5 Days
Age 4+
All Month
Availability 10
Introduction
Experience pure African wilderness combined with luxurious comfort on this 5-Day Luxury Lodge Safari at Umbabat Private Nature Reserve, part of the unfenced Greater Kruger ecosystem. This exclusive safari is designed for travellers seeking exceptional game viewing, luxury accommodation, personalised service, and an intimate bush atmosphere.
Choose to stay in a luxury Umbabat lodge — or elevate your safari with an upgrade to the renowned Simbavati River Lodge, a premier luxury lodge overlooking the Nhlaralumi River.
This itinerary is ideal for couples, honeymooners, photographers, families, and guests who want a deeper and slower-paced Big Five safari.
Tour Highlights
- Luxury suite overlooking river or bushveld
- Morning & evening Big Five game drives
- Optional bush walks with expert guides
- Gourmet dining and personalised service
- High chance of leopard & lion sightings
- Best for couples, families & photographers
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Johannesburg/Cape Town → Umbabat Private Nature Reserve
Your guide meets you in Johannesburg or Hoedspruit Airport for a transfer into Umbabat.
Arrive at your luxury lodge (or upgraded stay at Simbavati River Lodge) and enjoy a welcome drink as you settle into your suite overlooking the river or bushveld.
Afternoon Game Drive
Your first open-vehicle safari begins around 4 PM. Track:
- Leopard (Umbabat hotspot)
- Lion prides
- Elephants & buffalo
- Giraffe, zebra, kudu & more
Return to the lodge for a gourmet boma dinner under the stars.
Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Luxury Umbabat Lodge / Simbavati River Lodge (upgrade)
- Day 2 – Morning Game Drive + Bush Walk + Sunset Safari
Early Morning Safari
Depart before sunrise for prime predator activity — lions, leopard movement, hyenas returning from night hunts.
Breakfast & Relaxation
Relax at the pool, enjoy the views or optional spa treatments (depending on lodge).
🥾 Guided Bush Walk (Optional)
Join trained walking guides to explore:
- Tracks & signs
- Birds & insects
- Flora used for traditional medicine
- Close-up wilderness experience
Afternoon Game Drive
Spot elephants at waterholes, grazing plains game, or wild dogs (seasonal).
Return for a romantic dinner or indoor/outdoor dining depending on lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Luxury Umbabat Lodge / Simbavati River Lodge (upgrade)
- Day 3 – Full-Day Big Five Safari Experience
Start with a sunrise game drive exploring deeper into Umbabat’s wilderness.
Expect sightings of:
- Leopard resting in trees
- Elephants bathing
- Lion prides on the move
- Birdlife and general game
Midday at Leisure
Perfect time for:
- Poolside relaxation
- Spa treatments
- Reading overlooking the river
- Photography from the deck
Sunset Safari
Your afternoon safari offers iconic lighting and increased predator activity.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Luxury Umbabat Lodge / Simbavati River Lodge (upgrade)
- Day 4 – Explore Timbavati & Umbabat Ecosystems
Spend your fourth day exploring neighbouring Timbavati and Umbabat regions (depending on animal movement).
Morning Game Drive
Track elusive predators with professional rangers & Shangaan trackers.
Lodge Leisure & Optional Experiences
- Bush breakfasts
- Private dining
- Photographic sessions
- Optional spa treatments
Afternoon Game Drive
Another chance for Big Five sightings in a private, uncrowded reserve.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Luxury Umbabat Lodge / Simbavati River Lodge (upgrade)
- Day 5 – Sunrise Game Drive & Departure
Enjoy your final morning safari before breakfast at the lodge.
After check-out, transfer back to:
- Johannesburg
- Hoedspruit Airport
- or your next Kruger lodge
Meals: Breakfast
End of Safari
Departure Location
OR Tambo / Hoedspruit Airport
Departure Time
7:00
Return Location
Return transfers from Johannesburg or Hoedspruit
Included
- Return transfers from Johannesburg or Hoedspruit
- 4 nights luxury accommodation
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Daily sunrise & sunset game drives
- Optional guided bush walk (weather permitting)
- Conservation & gate fees
- Professional game ranger & tracker
- Tea, coffee & snacks on drives
Not Included
- All bar drinks & premium wines
- Spa treatments
- Flights (can be arranged)
- Gratuities & personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Simbavati offers higher-end suites, riverfront views, exceptional dining, and a premium feel.
Very high chance — Umbabat is prime Big Five territory.
Yes, but some lodges restrict children on bush walks.
Yes — flights to Hoedspruit or Skukuza available.
No — Umbabat is unfenced and open to Kruger & Timbavati.