
Umkhumbi Lodge is a family-owned lodge run by Anton and Emma Roberts in the
game-rich Hluhluwe-Imfolozi area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Umkhumbi is the
Zulu name for the red duiker, a shy small red antelope regularly seen picking
its way across the forest floor.
Surrounded by wildlife reserves and the rich, varied ecosystems of iSimangaliso
Wetland Park, Umkhumbi is fast becoming popular for its stunning birdlife with
regular sightings of twinspots. Nyala, suni, bushbabies and even our hand-reared
impala are often spotted too. Choose from a wide range of adventure activities,
explore the rich Zulu culture, visit the historic battlefields of Isandlwana and
Rorkes Drift or relax on the Indian Ocean's endless sandy beaches.
The lodge has been sensitively built into pristine African sandforest, carefully
preserving this fragile ecology. The focus is on conservation through education
and environmental awareness, delighting guests with all aspects of the African
bush, big and small, and providing the service and experiences that have
visitors returning as friends. All of the 12 rooms are extremely comfortable and
spacious, with air-conditioning and en-suite facilities. A central open-fronted
'lapa' houses the dining room and treetop bar and lounge from where you can
enjoy spectacular sunsets from the wooden deck. After the sun goes down, guests
and guides gather around the fire to swap stories about the day's exciting
adventures.
Anton and Emma pride themselves on their excellent hosting, management and
guiding. Their passion for their wonderful surroundings is infectious and you
are never far away from another delicious meal from Emma's kitchen or a fabulous
story from Anton. This family-friendly game lodge is their home and they make
you part of it from the moment you arrive.
Our Rooms
Your stay at Umkhumbi Lodge will be a truly relaxed experience. We offer
comfortable accommodation in spacious air-conditioned rooms. We have 12 double
rooms, all nestled in unspoilt natural sand forest.
High ceilings and air-conditioning ensure comfort and space for all our guests.
All rooms have en-suite bathrooms with bath and shower and are fitted with a
fridge and tea and coffee-making facilities to enjoy as you look out into the
tranquil sand forest from your private veranda.
The family rooms have an inter-connecting door making these units perfect for
families, as children can easily sleep close by while you still enjoy your
privacy.
Spectacular sunsets from our upstairs bar make for relaxing afternoons after
your day's activities. Spend your evenings swapping stories around the fire at
our Lapa area where you can enjoy your meals and drinks with other guests and
guides.
Onsite facilities include:
What's on the menu
Food is much more than just fuel to us here. Chef Meva prides himself on
presenting a perfectly prepared meal every time! The menus are always well
thought out to ensure that our guests get a culinary experience to compliment
the surrounding atmosphere. We believe that there is no better way to relax and
enjoy an African sunset than sipping cool drinks with friends over a sumptuous
meal in our open-air dining area.
A recent article in the Sunday Times by Shelly Seid puts it perfectly:
"Fresh, light, modern and attractively presented. All allergies, intolerances,
phobias and dislikes indulged."
We strive to use only local, fresh produce, either from our own vegetable and
herb garden or from a local supplier. Expect only the highest quality cuts of
meat including beef, pork, chicken, venison and various fish.
We make sure that guests are well fed at all times with both breakfast and lunch
packs provided on request.
As a family friendly lodge, kids are well looked after with our child-friendly
menu which misses out the frills and trims that youngsters do their best to
avoid.