Stories of a Summer Safari
Picture this: cocooning in a luxury tented suite while the air smells of soil after a heavy downpour. Birdsong fills the air as wildlife graze the verdant riverbanks. This is summer at Umkumbe Bush Lodge – an experience that immerses all the senses and cements memories in the mind.
Located adjacent to the Sabie River, summer game drives at Umkumbe Bush Lodge spoil safari-goers with breathtaking scenes. Lush with greenery, it might take the finessed eye of our guides to point out elusive leopards or statuesque rhinos. These well-earned sights are often the most rewarding. The brimming watering holes also amuse, especially when the regular guest hippo pops in for a dip.
Our guides documented some recent safari highlights, so that you can experience the antics of the bush from anywhere in the world. Read the stories of the season, but be warned – you might be tempted to book an impromptu safari. We couldn’t blame you!
Safari Diaries
The Mighty & Majestic Hippopotamus
Our expert guide, Frederik Barnard, captured the playful antics of Hildo the Hippo – a name affectionately given by our guests – during a summer safari drive. The wet months bring ample seasonal watering holes, attracting an array of wildlife visitors. Among them is this charismatic male hippo, whose spirited behaviour and repertoire of lively splashes have earned him a reputation. Spotting this bull is always a highlight for our safari-goers, leaving unforgettable memories in his wake.
The Birdwatcher’s Dream
The green season rewards visitors with unique wildlife sightings, especially for those who take the time to look closer. From October to March migrant and nomad bird species flock to the region, significantly swelling the bird population in the Greater Kruger. Their cheerful chirps and dazzling plumage add a vibrant finishing touch to the savannah’s landscape.
Birding enthusiasts will find summer the opportune time to tick new species from their lists or to rekindle the joy of spotting a familiar favourite. For amateurs and casual guests, it’s a chance to unlock a new affinity for these beautiful, winged creatures.
Whether relaxing on your luxury tented suite’s deck or traversing the bush on a guided walk, a summer safari at Umkumbe Bush Lodge produces a myriad of magnificent sightings. Here’s just a sample of what you can expect from our birdlife.
The Clean-Up Crew
Asking a guide about their favourite animal is like asking a mother to choose her favourite child. We love all creatures the same, even those categorised into the so-called “Ugly Five” list. This tongue-in-cheek spin-off of the Big Five celebrates the unsung heroes of the savannah.
After all, what would a safari be without the excitement of spotting a hyena or a rare encounter with the endangered vulture? While they lack traditional beauty, they are vital to a balanced ecosystem, acting as the clean-up crew and controlling diseases. In addition to this, they are often the stars of nature’s drama, offering unrivalled entertainment.
One such theatrical scene recently played out when a cackle of hyenas sneakily stashed an impala carcass in a watering hole to keep a wake of vultures at bay. This gutsy behaviour is not uncommon for hyenas. In another instance, two hyenas were spotted having a gruelling fight over a carcass. This came only moments after the one snubbed the kill from under a male leopard’s nose. With the green backdrop of a summer landscape, this made for unforgettable viewing.
Sparring: The Antelope’s Pre-Season Strength Training
In nature, the ram has its own kind of pre-season called sparring. Controlled practice fighting between rams starts in late summer, strengthening them in preparation for rutting season. When the time comes, this playful fighting will unfold into fierce battles over reproductive dominance and territory. As a reminder of the complex dynamics of the animal kingdom, sparring is always fascinating to witness.
Ntsumi Leopard On the Prowl
Often traversing the territory, this regal leopardess is no stranger to Umkumbe Bush Lodge’s guests and guides. Her temporary move south left our guides feeling a little empty-nested in her absence. Now that she has returned, vigorously marking her territory, it begs the question: “What has she been up too?”. If the bush could speak, it might confirm that she has been mating on a neighbouring property. It is, after all, about time for her to start pushing her cubs out to make space in the den and prepare for a new litter. Maybe we’ll welcome the sight of new-born cubs in the not-so-distant future.
A Warm Summer Welcome
Meet our favourite summer breeze – here to stay through every season! With the arrival of summer, we’re thrilled to introduce our newLodge Manager, Margriet Wilkens. As a member of the family, she brings a warm touch that ensures every guest feels right at home in our luxury tented camp.
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