Umkumbe Safari Lodge - Sabi Sands Game Reserve

I did my research before booking into which area we wanted to stay and which camp, so I knew what we expected , but what we got was beyond that.

From our collection at the airport to our return to the airport we had amazing service from all the staff, shout out to Wonder who picked us up from the airport and to Pell who greeted us as we arrived at the camp. We saw a few smaller animals on the drive from the airport to camp including bush McDonalds ( Impala - will explain later) we frantically took photos amazed at how close we were for Wonder to tell us first you will take and first you will delete as you will run out of space and have loads of them

Our luggage was taken to our lodge by Dale and the team (cant all them rooms as they were so much more) whilst we were given a quick tour and then told lunch was waiting for us.

What a lunch it was - my friend said it was the best steak pie she has EVER had - so much so that she asked Jann for the recipe, there is no shortage of food that's for sure. We said a quick hello to a few other camp guests and all were welcoming as were the team who served us, everyone introduced themselves to us. We had our first interaction with he camp monkeys (I now truly know where the phrase cheeky monkey comes from) we found it funny at first that they were trying to pinch food from the tables but we could soon see the nuisance they were for the staff (cute nuisances though) They really do work as a family

It was then a quick freshen up and out on our first game drive. Well that's when we got to the jeep as a warthog decided to pay us a visit blocking our path from the lodge, I love how the animals are free to roam. Jeff was our driver and Conrad was tracking , it wasn't long before we saw our first of the big five a leopard who was resting after a good feed on its catch which we could see some leftovers up the tree and the male hyena hoping for it to fall, I was rather nervous at first as we were close than I ever thought we would be but I also felt safe , That drive we saw loads of animals Rhino, Wildebeest, Elephants, Hypo, Dad Leopard with son and daughter Kudo to name a few and then we met the other guest out in the bush for sundowners.

Back to the lodge, we popped to our room to change and a lovely bath had been prepared for us with candles and a bottle of bubbly for our wedding anniversary, the oil lamps were lit and the ambiance stunning, of to diner and another amazing spread, we thought we were not hungry after the big lunch but we still managed to eat a fair amount. A nice few drinks then we headed back to our lodge as we knew we had an early start.

The weather took a bit of a turn whilst we were there but given we are English (and northern) we are used to it, but as we went out for the early drive Conrad had prepared the vehicle and our seats had nice blankets and hot water bottles to help with the early chill until sunrise - another great drive seeing lots and Jeff teaching us so much about the animals and general bush life.

The change in weather meant that we didn't unfortunately get to use the pool, we did though have a massage and that was fantastic and great value

There wasn't a single drive that we didn't see something that took our breath away and I can tell you about it and show you pictures but nothing can replicate the feeing. On talking to other guest that had experienced safari holidays in other camps or countries all said the same they saw more animals with Nottens easily than they had with others, this reinforced my research as A safari trip was always on my dream bucket list as a once in a lifetime - however I loved it so much I will be returning and hope to get my family from Australia to meet us there.

Jann and the team in the kitchen are hidden gems the food is all outstanding and wine keeps flowing as does Amarula (one of my new fav drinks)

For me Notten's was perfect it was natural and bush like, but we were treat like royalty without the pretence, the whole staff team are a credit from those very early wake up calls right through till the last person goes to bed nothing is too much trouble.

Loved our time at Nkorho. Our guide, Matt, and tracker, David, were extremely professional and knowledgeable. The safari rides were incredible and we certainly saw everything we came to see. The entire staff works hard to ensure a great experience for their guests. Our suite was great, very clean and comfortable . The swing was cozy on the front deck! Enjoyed our meals and evenings in the bar. Thanks to all for a great time!