Umlani Bush Camp
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Limpopo
EcoRating :
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Stars : 3
Capacity : 16
Price : R2995
Full Description
This authentic camp is the ultimate experience of true wilderness and seclusion, accommodating only 16 guests, Umlani`s philosophy of simplistic luxury and `getting back to nature` is enhanced by the romance of operating without electricity. Enjoy the warm atmosphere of candlelight and oil lamps as well as open-air bush showers, heated by solar panels. The accommodation offers you all the privacy and superior comfort you need for uninterrupted relaxation. Umlani celebrates their 20 year anniversary in 2010!
There are four double huts and 3 family huts that can sleep 4 and 1 triple hut that can sleep three people comfotably, allowing flexibility for families and friends whom wish to share their Umlani Bushcamp experience in authentic accommodation. Each hut has en-suite facilities including an open-air bush shower fuelled by wood fires. Each African hut is comfortably fitted with mosquito nets, crisp white linen and towels including standard bathroom amenities, bottled water (although the tap water is perfectly safe to drink) and insect repellent.
Umlani is renowned for their outstanding Shangaan rangers who will not only find you game, but also introduce you to the wealth of flora, fauna, bird life and cultural heritage of the Timbavati region. Guests are taken out for two game drives per day, in open game viewing land rovers. The morning game drives leave at dawn and the night drives depart late afternoon. There is always a ranger on stand-by for an optional morning bush walk where visiting guests can participate in walks accompanied by the ranger.
Relaxation and rejuvenation can be stimulated by lounging in the double hammocks around the swimming pool sipping your favorite drink. Alternatively, laze away the day in our spacious bush bar or even on the deck overlooking the riverbed and watering hole. For exclusive tranquility, a tree house about 2.5 kms from the camp overlooking a dam, spend an hour or two with blankets and big comfortable pillows, as well as a cooler box containing drinks of your choice for that perfect “escape experience”.
In the evening you will be treated to pre dinner drinks around the fire in a traditional boma, followed by one of Umlani`s meals prepared by our local chefs, Ruth, Susan & Lineth. Enjoy the delicious tastes of Africa served in the candle lit dining room, weather permitting meals are served out in the open riverbed surrounded by flares and cauldron fires for that extra special African experience.
Getting to Umlani by air, can be arranged with flights out of Johannesburg into Hoedspruit (Estgate airport) and KMI (Nelspruit) airport and private transfers to the Lodge. Scenic Private road transfers can be arranged as well as scheduled road transfers from Johannesburg to Timbavati Gate at very affordable rates. For costings, please request from our reservations team at info@africanchapter.co.za.
Responsible Toursim and Green Efforts:
At Umlani Bushcamp, everything we do is influenced by our commitment to responsible tourism. This means that we take great care to treat people and the environment with respect by actively minimising the negative impact on our surroundings and make positive contributions whenever possible.
Umlani Bushcamp proudly carries the Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) certification, which is a guarantee that we operate in accordance Fair Trade criteria such as fair wages and working conditions; fair distribution of benefits; and respect for human rights, culture and the environment. To qualify for this trademark, Umlani Bushcamp goes through a stringent assessment procedure once a year. For more information about this trademark, please go to www.fairtourismsa.org.za
Umlani is committed to minimising the footprint we leave in our natural environment. This is reflected through:
- Operating without electricity (a small generator powers the office, supplemented by solar power)
- Cleaning products are, whenever possible, non-toxic and biodegradable
- All linen and towels are made from organic cotton
- Towel and linen reuse programme is practiced
- Low-flow showerheads and toilets ensure water conservation
- Our gardens are indigenous, water-wise and we only use organic garden practices
- All fresh produce is bought from local producers
- 75% of all vegetables used by the kitchen are organically grown
- No individual packaging is used in the restaurant (sugar, butter etc.)
- All waste is recycled, and most organic waste is composted on site
- Lead-free paint is used on at least 80% of the hotel`s interior and exterior painted surfaces
- We educate our guests and staff on various aspects of environmental awareness
- Member of the Timbavati Association, a non-profit organisation dedicated to conservation by maintaining the biodiversity of species
- We have written policies on environmental practices, and regularly measure our impact in various areas
- At least 70% of all energy produced through alternative energy sources
Our FTTSA-certification is a third-party stamp of approval that we operate in accordance with strict socio-economic guidelines. Below are specific initiatives:
- Written policies on local recruitment; internal skills development and promotions; and employment equity
- At least 75% of our staff are from the local community
- We run a Tracker Apprentice programme
- We source most of our products locally, and have a programme in place to constantly monitor and improve
- A number of charities are being supported through our work, such as a crèche feeding scheme; a local clinic and an environmental training centre
- Our staff benefit from the HIV Healthy Living programme
- We give our guests opportunities to participate and/or contribute towards all initiatives that we participate in
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Activities and Facilities
- Big 5
- Hammocks
- Bar
- Birding
- Boma Dinners
- Children
- Coffee Stations
- En-suite Bathroom
- Fireplace
- Game Drive
- Game Walks
- Mosquito Screening
- Night Drives
- Pool
- Research Area
- Viewing Deck
- Wake Up calls
NOTE : Some of the activities and facilities are not covered by the rate quoted and may be surchargeable.
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Rates
Umlani Bush Camp provides a true African experience, the lodge is built out of totally natural materials and is not electrified for that classic safari company with a difference.
January tp November 2012 : R2995 00 per person sharing and R3 995-00 single occupancy. Children under 12 years sharing with parents pay 50% of adult rate.
3 night stays qualify for a special discount on request.
Your Umlani Bushcamp Rate Includes:
- Accommodation
- Three Meals per day
- Two Game drives per day, sunrise and sunset with experienced qualified guides
- Optional bush walks
- All Local brand drinks
- Timbavati Conservation levy R110 per person (subject to change)
- Vehicle permit R120 (subject to change)
- All further items of a personal nature
- Road transfers to the Lodge
- Flights
Please note that we recommend Malaria prophylaxis be taken for health reasons.
For more information on the area of Limpopo view our activities.
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