

Iconic Serengeti: The Great Migration Adventure

On this trip, you explore breathtaking scenery to seek out a remarkable blend of wildlife and the famous Big 5. Highlights include tracking the spectacular Great Migration in the Northern Serengeti National Park and learning from the pastoral Maasai on an iconic safari adventure.

From $4,332/person

8 nights
•
0.261t CO₂

Ancient Tribes & Safari Adventure: Northern Tanzania’s Hidden Gems

This exploration tracks the Great Migration over a diverse range of landscapes and pairs cultural intrigue with an iconic safari experience. Explore the secluded Tarangire National Park, learn from the Hadzabe at Lake Eyasi, and experience the best of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

From $4,282/person

11 nights
•
0.071t CO₂

Big 5, Gorillas and Beaches: Explore Rwanda & Zanzibar

This well-rounded trip starts off in vibrant Kigali, Rwanda’s bustling capital, before exploring the Virunga Mountains with gorilla trekking. Next, witness the Big 5 in Akagera National Park and end off on the relaxing, tropical beaches of Zanzibar Island for the ultimate exploration trip.

From $11,967/person

12 nights
•
0.166t CO₂

Complete Rwanda on a Budget

Explore Rwanda on a shoestring with this trip that takes you around the country, from its vibey capital city to its gorilla-dwelling forests and some lakeside relaxation, before finally finishing off with a Big 5 savannah safari.

From $2,155/person

8 nights
•
0.141t CO₂

Gorilla Trekking and the Gems of Rwanda

Trek into Volcanoes National Park to find its resident gorillas before heading down to Nyungwe Forest National Park – an ancient rainforest with incredible biodiversity. Top it off with a lake-side stay at one of our favourite eco-friendly getaways in Lake Muhazi.

From $6,189/person

14 nights
•
4.042t CO₂

Kruger to Coast: Self-drive Across 2 Countries in 2 Weeks

From exciting Big 5 game-viewing in world-famous Kruger and its private reserves to traversing the mountains of Eswatini, ending off with colourful reefs, wildlife-rich wetlands, and seaside relaxation, this self-drive trip is a contrast of worlds in just 2 weeks.

From $3,662/person

10 nights
•
0.376t CO₂

An Unforgettable Honeymoon: Kruger & Victoria Falls in Luxury

Experience the grandeur of Kruger and the magnificence of Victoria Falls on this opulent getaway of African must-sees. Have an exclusive Big 5 safari, fly over to marvel at one of the world's natural wonders, and enjoy a dreamy and adventurous honeymoon made up of luxury lodges, private nature reserves, and uninterrupted views.

From $12,455/person

14 nights
•
0.675t CO₂

Southern Africa Highlights in 2 Weeks: Wild Trails for Adventurers

Go on a bold journey fueled by the pure energy of the Southern African wilderness. Hike in spectacular Cape Town and enjoy Victoria Falls water adventures, choose between a walking safari in Kruger or a whale-watching safari in the Garden Route, and expect a jaw-dropping experience of a lifetime.

From $5,537/person

9 nights
•
0.198t CO₂

The Ultimate Luxury Kruger Fly-In Safari

Explore the bush in the utmost style with a luxurious fly-in safari to the famed Kruger. This trip features the extensive Timbavati and Sabi Sands Private Reserves bordering the renowned Kruger National Park. Be amazed by the best of the best with stays in exclusive lodges offering unparalleled Big 5 safari experiences.

From $11,424/person

11 nights
•
0.153t CO₂

Explore Rwanda: Mountain Gorillas, Volcanoes & Lake Kivu

Begin your trip trekking through the lush Volcanoes National Park to witness the area's magnificent gorillas. Then, venture to Lake Kivu and hike through the ancient forest of Nyungwe National Park. Explore more of this Great Lake and the Virunga Mountains, all the while enjoying stays with breathtaking vistas.

From $3,126/person

12 nights
•
0.134t CO₂

Safari, Lakes, Gorillas and Golden Monkeys in Rwanda

From a Big 5 safari in the legendary Akagera National Park, to exploring Volcanoes National Park and getting up close to golden monkeys and majestic gorillas, to ending off your trip next to one of Africa’s Great Lakes, Lake Kivu – this trip is packed with adventure, immersive experiences, relaxation and a range of unique stays.

From $3,254/person

8 nights
•
0.089t CO₂

Rwanda’s Best: Mountains, Great Lakes and Vibrant Cityscapes

From the vibrant and culturally rich Kigali, to the verdant Volcanoes National Park, where luxurious retreats meet gorilla encounters, to relaxing next to one of Africa’s glimmering great lakes – this round trip of Rwanda has it all.

From $6,511/person

11 nights
•
0.140t CO₂

Gorillas, Great Lakes and Big 5 Safari in Rwanda

Experience Rwanda’s breathtaking parks and scenery, from Big 5 game drives to witnessing gorillas in their natural habitat. Explore this beautiful country’s diverse wildlife-inhabited grasslands and forested mountains, and chill out on the shores of the serene Lake Kivu, all the while rejuvenating in exclusive stays.

From $8,052/person

9 nights
•
0.096t CO₂

Rwanda’s Ultimate Honeymoon: Unique Stays and Breathtaking Wildlife

Explore the highlights of Rwanda and discover the romance of adventure with a dose of unbeatable luxury in unique stays. Watch out for the Big 5 in Akagera National Park, get a royal cultural welcome in Kigali and go gorilla trekking with Musanze as your base.

From $12,567/person

6 nights
•
0.107t CO₂

A Faraway Adventure: Explore the Islands of Botswana

From the sheltered Linyanti Wildlife Reserve to the undisturbed Okavango Delta, marvel at hippos, elephants, buffaloes, abundant birdlife, and limitless possibilities. Pristine islands, hidden camps, and thrilling activities on and off the water lead to a unique getaway for those seeking both seclusion and adventure in Botswana.

From $13,346/person