What To Expect From an Autumn Safari
Seasoned safari-goers know the value of embarking on safari during the autumn months. Between March and May, Umkumbe Bush Lodge, located in the Sabie Game Reserve, offers rewarding safari experiences. As greenery dries up, vegetation becomes less dense and visibility increases, animal encounters become abundant.
From a hippo asserting its dominance to an influx of lion activity, a visit from a female cheetah and her cub, and a baby elephant making waves – the season kicked off with a roar. Continue reading to immerse in the changing landscape and all of autumn’s antics, through the lens of our expert guide. Better yet, come and experience it for yourself.
Safari Diaries
Permanent Water Sources, Constant Animal Activity
With autumn bringing cooler temperatures, it also marks the transition to drier conditions. As the wet season fades and temporary waterholes disappear, wildlife begins to congregate around permanent water sources. These gatherings provide an incredible opportunity for safari-goers to witness animals hydrating, cooling off, and engaging in fascinating social interactions – a glimpse into their natural behaviours.
Our tree house deck overlooks one of these permanent watering holes where animals convene. With the antics of the bush front and centre, visitors to Umkumbe BushLodge are spoilt with unforgettable encounters, even while kicking back between game drives.
A Rare Cheetah Sighting
Sources on the specific number of cheetahs in the Greater Kruger differ, most suggesting a low population under 200. So, it goes without saying that this elusive predator is on any wildlife enthusiast’s must-see list.This autumn, luck prevailed when a female cheetah and three cubs traversed our property, giving guests the sighting of a lifetime.
Soon after the encounter, the cheetahs were spotted some 100 kilometres North. This shows the significance of unfenced borders in the Greater Kruger, allowing animals to roam freely while making exhilarating encounters possible.
Lions,Lions, and More Lions
The new season brought an abundance of lion activity to Umkumbe Bush Lodge. The Kambula breakaways, Nkuhuma and Talamati, Styx pride, K12 and Kambula pride were all spotted in early autumn.
The Sabi Game Reserve offers a captivating glimpse into the intricate world of lion dynamics. From the tender moments of a mother nurturing her cubs to the raw intensity of a pride taking down prey, every encounter provides a deeper understanding of the balance between strength, strategy, and instinct in the wild.
Hidden Gems of The Bush
At Umkumbe Bush Lodge, we embrace every sighting, albeit how small. The scurrying dwarf mongoose gets the same reaction as any big game on our safari vehicles, bringing great joy to guests from across the globe. Even the novice becomes a seasoned birdwatcher after a safari in our corner of the Greater Kruger. These are just some of nature’s subtle spectacles that we celebrate. The humble dung beetle might even change your perspective of nature’s intricacies if you allow them the chance.
Autumn at Umkumbe Bush Lodge
Experience wildlife encounters like these first-hand
with an exclusive autumn getaway at Umkumbe Bush
Lodge. Our intimate camp offers a break from everyday
life and a chance to rekindle your wild side. Expect a raw
yet refined escape into nature, where the only congestion
is a heard of zebras adhering to the beaten path.
With the peak season approaching, now is the ideal time
to make that impromptu booking before all spots are taken.
Did you know we offer 20% off on bookings made 30 days
or less prior to arrival?
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