3 Days Umkumbe Big Five Southern Africa Safari
Our short 3 Days Umkumbe Big Five Southern Africa Safari will depart from OR Tambo International Airport at 07h00 on a mini-bus shuttle to Hazyview where you will be met for the transfer to Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside, located in the Sabi Private Game Reserve, which is considered by many to be the premier wildlife reserve in South Africa. Located on the banks of the seasonal Sand River, Umkumbe is perfectly situated in one of the top Big 5 game-viewing destinations in Africa. The package includes a return transfer to OR Tambo Airport on the final day.
Your Southern Africa Safari adventure begins with a scenic journey from Johannesburg to the wildlife paradise of the Greater Kruger ecosystem, where skilled rangers and trackers will guide you through pristine bushveld teeming with diverse wildlife. The expertly crafted Southern Africa Safari itinerary includes both sunrise and sunset game drives, allowing you to experience the bush awakening at dawn and witness predators becoming active at dusk.
This Southern Africa Safari at Umkumbe provides the perfect balance of exhilarating wildlife encounters and relaxing downtime at a lodge famous for its exceptional leopard sightings and elephants frequently visiting the riverbed below. From the moment you arrive until your reluctant departure, you'll be immersed in the sights, sounds, and rhythms of the African bush on this unforgettable Southern Africa Safari experience that showcases the very best of South Africa's wildlife heritage.
Tour highlights
Exclusive Big Five game viewing in a private reserve
Exceptional leopard sighting opportunities along the Sand River
Sunrise and sunset safari drive in open 4x4 vehicles
Thrilling spotlight night drives searching for nocturnal creatures
Sundowner drinks in the heart of the African bush
Traditional boma dinners under starlit skies
Luxury accommodation overlooking the Sand River
Expert guides sharing their extensive wildlife knowledge
Price Includes:
- Park fees and conservation levies
- All safari activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in custom open 4x4 safari vehicles
- Bottled water during game drives and transfers
- Full board accommodation at Umkumbe Safari Lodge
- Professional English-speaking safari guide and tracker
- Driver allowances and park fees
- All mentioned activities (excluding optional experiences)
- Return shuttle transfers between OR Tambo Airport and Hazyview
Price Excludes:
- South African Visa (where applicable)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities
- Laundry services
- Travel insurance
- Beverages beyond the provided water
- Tips for lodge staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Transfer to Umkumbe and Sunset Safari
Your Southern Africa Safari begins with a morning pickup from Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport for the 400km journey (approximately 5 hours) to Hazyview, where your Southern Africa Safari guide will meet you for the final 30-minute transfer to Umkumbe Safari Lodge. This exclusive Southern Africa Safari experience continues as you settle into your luxury accommodation before embarking on your first 3-hour game drive at 16:00, traversing the 'Ingwe' sector of the reserve, known for its high leopard density. As night falls on your Southern Africa Safari, enjoy sundowners in the bush followed by spotlit nocturnal wildlife viewing before returning to the lodge for a traditional South African braai dinner served in the open-air boma.
- Day2Sunrise and Sunset Safaris
Wake before dawn on your Southern Africa Safari to depart at 05:30 for a thrilling sunrise game drive through the 'Ndlovu' area, famous for elephant herds crossing the Sand River (locally known as 'Inzinda') on this premier Southern Africa Safari reserve. Your Southern Africa Safari morning continues with expert guides tracking fresh predator signs while traversing diverse habitats from open savanna to riverine forests during this 3-hour exploration before returning for a leisurely breakfast overlooking the river. The afternoon Southern Africa Safari experience begins at 16:00 with another exciting game drive focused on finding any Big Five species you haven't yet encountered, followed by a spotlight safari revealing the bush's nocturnal inhabitants before concluding with a festive dinner in the lodge's traditional boma.
- Day3Final Morning Safari and Transfer to OR Tambo International Airport
The final day of your Southern Africa Safari starts with an early 05:30 departure for your last game drive through the 'Bhejane' section, renowned for its rhino populations during this memorable Southern Africa Safari experience. Your Southern Africa Safari concludes with a farewell breakfast at the lodge while watching wildlife at the river before the 30-minute transfer to Perry's Bridge in Hazyview at 10:30, connecting with the return shuttle to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg (approximately 5 hours, covering 400km). Your unforgettable Southern Africa Safari ends with arrival at the airport by late afternoon, carrying memories of spectacular wildlife encounters and the timeless magic of the African bushveld.