I researched Umlani as I was deciding between various lodges. The combination of one as the few safari lodges Fair Trade Tourism South Africa certified and the positive reviews about quality of experience settled it.

I have not much to add to other 5 star reviews. This is a place that has the comfort you need, without the unnecessary luxury that does not improve your experience (and augments your impact). Great location, wonderful staff (rangers, housekeeping, managers), tasty and healthy food and of course great wildlife experiences. And the friendly atmosphere means you go away with new friends.

We came at a difficult time. Right after the record floods, which destroyed roads, washed away bridges and made logistics a big hassle. They were the only lodge operational in the Timbavati Reserve for the first few days, showing a real commitment and good improvisation. They operated very smoothly considering the circumstances. And despite the hampered logistics, the rangers went out of their way to show us the icons and the nice surprises (like a monitor lizard in a tree).

Umlani has an unique sense of place and you go away very refreshed and thinking about when you will be able to go back.

This camp has it all. Beautiful clean romantic huts lit by oil lamps. An open air shower. The food and dining experience was superb. Our chefs, joanna and ruth, provided fantastic authentic meals. The staff were wonderful and very attentive. We had a great tracker, robert, and driver, ginger, so each safari was awesome. They were well educated on the area, the animals, and the plants. David runs that place very well and it shows through his staff and accommodations. The grounds were amazing. We wanted to feel like we were really in a true African safari experience without staying in a tent. This place has the perfect balance. We also stayed one night in the treehouse and that was amazing. A must do. I would not consider staying anywhere else.

I visited Umlani the beginning of March 2011. It was not what I expected... it was even better! The rangers were great at finding the animals, moving the vehicle to take optimal pictures, and to eductate us about all the animals (big and small). The food was also amazing and the people were extremely friendly! When I left I said I wanted to bring my family or friends back with me because it was such an amazing experience. I am happy to say, I am returning next month and my dad is coming along for the trip!

First the disclaimer, this is somewhat primitive. These are open air huts and there is no fence surrounding the camp. If you are squeamish or accustomed to only 5 star hotels, this is not the place for you. There are critters everywhere and the animals have free access to the camp.

Having said that, if you are willing to deal with a few critters, you will be handsomely rewarded! David and his staff are fantastic. They are accommodating, friendly, and genuinely interested in ensuring that all guests have a great time. The food is delicious and always involves local cuisines. The camp is an oasis of relaxation. You can sit on the deck, sipping the free drinks, and watch any number of animals drink from the waterhole. The actual photo safaris are with guides and trackers who are friendly, knowledgeable and willing to talk about the plants and animals encountered. We saw 50+ different kinds of exotic animals. On one trip alone, we saw all of the big 5. The white lion was a special treat.

Probably the highlight of the trip was the night we spent in the treehouse. It is about a mile from camp in the middle of the bush It overlooks a waterhole with a resident hippo and crocodile. We were left alone with flashlights (electric torches), mattresses covered by mosquito netting and a radio in case we needed help. During the night we heard an assortment of sounds but the highlight was when a pride of lions killed an impala on the other side of the waterhole and we were treated with sounds of growling and roaring all night long as they fought over the kill. I can't imagine a more authentic experience.