An African Safari will conjure up many images and preconceptions that one cannot truly appreciated until they have stayed in the bush and seen the amazing animals up close in their natural habitat. Traveling to South Africa and staying at the Umlani Bush Camp is an incredible adventure that is truly an experience of a lifetime.
Arriving at what might be the tiniest airport ever, the Hoedspruit Airport in South Africa, your adventure begins. Not a tremendous amount of security going on here as your luggage is unloaded by a tractor and brought to the front of the airport where a driver waits to take you and possibly a few other campers out to the bush.
The drive to the secluded Umlani Bush Camp in the Timbavati Private Nature Preserve and part of the Kruger National Park is an introduction to the terrain that makes up this area. Upon arrival you are immediately greeted by a warm and welcoming staff that presents a short orientation about your stay and then escorts you to your hut. The simple huts have thatched roofs and are very comfortable and pleasing. Enchanting beds with mosquito netting and oil lamps give the hut a very appealing ambiance. No electricity here, the entire camp is lit by oil lamps and candles which adds to the charming atmosphere. Each hut has its own bathroom facilities including flush toilets and an intriguing open air bush shower that is heated by wood fire.
The camp can accommodate 16 people, but offers families, couples, and individual travelers a serene setting with many of the amenities that you expect while on vacation. There is a pool and double hammocks for relaxing while in camp. All huts are equipped with towels, bathroom amenities, bottled water, and even insect repellent in case you forgot yours. The bush bar and deck is available all day for you to enjoy a drink overlooking the riverbed, have a bite of breakfast and lunch or to just socialize. Before dinner, try a drink at a traditional boma around the fire and enjoy hearing all the stories about the days events and sightings. Then enjoy dinner under a covered open air dining room or under the stars with a variety of gourmet award winning food served by candlelight.
Early morning and late afternoon game drives or morning bush walks are available to make the most of your time. Experienced and knowledgeable rangers and trackers provide opportunities to take in as much as possible; see amazing animals and birds, learn about the animal's natural habitat and surroundings, and discover South Africa's cultural heritage. This time spent in the open Land Rovers is packed with anticipation and excitement as you search the range for the wild animals. Your guides will go beyond normal measures to make sure each guest has the best possible experience and to see the greatest variety of animals possible, taking time to insure everyone get those treasured pictures to take back home.
Everything from arrival to departure is so well done that it makes it hard to leave. Between the delicious cuisine, exciting game drives, relaxing surroundings, friendly staff, and the company of the guests who quickly become acquainted it is hard to decide on the best of Umlani. Perhaps one trip isn't enough!
Sandy McDowell
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