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We offer luxury accommodation in comfortable air-conditioned lodges. Stay at Umkhumbi (Red Duiker) lodge for a truly relaxed experience. We have 6 air-conditioned luxury lodges, all nestled in unspoilt natural bush.
Each lodge has 2 rooms with each it’s own en-suite bathroom. An inter-leading door makes these units perfect for families, as kids can easily sleep close by while you still enjoy your privacy. Each bathroom has a bath and shower and rooms are fitted with a fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, private veranda and air con. Spend your evenings swapping stories around a fire place in the secure and cosy Lapa area where you can enjoy your meals and drinks with other guests and guides. |
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Umkhumbi Lodge is situated in the heart of Zululand and is a superb base from which to explore the nearby cultural and historical landmarks, as well as fantastic animal encounters including Africa's Big 5.
KwaZulu-Natal is a naturalist’s paradise, with dozens of wildlife reserves giving sanctuary to an astonishing variety of plant, animal and birdlife. Umkhumbi Lodge is centrally located within the region, minimising travel time to these reserves.
Foremost among these reserves is the internationally renowned Hluhluwe Imfolozi (or Umfolozi) Park– the oldest game reserve in Africa. Once smaller and separated, this 96 000 hectare game reserve is internationally acclaimed for its conservation efforts, and is credited with saving the White Rhino from extinction.
Spectacular scenery and great game viewing potential make for an amazing safari experience. Characterised by hilly landscapes, the park is noted for its diverse plant life which gives rise to a host of bird and wildlife in the park. Cheetah, hyena, buffalo, mongoose, warthog, lion, giraffe, snakes, lizards, suni, jackal, crocodiles, elephant, kudu, baboons, and Yellow, Pink, and Orange Throated Long Claw to name just a few. This park is an easy 25 minutes from Umkhumbi Lodge, making for the perfect day trip.
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park (formerly called the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park) is another jewel in the crown of KwaZulu-Natal, and is also just a stone’s throw from Umkhumbi Lodge. |
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Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is the oldest game reserve in the whole of Africa. Set in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal the park offers its visitors an array of activities and opportunities: from open vehicle game drives and self guided walks, to trails and picnic spots with magnificent views. Waterholes are dotted all over the camp for guaranteed wildlife spotting at a close range. The park extends itself over 96 000 ha and has an immense variety of fauna and flora and is hugely popular not only for its Big Five but for the vast bird life – over 300 species - that exist within the reserve |
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55km north of Hluhluwe, this reputable game reserve has recorded over 600 species of bird life. And is one of the top two most popular birding spots in the country. Established in 1912 the reserve has over 100kms of road, self guided trails, night drives, curio and refreshment shops, a wilderness trial and overnight camping. What’s more is that within the reserve is a natural burial site of local tribe chiefs, which is only accessible by the locals. Some even say that they have heard eerie noises from the mountain slopes in which they were buried. But apart from the ghosts, the wildlife mammals here include rhino, waterbuck, zebra, warthog, cheetah, giraffe, hippo, kudu, baboon, wildebeest, jackal, impala, leopard, monkey, porcupine and many more. |
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The Tembe Elephant Park lies on the border between the vast Mozambique and KwaZulu-Natal and as its name suggests is home to a large number of Elephant, as well as a great diversity of other mammals and bird species. Although the park encourages visitors, with basic and efficient facilities, only ten vehicles are allowed into the park on a daily basis – 4x4 vehicles only - because of the sand tracks that make up the roadways of the Park. |
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It may not be the largest reserve in the area, but Ndumu is known as the top birding location in the whole of South Africa. It has a wide range of wildlife that exists here; namely 62 mammal species, 420 bird, 76 reptile, 43 fish and 45 amphibian species recorded - as well as 900 plant species. And if that is not enough, there are over 200 species of trees in Ndumo, as well as a crocodile breeding station. |
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Only 40 minutes from our Umkhumbi Lodge, Sodwana is the ultimate outdoor sporting haven. A definite must for snorkellers, anglers and divers alike, this reserve lies adjacent to Africa’s southernmost coral reefs. A protected bay area is also a great spot to take kids paddling and enjoy the beautiful warm waters of the Indian Ocean. |
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They may not be as fierce as lions or as graceful as a fish eagles, but their fascinating way of life are fast becoming a popular tourist attraction. Generally secretive animals by nature, the stretch known as ‘Turtle Country’ – from St Lucia to Kosi Bay, offers the unique opportunity to view the magnificent Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles. Especially at high tides during the summer ‘turtle’ season from November to March when the females come ashore to nest. Booking a night-time tour with a local community guide to witness this rare and awe-inspiring event with your own eyes is truly something not to be missed. |
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False Bay Park is over 22kms long with an abundance of vegetation of open woodland and sand forests. It’s a great area for wildlife hikes where you will see zebra, cheetah, kudu, warthog and numerous other buck species. Not to forget the mischievous monkeys who frequent the area. Fishing is also very popular here amongst visitors, as well as it being a prime birding spot. What’s more is that False Bay and its selection of adventure is only 5 minutes away from our 4 STAR luxury lodge: Umkhumbi. |
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Home to over 900 species of bird life, it’s no wonder South Africa is a hugely popular spot for bird lovers. The amazing wealth of birds in this local area is due to the variety of wetland, aquatic and terrestrial habitats, as well as the area being a great migratory position for birds. Bird viewing trips can be arranged to the local reserves: Hluhluwe, Mkhuze, Ndumo, Jozini (by boat), as well as on the property. Take a trip out to sea to view the birdlife or take a gentle river cruise. Whatever your choice, you won’t go home without spotting something magnificent! |
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Lake Jozini is fast becoming one of the most popular fishing spots in the area – especially when it comes to Tiger Fishing. The facilities around the Lake are basic yet provide ample space for picnicking and safe ablutions at the camping grounds. Visit Lake Jozini for the day or spend a night or two in the safe and comfortable campsite. |
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The Sky’s the Limit! For those really daring visitors who cannot comprehend the vastness of the Wetland Park area, why not take a secure and comfortable chartered flight into the clear blue skies. A bird’s eye view of the area and surrounds will prove to you just how magnificent and diverse the area really is. Be sure to take your camera with you on this one, otherwise no one will believe you! For a truly breath taking scenic view and exhilarating tours like no other, this is a must! Flights need to be booked in advance, so please consider this when planning your trip. |
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The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park (now iSimangaliso) is South Africa's first World Heritage Site and the oldest conservation area in Africa. With over 220 kilometres of coastline and beaches; 100 species of coral; 8 inter-linking ecosystems; 3 major lake systems including Kosi Bay, Lake St Lucia and Lake Sibayi; 105 years of conservation… and only an hours drive away … it’s no wonder St Lucia is a must on any visitors ‘to-do-list’. Spend the night over in the quaint little town of St Lucia or spend a day picnicking, fishing, mountain biking, kayaking and horse riding. |
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The Zulu Croc Centre is an easy 5 minutes drive from our Umkhumbi Lodge. It has marvellous panoramic views out over the lake and surrounding area, and provides a great base for both fisherman and bird lovers alike. Treat the kids (and yourself) to some exhilarating viewing of the crocodiles in their natural habitats and within the safety of their enclosures. |
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Situated in Hluhluwe and established just over 30 years ago, Ilala Weavers offers visitors a chance to not only support the local community, but to purchase beautiful hand crafted bead work and woven baskets, as well as a variety of other souvenirs. Spend a day with the local men and women who work from their homes to produce stunning works of art, sought after by people all over the world. Shop ‘til you drop, taste the best pineapple smoothie in the world, and enjoy the divine landscape from the balcony. You won’t leave without a piece of Africa in your heart! |
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An amazing opportunity for foreign visitors is to learn and interact first hand with the locals in the area. Cultural villages in the surrounding provide an interesting and direct way for visitors to learn about the lives and daily experiences of the people in South Africa. |
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| For more information on what we can offer you - simply contact us via email or call us on +27 82 463 3253 |
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