Warm Up with Our Stories of Winter
As the savanna’s vegetation thins, water sources dwindle, and the air turns crisp, the stage is set for unforgettable game viewing. Winter, or the dry season, in the bushveld provides intimate wildlife encounters without the need for rugged bundu bashing. Braving icy mornings is a small sacrifice compared to the rewards the bush has to offer.
Safari Diaries
Sunsets & Sun Rises Set the Tone
There is something soul-stirring about golden hour flooding the African plains, whether welcoming the morning or concluding daylight’s final act. These displays of nature take your breath away, demanding a moment of silence.
Sunsets and sunrises in the bushveld are especially theatrical during the dry, winter months.
With less moisture in the air, light scatters less, making reds, oranges, and yellows appear more vivid. Fine dust particles in the atmosphere further refract the sunlight, painting the sky in brilliant shades of gold, amber, and crimson.
Big Cat Encounters
This season, safarigoers at Umkumbe Bush Lodge were graced by the presence of multiple large cats traversing our property. Prides of lions, resident leopards and elusive cheetahs all made an appearance. As the main attraction for most travellers visiting the Greater Kruger, these encounters certainly gave guests something to write home about.
Msuthlu Pride & Gijima Males
Silence fell over the safari vehicle as it crossed paths with the Msuthlu Pride. In the flattened, dry grass – winter’s calling card – lounged 16 lionesses, cubs, and their dominant protectors. Close by, the Gijima Males – a dominant coalition of two male lions – lingered, slipping away only to return later to our property.
Every lion sighting is fascinating, but knowing the intricate social dynamics of a pride makes the encounter all the more captivating. This is why we believe in the importance of a guided safari where experts in the field can share their invaluable knowledge on the go.
Makatini Female Cheetah and Cubs
Since 2024, the Makatini Female Cheetah and her three cubs (now sub-adults) have become regular sightings in our part of the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. In a region where large lion and leopard populations have made cheetah encounters a rarity, her presence defies the norm. This has earned her the name ‘Makatini’ – Swahili for ‘grounded and sociable’ – a tribute to her remarkable nature.
Leopards
They say a leopard can’t change its spots, and we wouldn’t want them to. Since our arrival in 1937, each leopard – whether passing through our property or holding territory here – has displayed its own unique characteristics. Here are some recent leopard encounters that embody the spirit of every leopard.
Ready to Write Your Own Adventure?
Don’t let the grass grow under your feet. Although winter is a great season to visit Umkumbe Bush Lodge, there is no better time than NOW.
Whether you want to book in advance for next winter or visit at your earliest convenience, be our guest.
