UMLANI safari

SPECIALIST SAFARIS AT UMLANI BUSHCAMP
TIMBAVATI / SOUTH AFRICA

RECOMMENDED DURATION OF 3 TO 4 NIGHTS

Umlani is an authentic African bush camp, an ideal base to explore the intense big game encounters of the Timbavati. Hand built using indigenous materials and with a limited occupancy of only 16 beds, Umlanithe camp is a perfect platform to launch our private safaris here. A thatched central lounge and bar with game viewing deck is the focal point, and there is often game drinking at the camp waterhole below. The charming chalets offer classic safari hospitality, each crafted into the bush with an en-suite but open-to-the-stars shower. Umlani is completely off the grid and lighting is supplied by paraffin lanterns; a wonderful throwback to safaris of yesteryear. There is however wifi at the central lounge as well as a charging point for appliances.

The wildlands of the world famous Timbavati set the scene; game viewing is excellent. Game drives (day and night) and walking trails are freely available, and our private safari of discovery ensures exclusive encounters with maximum flexibility to suite your requirements.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL

Alan will meet your party on arrival at Umlani Bushcamp, which is located under two hours drive from the small bush-veld town of Hoedspruit. Take some time to settle in, enjoy lunch on the deck, or take a dip in the rock pool overlooking the riverbed.

Discover more about the area's cultural heritage, as well the history of Umlani and the Schiess Family legacy in Timbavati.

Like a chameleon the shades of the day change as the sun slowly descends, the mood shifts as the day's heat eases and the earth's smells lift. There is an instinctive change in the game as the night draws in. Predator awakens and prey becomes more alert, skittish with anticipation, what does the night hold? We may even linger over a sundowner.

Dinner is in the “boma,” an open air circular "dining room" with a fire In the centre. This is a traditional meeting and eating venue, and the warm campfire holds the tradition of enjoyment of a hearty meal and the enthusiasm of conversation. The African way!

GAME VIEWING BASED FROM UMLANI

Early starts starts heading out with the sunrise is strongly recommended, either with an exclusive-use open game viewer or on foot (or combinations). Game drives ensure close up encounters with a variety of game, with the big 5 often sighted. Ele- phant viewing is very productive and the Timbavati is known as a stronghold for the endangered wild dog. Large buffalo herds pass though and often tracked by lion prides along the way. Giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and many antelope species are common.

Walking is highly recommended: on foot the pulse of Africa beats wildest, and tracking & stalking big game is a magnificent alternative to exploring the landscape.

Our days are spent exploring the vast concession, either in an open game viewer or on foot. Perhaps even a combination of both whenever the opportunity allows. Experience at first hand the art of survival in both prey and predator ... discover more about the secret lives of nocturnal animals ... learn more about the precise art of tracking big game on foot ...spend time amongst elephant herds absorbing their mysterious qualities ... analyse the delicate balance of wildlife conservation in Africa.

The bush never sleeps and night drives searching for nocturnal animals with spotlights are both rewarding and exciting. Lesser seen species such as porcupine, genet or white-tailed mongoose may be encountered. The night is however about predator activity, which in these parts is dominated by lion, leopard and spotted hyena.

Optional activities may include an exciting night spent in the tree-house, which can only accommo- date 4 clients. It is located overlooking a waterhole which is very active for game viewing during the middle of the year dry season. The tree-house is set high off the ground and offers a safe van- tage point to watch predators, elephant and buffalo may come down to drink, often at very close range. Highly recommended by the way!!

And of course, there is the welcoming campfire on return at the end of the day. There is a certain magic that settles over the camp when the paraffin lanterns are alight and the fire has begun its energetic dance. Your preference may be a gin & tonic, or a bottle of South African wine and for a while, time stands still and all is good.

LAST DAY; DEPART

A morning activity is recommended followed by a hearty breakfast at camp.

There is a substantial choice of add-ons before or after the Umlani safari. These include travel options en-route, adventure activities such as hot air ballooning or rafting in the Blyde River Canyon, or various Kruger National Park combinations. DIY road trips or flights are easily arranged to access Swaziland (iSwatini), Mozambique, the SA North Coast, Eastern Cape and even Cape Town.

Please CONTACT our office to discuss these add-on options in detail.

WHY UMLANI BUSHCAMP?

We have been running private and exclusive safaris here for over 20 years with the kind support of the Schiess family. This is industry gold dust! We have exclusive use of an open 4x4 landrover, game viewing will largely be opportunistic and stopping the game viewer to follow up fresh tracks on foot, or heading out late at night to find lion is part of the philosophy. Unhurried discussions on special topics are all part of the fare.

TIMBAVATI GAME RESERVE

The Timbavati is a collection of privately owned game reserves, and covers over 50 000 hectares of wild bushveld. The reserve is unfenced and open to the Kruger National Park, falling into what is colloquially known as the "Greater Kruger National Park." The open region ensuring free ranging big game, including the big 5.
Alan first worked in the Timbavati in 1988 and knows the region like the back of his hand.