We were in search of a true eco safaris game lodge experience and Umlani Bushcamp in Timbavati seemed just the kind of ‘Eco’
Not having Wifi and phone signal might sound daunting at first, but then, watching a red ball of sun rolling down to the horizon while drinking in the scenery of African Bushveld, you realise that this is just what you subconsciously have been longing for.
We were in search of a true Eco game lodge experience and Umlani Bushcamp in Timbavati seemed just the kind of ‘Eco’ we were looking for. But yet, we are all familiar with the thought ‘maybe too good to be true’ and admittedly went with a slightly sceptical and curious mind.
Said that, well, what a pleasant discovery we had. Umlani Bushcamp is definitely to be rated in our terms as ‘Evergreen’ – that’s the true Eco.
Authentic African Eco Safaris experience.
Already on our arrival, we realised that Umlani is not presenting the kind of ‘stiff’ commercial luxury, but a type of place you can have an authentic African Eco Safaris experience.
Besides a high electric line to keep out the elephants, the lodge has no fences around, which makes you feel somewhat part of nature.
Sandy pathways between gardens that are kept natural with only indigenous and water-wise plants, such as aloes and succulents, lead us to our eco-rondavel. With a high thatch roof and surrounded window, eco-rondavels are designed to maximise thermal insulation and also considering natural ventilation to keep it cool in the summer. The large outdoor shower was my absolute favourite, with an open sky for a ceiling. Home
With no possible distraction from electronic equipment, we spent quiet time before the evening game-drive in the spacious lounge area where Johan found a bookshelf equipped with exciting eco safaris reads. A book ‘White Lions of Timbavati‘ by Chris Mcbride, took up the rest of his afternoon.
White Lions have a colourful history that dates back for many centuries and are thought to be endemic to the Timbavati / Greater Kruger region. According to African legend, these genetically rare lions were believed to be the children of a Sun God, sent to earth as gifts. Tragically, the last remaining White lion of Timbavati was killed earlier this year. There is a hope though that the genes have lived on and will reveal the gift again in the wild. (Some more informative reading on White Lions click here).
Shadrack, our ranger, and his team were keen to show their excellent tracking skills, and indeed after what felt like an hour keeping us in suspense, presented the lion brothers concealed by dense mopane shrubs.
Being amidst the herd of elephants, from the seniors to tiny-tots leisurely going on with their business of munching away and in-between lifting their trunks inquisitively to check us out in our vehicle, was a highlight of our evening eco safaris game-drive.
A five star Eco Safaris Lodge with minimal impact to nature and the environment was notably inspiring
Back at the bush camp, pathways dotted with lit paraffin lamps lead us to a welcoming boma with a blazing fireplace in its circle. Everyone followed the tradition of sitting around the dancing flames with a glass of wine, talking about the bush, the birds and the trees. Unexpectedly we met Alice Ross, who not only took care of our booking, that to mention was pleasant with a personal touch and easy as a breeze, but she has also been part of Umlany ‘family’ for many- many years and Greg, her son with his wife Rouxle being Umlani managers. Talking to Greg about the efforts on keeping Umlani truly eco with as minimal impact to the nature and environment as possible was notably inspiring. Umlani Bushcamp is a great example that with a conscientious planning and mindset, running an eco-lodge of a five star standards is clearly possible.
Check out on your visit the exclusive treehouse next to the waterhole.
We are already contemplating our next trip, but this time we will definitely include a night adventure in their exclusive treehouse situated next to a waterhole. For more information on genuine eco accommodation, explore the establishments we have personally visited and approved in our Eco accommodation section.
To justify Umlani Bushcamp eco credentials:
