Once again i had the absolute privilege of visiting AND being able to stay at UMLANI 
BUSHCAMP www.umlani.com. As most know, this is one of my favourite camps in the bushveld. Why you ask? Well because to me, this is a true African Safari experience. Simplistic luxury. Ten stunning luxury reed and thatch huts, with on-suite bathrooms and outside showers, no electricity, no cellphones, exquisite scenery, amazing professional staff and guides AND right in the heart of Big 5 territory!! What more could you want?
Owned and founded in 1989 by Marco and Marie Louise Schiess, Umlani is perfectly positioned in the Timbavati Reserve. My stay: I was once again greeted by the awesome and very competent camp manager, Thembe, who booked me in and showed me to 
my hut/room. I was briefed about what I can and cant do,
(very important when you are in Big 5 area
) like walking alone at night, what time meals are served, facilities available etc. Dinner was served after the evening game drive, which was a delicious 3 course meal, almost entirely cooked on an open fire, after which I was able to interact with an amazing Dutch family who were in SA for the first time (always great to meet and get to know different people 
) Fell asleep to the sound of jackal calls and lions roaring in the distance. BLISS! Breakfast is served after the early morning game drive, which in summer is at 5am! As the rangers say…the early bird catches the worm
. Game viewing was fantastic. Elephants, all the antelope, lions nibbling 
on a kill, giraffe….you name it. While taking photos and making notes on the viewing deck, Thembe presented me with 
an UMLANI cap!! Wow!! I was NOT expecting that and felt quite emotional. When I was leaving ALL the staff came to say goodbye, which was another emotional moment. The staff at UMLANI love their work and this can be seen with the enthusiasm they display when dealing and chatting to guests. Thanks again Marco, Thembe, Joana and all the staff for making my stay, as always, memorable, peaceful and rejuvenating. To book at UMLANI Bushcamp, check out their website at www.umlani.com or give them a call on +27 21 785 5547.
