uMkumbe Tented Bush Camp - Phinda Game Reserve
uMkumbe Tented Bush Camp is a hotel near Phinda Game Reserve.
- Location
- Phinda Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal Bush & Coast, South Africa, Southern Africa
- Coordinates
- -27.778204, 32.302650
- Activities
- hotel
PlnrScore: 29/100
Wildlife Near This Lodge
2036 species observed within 20 km, 59 mammals, 370 birds.
- Nyala (Mammalia, 315 observations)
- Southern Giraffe (Mammalia, 223 observations)
- Impala (Mammalia, 190 observations)
- Plains Zebra (Mammalia, 188 observations)
- Common Wildebeest (Mammalia, 166 observations)
- African Striped Skink (Reptilia, 147 observations)
- White Rhinoceros (Mammalia, 147 observations)
- Red-billed Oxpecker (Aves, 137 observations)
- Grey Foam-nest Tree Frog (Amphibia, 129 observations)
- Common Warthog (Mammalia, 129 observations)
Best Time to Visit uMkumbe Tented Bush Camp
The best months to visit uMkumbe Tented Bush Camp are January, March, July, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Month-by-Month Safari Conditions
- January: Great, temperature 25.95°C, rainfall 107.3mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 71.4%
- February: Good, temperature 25.48°C, rainfall 140.3mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 75.9%
- March: Great, temperature 24.8°C, rainfall 92.3mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 74%
- April: Good, temperature 22.44°C, rainfall 84.5mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 76.5%
- May: Good, temperature 20.54°C, rainfall 30.9mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 75.1%
- June: Good, temperature 18.11°C, rainfall 41mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 73.1%
- July: Great, temperature 18.02°C, rainfall 7.8mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 67.8%
- August: Great, temperature 19.31°C, rainfall 13.1mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 68.9%
- September: Great, temperature 21.02°C, rainfall 34.7mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 70.7%
- October: Good, temperature 21.98°C, rainfall 78.8mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 72.1%
- November: Good, temperature 23.88°C, rainfall 59.8mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 71.2%
- December: Good, temperature 25.29°C, rainfall 104.2mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 73.6%
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between staying at uMkumbe Tented Bush Camp and directly inside Phinda Game Reserve?
We love uMkumbe for its authentic bush camp feel combined with surprising comfort. While staying inside Phinda offers ultimate immersion, uMkumbe provides a fantastic gateway with excellent guiding and a more intimate, personal atmosphere. You'll still experience incredible game drives into Phinda, but with a lodge that feels like a welcoming home base.
We're planning a trip for our anniversary. How does uMkumbe cater to couples, and what's the romantic appeal?
uMkumbe is wonderfully romantic. We found the private decks on the tents, perfect for enjoying a sundowner while listening to the bush come alive, utterly magical. The lodge staff are discreet and attentive, ensuring a peaceful and special experience without being intrusive, making it ideal for celebrating milestones.
What kind of wildlife can we realistically expect to see on game drives originating from uMkumbe?
Because uMkumbe is so close to Phinda, you're practically guaranteed to encounter the Big Five, and often multiple times. We were thrilled by the cheetah sightings and the incredible rhino populations. The expert guides know the reserve intimately, maximizing your chances for unforgettable wildlife encounters.
We're concerned about the 'tented' aspect. Are the tents comfortable and safe, especially at night?
Absolutely. The tents at uMkumbe are far from basic. We found them to be surprisingly spacious, beautifully appointed, and very secure with solid floors and sturdy canvas. You'll sleep soundly, lulled by the sounds of the African night, knowing you're perfectly safe.
What's the best time of year to visit uMkumbe Tented Bush Camp for optimal game viewing and weather?
We recommend the dry winter months, from May to October. The vegetation thins out, making wildlife spotting easier, and the temperatures are pleasantly cool, perfect for morning and evening game drives. While the summer months offer lush scenery and birding opportunities, the dry season is our top pick for sheer wildlife visibility.
Other Safari Lodges in Phinda Game Reserve
- African Spirit Game Lodge
- Aloe view rock lodge
- Amorello Bush Golf Lodge
- Backpacker & Camping
- Bayala Lodge
- Bayala Private Safari Lodges
- Bayete Private Lodge
- Campsite 19 & 20
- Campsite 21 & 22
- Campsite 23 & 24
- Crocodylus Private Sanctuary and Ostrich Farm
- Dinizulu Lodge
- Dukandlovu Rustic Camp
- Emdoneni Lodge
- eMshopi Campsite
- Executive Camp sites (7-10)
- Ezulwini Game Lodge
- Fazala Game Park and Spa
- Forest Lodge - Phinda
- Gooderson Bushlands Game Lodge
- “Hlangana” camps sites (1-6)
- Hluhluwe River Lodge
- Intibane Lodge
- Lalapanzi Combo units
- Lalapanzi Deluxe Chalets
- Leopard Mountain Lodge
- Leopard Walk Lodge
- Malala Lodge
- Mantuma Camp
- Mapita Bush Lodge
- Mavela Game Lodge
- Mfula
- Mountain Lodge - Phinda
- Mziki Office
- Nhlonhlela Bush Lodge
- Queens Deck
- Rhino River Lodge
- Rhino Sands Lodge
- Rock Lodge - Phinda
- Sand Forest Lodge Camping Hluhluwe
- "The Oval" Executive Camp sites (11-16)
- Treehouse
- Ubizane Zululand Safari Lodge
- Ubizane Zululand Tree Lodge
- uMkhuze Environmental Camp
- Vlei Lodge - Phinda
- Zebra Hills Lodge
- Zulu Nyala Game Lodge
- Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge