Testimonials

Jutta and Peter Wallbaum - April 2010

To all members of Umlani Bushcamp begin_of_the_skype_highlighting     end_of_the_skype_highlighting!
 
Harties congratulation on your 20th anniversary!
 
We shall always remember our "dream come true" in your camp in 2007
and - maybe, if God permits - shall repeat this experience in one of the coming
years.
 
It is good to know that there are people willing to preserve wild nature without
too much of modern life facilities yet very comfortable dwelling.
 
Keep up this standard!
 
Regards from
Jutta and Peter Wallbaum
from Celle in the North of Germany

Calien and Robin Vorster - April 2010

Dear Marco, Marie and the Umlani Team,
 
Congratulations on the 20 successful years - you have given many happy and fulfilling days to all of the "Vorster Clan" - such special memories.
 
I so remember how Tosca identified with Umlani, having watched it grow from your love of the bush, Marco, which was nurtured in his strange way by "Oncle Fuld", and Mario."  With Marie sharing your vision, you have created so much more depth to the bush experience than a normal Lodge. You certainly deserve the success, best measured by the number of repeat guests that visit year after year.
 
For me a highlight was certainly my 70th birthday, with the beautiful setting in the river bed - you did me proud. Added to that was the intrigue about the "disappearance" of Pierre's 4x4!!!
 
It is also so wonderful that Poschel is now so much part of Umlani, although independent, thanks to you facilitating her own "compound" - please give her our love.
 
Sorry we did not chat more at Pierre's luncheon recently, but hope to catch up soon.
 
May the years ahead be as successful as the past 20.
 
Fond regards
 
Calien and Robin

Greenlife - March 2010

Dear Janice,
 
Thank you so much! We had an amazing time – and now we have come back to England and its snowing! We both want to be back in Africa!!  Umlani was wonderful – the only reason I would not recommend it, is that we don’t want it to be booked up for when we go back!! The hosts were warm and welcoming from the moment we arrived and our rangers Moses and Shadrack were phenomenal!
 
I have recommended that my parents go there on their holiday so do let us know if they have any special offers!!
 
Thank you again - we couldn’t have wished for a more perfect holiday and Umlani was definitely the highlight!
 
Best wishes
Mel Packer"

Anonymous - March 2010 

Christie,

Thanks for Monday. I LOVE your camp and think it is very cool. Your bush dinner on par with Singita - I think actually cooler! Loved it and well done.

Barry & Gill Wilson – Feb 2010

Dear Louise,

We stayed at Umlani 17 - 20th February and are now back home in Yorkshire. Firstly, may we thank you all - Staff, Rangers and Trackers for giving us such an enjoyable time. As we put in the visitor's book we knew it would be good, but the experience exceeded all expectations.

We will certainly be out again to stay with you and in the meantime, thanks again and we look forward to hearing from you.

Kindest regards, Barry & Gill Wilson

Rosemary Donnelly – Dec 2009

Dear Umlani people,

My son, Alexandros Zervos, forwarded your Christmas greetings to me. He and I, my daughter and sister stayed at Umlani about 5 years ago and have been talking about it as the best safari place ever since. We have been to quite a few safaris in Africa since that first one at Umlani but none ever made the same wonderful impression as yours. Our little cottage, the guides and staff, the good food served in a common dining room and an unforgettable celebration for my birthday, which I celebrated there at Umlani.

I wish you all the best of holidays for Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Sincerely,

Rosemary Donnelly 

Christine Kraukamp – Dec 2009

Dear Tarryn,

We would like to say a big thank you to the owners of Umlani Bushcamp begin_of_the_skype_highlighting     end_of_the_skype_highlighting for allowing us the opportunity to take up our prize won in the Hazyview Conservancy Birding Day recently (as arranged with Tom Vorster of Gecko Lodge) for a night at Umlani Bushcamp begin_of_the_skype_highlighting     end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

We arrived a bit later after the game grive commenced but although Louise & Kyle offered us a link-up, we were so tired, and we decided to have a lekker kip instead! We were rewarded by absolutely charming rooms and I love the outside shower/bathroom.   Really lovely. 

The setting that Umlani has is quite beautiful and very, very peaceful. We enjoyed a very nice meal prepared by the staff and enjoyed the company of Giles and his anecdotes at dinner. The other guests were really nice and I believe we all had a great evening chatting and laughing.

The morning game drive was lovely and thank goodness it was a bit over-cast as it made the drive that much more enjoyable. 

We were very well looked after. A big thank you to Louise & Kyle for a warm and friendly welcome. The staff were very friendly too! Giles is a natural at hosting guests and the overall setting, good food and good company completed the experience. Thank you again so much.

I had been wanting to visit Umlani myself before as we receive the African Outposts/ Peregrine guests on the Thursday that they leave Umlani and so it is a pleasure to now know what the guests experience. 

I have taken some of your brochures and will put them up in my brochure rack here at Chestnut Country Lodge and recommend Umlani with no hesitation.

Many thanks and warm regards,

Christine & Juan

To Escape To - Nov 2009

Hi There

I just wanted to say a huge 'Thank You' for accommodating Neal and myself on 8th November when we were on site inspection at Umlani. We really had a fantastic time and were made to feel very welcome. Umlani truly is a special place and we both feel very lucky to have experienced it and to have met all of the staff. A special thanks to Thembie for greeting us and giving us a tour of the property and to all of the other guys who made our stay special.

Kind Regards,

Ursula

M&M Solutions - Oct 2009

Dear All at Umlani,

Just thought I would write to tell you how much the Richter Group enjoyed their stay with you from the 19th to 21st October. They could not get over the way you created two lovely levels of sleeping accommodation in the tree house for them within the short spate of time after we had collected then from their afternoon stay in the tree house. They appreciated the extremely friendly and helpful attitude of all of you, enjoyed the food and loved all the sightings. The 600 buffaloes at the big waterhole were unbelievable. Their only regret was that they would have liked to have stayed longer and were quite jealous of the Australians who were with Memory and staying until the Friday.

Many thanks and enjoy and appreciate the bush every day!

Erica Klocke

Arjan van Hof , Tim & Luuk – Oct 2009

Thanks again very much for the way you spoiled us at Umlani from 11 thru 14 October. We enjoyed the game-drives and the lovely food. I was totally overwhelmed by Jimmy who brought my sons medication, which I had forgotten, all the way to the cheetah park. Thanks again very much and I will be back some day.

Dear All
 
I just wanted to thank all of you on behalf of myself, Meg, Tom and Sean for the wonderful few days we spent with you earlier on this month. My visit to Umlani was one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
 
I have been to Africa before but Umlani and its staff in particular and the Timbavati in general is clearly an asset of which all mankind should be grateful and we were lucky and privileged to have experienced all of it with you.
 
I sincerely hope we will return and whilst some of you will no doubt have moved on by then I wanted to make sure you understood what a wonderful and life changing experience you gave us. 
 
Thank you.

Martin

Jim Mathew - Aug 2009

Hi Tarryn
 
Just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for organising the cakes for my wife and Dad during our stay at Umlani. We had a great time at the camp. Saw the big five including cheetah. The rangers were absolutely great and took us right up to the animals. It was well organised and the camp was great too. We really enjoyed ourselves and we plan to visit Umlani again!!!
 
Once again, many thanks
 
Jim

Seagull Rob – July 2009

This is my favourite place in Africa (not that I'm a regular - this was my second trip to South Africa in less than a year), but it is terrific.

I've added mainly photos of the camp, so readers can see the style of accommodation. Yes, the rooms (rondavels - round thatched huts) had no electricity, but don't be put off - that just made it better. The paraffin lamps give it atmosphere - it is a bushcamp after all. There was electricity at the office for charging camera batteries, laptops, etc. The shower was an outside one (but still private), with hot and cold running water, little bottles of shampoo, soap, etc. The toilet in the rondavel flushed. The bed was comfortable, and the turndown service lovely.

The surroundings were fabulous - the pool, a bar, the boma, the dining area with linen napkins folded into different birds. There's a waterhole nearby which is frequented by animals (sometimes they drink from the pool instead). We did a guided walk from the camp too. You can plainly hear the lions roaring at night.

Everything in our package was paid for - drinks (alcoholic too) and food. They call you from the boma (sitting around a fire with a drink comparing what you saw today) with a drum. The food (breakfast, lunch and dinner) was exquisite. Porsche (I don't know if I've spelt her name correctly - apologies - Formen's wife) cooked the best ostrich I've ever tasted (and I've had it a few times - it's a red meat, like choice steak).

We stayed a night in the treehouse overlooking another waterhole. Given what it is (i.e. a treehouse), it, too, was comfortable.

The game drives are in powerful go-anywhere open land rovers that seat up to 10 passengers, plus a driver and spotter on the front. They were great.

And the animals we saw...! The big 5 all in one day. We were amongst herds of elephant with tiny babies; saw a day-old giraffe suckling; a baby elephant suckling; a baby zebra suckling; in middle of a herd of some 600 Cape buffalo sprinting for the waterhole (surprising the hippo already in there); lions within metres snoozing, drinking and snarling and generally posing for the camera; white rhino a few metres away (and we saw a few), followed a leopard around for a while; vervet monkeys, baboon, impala, gnu, a huge African python, steenbok, kudu, warthog, birds galore (including the flying banana bird). We didn't see every type of animal we would have liked, but I guess few do. Others who we met saw lion cubs, hyena, cheetahs, bush babies and wild dogs.

I can't speak highly enough of Umlani, Formen and the staff, and the overall experience.

Candela – May 2009

We stayed at Umlani for 3 or 4 nights during a 9 day Safari on a self-drive through Kruger National Park and Timbavati Reserve. Umlani provides a simply outstanding experience at a great price. The nice rondavel huts opened onto your own private outdoor shower provided an amazing experience like you felt you were really camping among the animals in the bushveld... with a few interesting sounds throughout the night. Every morning you would find new animal prints around your hut. There is no fencing around this camp so at night an armed guide needs to escort you back to your hut. They give you a whistle to hang by the bed and instruct you to blow it should anything come into your hut at night (this never happened). In the winter they also give you a hot water bottle at the end of the night to warm up your bed as the nights can get cold with no electricity at the camp to heat things up... of course everything is lit with lanterns which makes the whole experience wonderfully romantic and quite special.

The game drives are really the best we experienced. We had incredible experiences and saw so much - all the Big Five and more. We went on some amazing guided walks through the bush - where we snuck up on a herd of sleeping rhinos, came close to a pride of lions we had seen earlier in the day from the Land Rover - these and more are all unparalled experiences I'll never forget. Those and the Sundowers!

The food was quite good too with nice wine and other drinks to complement everything. Overall a fabulous experience!!!

Anonymous – April 2009

Of all the places we went to in South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana, Umlani was by far the best experience we have ever had. The staff were fantastic, the food was absolutely delicious and we were awe struck by the amazing animals we saw. I have wanted to go to Africa for approximately 20 years and finally in 2008 my dream came true. We saw the majestic Victoria Falls and did an amazing river cruise in Botswana, but nothing compares to Umlani. The time spent there was the highlight of our tour. Having the lamps at night guiding you back to the rondavels after just finishing a very tasty meal was lovely. It was very clean and expertly run and I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking of going to South Africa. It has got the best atmosphere. Please don't change it in any way or form, it is perfect as it is.
 

Colin Voise – March 2009

Well, what a transformation from last September to now, well done to you and the rest of your team. On the flight back to the U.K., first time Marilyn and I had a chance to reflect on our time at Umlani, and came to the conclusion it was the best time ever!!!!!!!!

Problem is where to start, first time I still have shivers thinking about each member of your team that made it so enjoyable, so I will start at the beginning and hope I do not bore you.

Before I even opened the car door on arrival, Helen was there arms open and a beaming smile, shortly to be followed by other members of the team. We arrived after lunch and had even saved some for us, what a thought.

Hut 8 is very nice, very good space, room to hang clothes on both sides for his and hers and love the shower outside, water was always hot, loo rolls always replenished and yes the bird bath outside, more about that later.

First game drive was going to be with Jimmy, but Elvis ( Say my name 'Mr Safari' as broadcasted throughout Timbavati ) was not having that and re-arranged the guests so we would be on his Land Rover. Wow, I now think he is the best Ranger you have ever had, even tops Foreman. His communication skills are now superb, understanding who is on board what they are interested in or not due to being un-informed and ensuring everyone goes away with a much broader understanding of the bush. I will give you just one example. We had an American couple on board for 3 nights, mum and daughter that initially just thought of seeing the big 5. Due to Elvis skills, eventually they were asking questions on every thing from insects, plants, trees, birds, small mammals to the big ones and taking it all in and will definitely come back to Umlani, they even came with us far a talk on Save The Elephants Transboundry Project by Tanda Tula. Marco, Dr Michelle said if you ever have guests at Umlani that cannot get to her office she will come to Umlani as she does to the other camps for a talk lasting about 1 hour, was very informative and she is self funding and only data is shared around Africa with the other regions.

Elvis does not even have to be told where to position the vehicle light wise for video or photography, ensuring people on both sides get their share. His project on this trip was to get me to learn the flowers of the bush, he knows all the Latin names, I felt very inadequate, but then I realised that Shadrack his tracker and the others did not know either, so I felt much better. In fact Shadrack was also starting to become interested, so a book I bought in Hoedspruit on flowers and trees I left behind for him. (Good excuse for me not to do any homework for when I return again!)

The food was excellent, could not fault it. Your two assistants to Helen and Dale, Angela and Yvonne were absolutely charming. I think Angela was only with us for two days before going on leave. Always a smile on her face, a perfect hostess to all when Helen and Dale had a night off, ensuring everyone had a drink aided by the nominated ranger or tracker that was on dinner duty (very good idea) and any other questions/queries people had without having to leave their seat. Yvonne, well what a little bubble of enthusiasm she is, again played the perfect hostess, would almost fall over backwards to help your guests.

Helen and Dale, what can I say, I now have a tear in my eye in the thought they are leaving, they have done wonders to your camp, I feel sure it must have been difficult for them in the beginning to obtain respect of the staff, but it sure looks ok now. I hope your new choice works out. I feel the handover period may not be long enough, but feel sure if Angela and Yvonne are allowed to control the reins and if resistance is felt, feel free to advise you immediately, then things should continue to run smoothly.

Marco, just a couple of things that could possibly be noted (do not remember if I told Dale)

1. Approaching the camp off Entrance Road, one comes to a fork in the road, on the right you see the overhead HT cable, on the left you only initially see the track, no sign is up and two separate guests took the rt track and landed up in the staff quarters.

2. Hut 8 bird bath is to the rt if standing inside. The hinges on the door are on the left, so one cannot have a small gap to put ones camera lens through. Ideally if the door is split like before, the bottom half can be closed for the lens to rest on.

3. I cannot see the point of a Yale lock on the door being a private camp, especially when there is a safe as all staff have access to the hut anyway, I think it is asking for lost and locked in keys.

So Marco, many thanks to you and all your team for a very enjoyable holiday at Umlani, we must have a party next year, as it will be 20 years coming to the camp, the first visit was our honeymoon.

Very best wishes for now,

Colin and Marilyn Voisey.

Penelope – March 2009

We were wondering what to expect when we arrived at Umlani Bushcamp begin_of_the_skype_highlighting     end_of_the_skype_highlighting on the private game reserve of Timbavati for 4 nights having flown from Jo'burg to Hoedspruit. Well we weren't disappointed! Our room was a reed thatched rondavel overlooking the garden and dry riverbed. There is only electricity in the main office, so everything else is lit by paraffin lamps. Our room was basic but comfortable with a bathroom outside. The camp has no fences so any animals are free to wander in. One night we had baboons jumping on our roof and a male elephant uprooted a tree in the riverbed. A black mamba slithered past unperturbed while we were reading books in the garden!

There were 2 game drives a day, we were woken at 5am for the first and clambered into an open 8 seater 4x4 after coffee. We were lucky to have a great ranger and tracker, Elvis and Shadrack, who came up with the goods every day! We saw the Big 5 most days and drove off track over trees to get to them. It was all exciting stuff as we got scarily close and were actually charged by an angry bull elephant and Elvis backed the 4x4 at breakneck speed to escape!

We returned to a lovely cooked breakfast. There are only 16 people maximum staying at the camp at one time. Some meals we were joined by one or both of the managers, Helen and Dale, and the staff Yvonne, Angie and sometimes Elvis. We had local cuisine, beautifully cooked lunches and dinners with a free bar. Lunch was served in the bar on a deck overlooking the riverbed.

After the evening drive we would return for drinks in the boma round the bonfire and then go into have a friendly candlelit dinner where the wine flowed! It was a wonderful experience and neither of us wanted to leave!

Lynda Marquis – March 2009

Hello Tarryn

We are now back home in chilly Scotland and I would like to pass on my thanks to all the lovely staff at Umlani who made us feel so welcome.  We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.  The food was delicious and our 'safaris' were fantastic - thank you Shad and Elvis.  (They also make very good G & T sundowners).  My husband has spent the best part of the last few days printing out our photographs and it is lovely to relive our holiday all over again.  We loved the relaxed atmosphere and the pleasant surroundings. 

Many thanks to all & Kind Regards.

Lynda, Ron & Irene Marquis

Geir A.Olsen – Feb 2009

Two weeks ago my wife and I with two friends spent 3 nights in your beautiful camp. We want to thank you for one of the most exciting time in our lives. A special thanks to our ranger Ginger and his tracker Martin for the very nice days and nights we spent with them. Also the splendid food you served in the Boma every night. Thank you again and we hope to see you again some time.

Best regards,

Two couples from Norway on 25 years honeymoon trip.

Ruth Christoffersen – Feb 2009

Hi my dear friends!

How I miss Umlani - and all of you! SO great to stay with you, wish I had stayed some more days. I did not really feel good at the place I stayed at before, and what I went to see could be seen from Umlani. Next time!!! I really would like to come back to meet you all lovely people. I have a lot of good pictures, will send you some later. Right now I'm preparing lectures for my audience 12 & 26 Feb. (Cape Town etc.) about Umlani and my fantastic time with you.

My love to you all
Ruth
(Denmark)

Scandiafrica – Feb 2009

Hi Tarryn

I want to say a BIG thank you for taking such a good care of our guests Mr Jan Österlind and wife who stayed at Umlani 30/1-1/2. They were SOOOOO pleased with their stay. Please forward a BIG thank you to everyone at Umlani.

Best regards,

Anna Byren

Cheryl Young - Jan 2009

Umlani Bush Camp was the most awesome holiday I've ever had in my entire life. To all the staff congratulations on the best place ever on earth! Our family loved every minute of it. Jimmy & Moses you were the greatest!  

Tom Morgan – Jan 2009

Hi every body

I just wanted to say thank you for such a lovely trip when i visited. How are Moses, Jimmy, Elvis and Shadrack? I just wanted to say thank you very much for posting my pictures on the website and giving me credit. It is such an honour. Once again thank you for such a great trip, it was truly unforgettable.

Thank you & Kind regards,

Tom Morgan

Danielle Liska – Jan 2009

I would like to thank you for the nice stay we had. We would like to make a special thank to Ginger and Hendrik, because of them we saw very nice animals and made very nice pictures. We also liked the bushlife in your lodge and the friendly attitude of all staff.

Thanks a lot.

Regards

Danielle Liska and Philippe Wannecque

Karin & Manfred Bude – Dec 2008

Hello, dear friends at Umlani

One day before Christmas I received the parcel with my forgotten pyjamas. Thank you very much for sending it to my German home. I apologise for causing you so much extra work and trouble just because of my carelessness. I promise next time I will pay more attention to my belongings.

We, my wife Karin and I, left SA about a fortnight ago. But still our thoughts go back to your beautiful country and especially to the time we spent at Umlani. It was again an exciting time at your bushcamp. The large herds of buffalos and elephants but also the wide variety of antelopes were impressive. And finally another highlight: mating lions! It was a magnificent stay and we wish we could come back.

Now we wish all of you a Happy New Year with good health, many interesting visitors and exciting drives. Our special wishes and greetings go to Ginger and Hendrik.

Take our kindest regards and love

Yours,

Manfred and Karin

Joyce – Sep 2008

Great natural bush camp in the Timbavati Game reserve near Kruger. We loved staying in the reed and thatched roof rondavels that had no electricity, but were lit by kerosene lanterns. This added to the atmosphere. The outdoor shower was wonderful, too. The game viewing was great. Upon arrival we were greeted by 25 elephants coming into camp for a drink at the pool!!!! We stayed at this camp for 3 nights and everyday the elephants came into camp for a drink. I guess they preferred the pool water over the water at the waterhole!!!! Sitting on the deck you could watch kudos, giraffes, warthogs, elephants, nyalas and impalas roam in for a drink at the waterhole. At night you could hear the hyenas and one night a lion was seen at the staff quarters!!!! We had great game viewing, saw lions on almost every drive, as well as two great close leopard sightings. This was a wonderful camp for anyone who likes being close to animals and nature in the bush!!!!

Anonymous – Aug 2008

Rustic but comfortable. No electricity but wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Taking a shower looking up at the stars was the best. The staff was friendly and accommodating and of course the animals were amazing. Saw baby lion cubs, leopards, wild dog (unusual), elephants, giraffe, hippo, zebra etc. The food was basic, abundant and good. The pool was more or less just a watering hole for the elephants. Great Value!!!

Sam – June 2008

Umlani, great stay, great lodging

Stayed for two nights, it's a camp without electricity so it get's pretty dark in the evening. If you get back from the wildlife drive, there are everywhere small lights.

Food was excellent
Service and house keeping excellent.
Wildlife drives were great

Just a beautiful place in the middle of the savannah

Lyndall Helm - March 2008

Its been one year today since I arrived at Umlani and there hasn't been a day pass that I don't think about it. It was the best holiday ever and I can't wait to get back there. A big hello to everyone at the camp and thanks for making our stay so fantastic xoxoxo