Sabi Sand Cats Spotted at Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside

The world-renowned Sabi Sand is a major drawcard for safari-goers from around the world, and is certainly on the map as being one of southern Africa’s “known” big cat destinations. Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside is well-placed to take advantage of the abundant game viewing opportunities that present themselves on a daily basis. Regular visual updates from Shan and Justin prove that Umkumbe is in the hot seat of sightings. And it’s not just the big cats making an appearance, it’s the jumbos, jittery wild dogs, and jovial dwarf mongoose.

Right now, it’s all happening on Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside’s esteemed traverse. To spot a few of these famous Sabi Sand cats, head to this rustic lodge on the banks of the Sand River. You won’t be disappointed.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside is owner managed and run, and is one of the longstanding lodges in the Sabi Sand region. For many years Umkumbe has been the first point of call for passionate big cat fans because of the abundant leopard sightings. Over recent years, the number of lion pride sightings also increased, making Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside a go-to destination for the budget conscious traveller seeking a personal, rustic and real South African safari experience.

The lodge consists of ten chalets/rooms with most overlooking the seasonal Sand River, and a beautiful pool area surrounded by wooden decking. Guests regularly see elephants, hippos, buffalo and antelope grazing in the river bed. Leopards and lions are no stranger to the riverbed in front of camp – do be on the lookout for these infamous Sabi Sand cats! Additional facilities include a swimming pool, lounge, bar and dining area and the traditional boma, where guests will be served delicious and hearty South African meals.

Here are a few updates from the lodge, courtesy of Shan Erasmus and Justin.

Nweti leopard mating with Ntsumi female leopard
Ntsumi’s young leopard cub is still alive and doing well
Ndzanzeni leopardess was spotted looking for her cub
New female leopard called Mashaba spotted in the area, who comes from a neighbouring traverse
The team witnessed an incredible interaction between wild dogs and hyena
Currently, the lion pride dynamics are getting quite interesting.
A N’wasishaka male lion was heard roaring and contact calling close to a game viewer
Another N’wasishaka male lion was seen mating with a Kambula female

Without further ado, here is a gallery of images taken during the past few weeks.

7 Things We Love About Mankwe Tented Retreat

Mankwe Tented Retreat is a beautiful sanctuary of a lodge located on the edge of the famed Moremi Game Reserve, which means plenty of opportunity to spot predators. There are many reasons to love this lodge, but these are the 7 things that we really love about Mankwe Tented Retreat.

Mankwe’s Impressive Traverse

Mankwe Tented Retreat is situated on a 365 000 hectare concession of game-rich terrain on the outskirts of the Moremi Game Reserve, close to where the Okavango Delta’s meandering crystalline channels extend into iconic semi-arid Kalahari landscapes. In addition to the standard traverse, there is 20 000 hectares of predator-rich turf along the banks of the famed Khwai River.

Architecture and Design

Mankwe’s entire lodge is built with a sanctuary in mind, where simple wood structures provide the perfect place to relax. The wooded lodge looks like an extension of the wild tucked away in a grove of mopane trees and mysterious woodlands. Decor is mainly gentle hues that blend in with the lavishness of emerald colour plants and softness of cream from furnishings. A beautiful, simple palette that oozes that sanctuary feel.

Two Swimming Pools

It’s without a doubt that Mankwe Tented Retreat has the best safari lodge swimming pools. Because of the lodge’s potential capacity, it was decided to build two swimming pools to give guests abundant space for cooling off, as well as space to soak up the sun. One of the pools has a tranquil pool bar, which is the perfect place to kick back with a few drinks.

Sundowner Sessions

Nothing beats a Botswana sunset. The sky sinks into the flat landscapes, making the wide open spaces seem wider. Skies merge easily from pink to mandarin, and blazing oranges. To celebrate golden hour, the team at Mankwe pulls out all the stops. A sublime spot around a waterhole is where the team drops anchor, and drinks are enjoyed.

Game Viewing Opportunities

Elephants walk the earth around the lodge in great numbers, and can often be spotted ambling contently through the grounds. The on-site waterhole is a great source of attraction for elephants who flock to the waterhole for playtime. Other mammals to look out for are Cape buffalo, giraffe, zebra, hippo, lechwe, tsessebe, blue wildebeest, springbok, kudu, sable, warthog, and baboon. The best chance of spotting predators is on the Khwai riverfront.

Rooms are Like Suites

Mankwe Tented Retreat is home to 10 Meru-style tented suites all individually decorated and built on raised wooden platforms. Suites extend onto private decks with a view of the untamed bush, while canvas canopy roofs cover the deck and outdoor furniture. The tented suites are an exciting fusion of bushveld delights with Scandinavian style with their sophisticated log cabin feel.

Spa Treatments

Mankwe offers a selection of spa treatments which need to be booked in advance. The small spa treatment room is just another added benefit to staying at this comfortable sanctuary style lodge. Relax and pamper yourself as you fall asleep to the choir of birdsong and the distant rumble of elephants in the background.

Landscapes and Life in the Okavango Delta

The mysterious landscapes and varied ecosystems of the Okavango Delta provide the perfect playground for a wealth of species to thrive. This intact wetland system is a World Heritage Site that forms part of the African Rift Valley System, and is an absolute mecca of rare beauty that seeks to inspire. Characterised by a mosaic of lagoons, marshlands, papyrus-lined waterways, islands, and Kalahari desert floodplains fed by crystalline waters, it comes as no surprise that the dashing Delta is a sough-after safari destination. For those postcard perfect moments that trigger envy among your friends, stay at Mboma Island Expeditions!

Mboma Island Expeditions is a mobile camping safari set on the shores of the Okavango Delta in a busy wildlife area. Views of swaying palms and vistas of waterlogged floodplains provide an idyllic backdrop for your wildlife photos. For the perfect adventurous and activity-based safari, Mboma should be your first port of call.

The most popular activity at Mboma Island Expeditions camp is the mokoro safari. A casual meander through the reed lined channels in a dugout canoe is a must-do in Botswana. This adventurous game viewing activity isn’t possible anywhere else in the world, and it introduces you to a new way of viewing the wonders of the world around you.

An experienced poler glides the vessel through a labyrinth of waterways while you to take the opportunity to spot game. Peeping through the reeds you might spot a shy sitatunga antelope or the gentle waterbuck knee deep in lily-covered waters. One thing’s for certain, you’re bound to spot prolific birdlife skimming the waterways or wading in the depths.

From African jacana to slaty egrets, spoonbills, saddle-billed storks, and an array of geese; there are plenty of water loving avifauna to spot. There are also opportunities to spot rarities such as the Pel’s fishing owl, African fish eagle and malachite kingfishers.The waterways are filled with birdlife, which is not surprising given that the Delta is home to over 400 species of bird. Don’t forget to look down while cruising through the waters – there are plenty of fish below the surface.

To get to the area where the mokoro adventures take place, a short boat journey is required. Boating on the open waterways opens the window to spotting elephants and hippos, which are often absent from the narrower channels where mokoros take place.

A safari experience isn’t the same without a game drive, which Mboma also offers. Drives take place in the world-renown Moremi Game Reserve, a paradise for Big 5 predators. It’s here where you can use your eagle-eyes to spot leopard, lions, African wild dogs, white rhino, cheetah, and more. The season for wild dogs is usually from May to August, when the packs become more sedentary because it’s their denning period. During this time the bushveld is also at its thinnest, making it easier to spot big game.

Mboma ensures that every game viewing opportunity is maximised, allowing you to spot some of the world’s rarest wildlife.

Safari Lodges Close to Moremi Game Reserve

There are a few safari lodges close to Moremi Game Reserve, but none as impressive as the refreshing and inimitable Mankwe Tented Retreat. Situated a mere 50 km from North Gate and 55 km from South Gate, Mankwe is perfectly positioned to take advantage of all that the Moremi has to offer. The drive to the Moremi gate is also an adventure, one which usually leads to plenty of sightings. Can you imagine ticking off a few bird species before you’ve even entered the Moremi gate?

Mankwe itself is located in prestigious territory where the wildlife roams freely throughout. The traverse encompasses a portion of the predator-rich Khwai River frontage, while surrounding the lodge is the most archetypal bushveld vegetation comprising blocks of mopane woodlands and open plains. There’s no denying that Mankwe offers its guests a wealth of opportunities to spot game in diverse ecosystems.

The famed Khwai river is the overflow of the Okavango Delta and is bordered by the northern region of the Moremi Game Reserve. It’s the life source for wildlife streaming in from desert landscapes, while the terrain around the river Khwai is characterised by lagoons, islands, and grasslands. It is also part of the migratory bird route. Combining the Khwai with day trips into the Moremi, and explorations around the hallowed grounds at camp, will leave a lasting impression.

Most of the safari activities at Mankwe circulate around daily game drives and excursions into the bordering Moremi Game Reserve. Safari-goers can enjoy morning and afternoon games in the concession on days when they’re not out on day trips in the Moremi. In addition, the intrepid team at Mankwe take guests out night drives to find the nocturnal predators. Using a flashlight and expert tracking skills, the team are pretty successful at finding wildlife.

Wildlife and birdlife to spot in the area includes, but is not limited to:

Cape buffalo
Lechwe
Hippo
Leopard
African wild dog
Lion
Sitatunga
Sable
Wattled cranes, storks, egrets, African jacanas, woodland birds, and a host of king fishers.
Pel’s fishing-owl, African fish eagle, vultures, falcons, and more.

After a day spent exploring all that Botswana has to offer, guests can retire in absolute splendour to their wooden tented suite. Choose Mankwe Tented Retreat as your top choice of safari lodges close to Moremi Game Reserve.

Combine a Kruger Walking Safari with a Lodge Stay

The 3-day Africa on Foot Wilderness Trail has grown in popularity since its inception a few years ago. Eager trailblazers have been hotfooting to Kruger to immerse themselves in the wild, while soaking up the rustic atmosphere of camp life. After 3 days of a mind blowing Kruger walking safari and soaking up the splendour of the Greater Balule on foot, it’s quite nice to finish off with a touch of luxury. Trails pairs perfectly with its luxury sister, Chacma Bush Camp. We recommend a 2-night stay at Chacma for some downtime after your rewarding Kruger bush walking experience. If you’re a self-driver, you will need to leave your car at Chacma anyway, so you might as well book in for a couple of nights.

Chacma Bush Camp

Charming Chacma is an intimate Big 5 safari lodge located in the Maseke Game Reserve in Greater Balule. The camp’s perimeter is a major drawcard for a wealth of wildlife because of the varied vegetation and abundant prey sources. Elephants, bushbuck, kudu and plains game are commonly spotted in these woodlands, and can be viewed from the comfort of the deck area surrounding the sparkling swimming pool.

Right in front of camp is a waterhole frequented by elephants, kingfishers, and a plenty of other wildlife. Just behind the camp is a beautiful rocky outcrop where leopards have been spotted. The setting at Chacma is spectacular, and guests are often awed by the profusion of game on the camp’s surrounds. Unlike the walking safaris, Chacma’s activities are centred around two game drives a day that meander their way across undulating rocky terrain, unique to the Kruger.

Africa on Foot Wilderness Trails

Trails is the pinnacle of any Kruger walking safari, and encourages active trailblazers to truly immerse themselves in the wild. For 3 nights walkers can enjoy a comfortable camp set-up in a different location each night. The entire camp is set up for you prior to arrival. You have one job: to enjoy yourself and learn about the wild.

Qualified and passionate guides take you on a journey following in the footsteps of the herbivorous mammals and the carnivorous species of the bushveld, while ensuring you learn about the smaller things beneath your foot. Morning walks usually take about 3-4 hours and then a lunch break. After eating and observing your surrounds, you’ll head out on an afternoon walk for 2-3 hours, and then retire to camp at +-15h00. Most evenings are spent sitting around a roaring campfire with a drink in hand, listening to the echoing sounds of honking hippos and distant lion roars. Nights are spent in the comfort of a classic safari-style dome tent with private facilities, and invigorating outdoor showers.

Chobe Lion Pride Spotted at Mankwe Tented Retreat

A Chobe Lion Pride, called the Mababe Pride, has claimed territory in the southern stretches of the Chobe, and they’re well-known for their marauding antics within the NG41 private concession, which is approximately 6 kilometres from Mankwe Tented Retreat. This strong pride is the largest local pride in the Khwai and surrounding area, providing eager safari-goers with regular sightings for their predator logbook. Recently, camp manager Yolande spotted the Mababe Chobe Lion Pride around a local waterhole, seemingly relaxed and playful in their environment.

Lions traverse wide territories that spill across a multitude of reserves and concessions. Lone males and coalitions of brothers strut around in search of prides to dominate, and cover a far wider distribution than their female counterparts. Lionesses tend to claim smaller territories that are rich with prey sources and potential den sites.

Chobe Lion Pride

This strong and healthy Chobe lion pride was spotted rolling around on the “beach” area around a waterhole. The entire pride seemed quite habituated to the presence of the vehicle, and completely non-plussed. In this particular sighting, the burgeoning lion cubs decided to approach the wheels of the vehicle to investigate.

The lion cubs were investigating, sniffing, and flopping around the vehicle. In the shrubbery around the waterhole, the mother lioness appeared to be on edge. With her guttural cough, she was contact calling her cubs who weren’t heeding to her calling. There was a lot going on around the waterhole!

Yolande also mentioned that there were two males with the pride who’d recently made a buffalo kill. The pride was probably still in relaxation mode after their hefty feast. Mankwe Tented Retreat’s traverse has access to some of the prime predator viewing spots along the Khwai Riverfront.

Choose Mboma For Your Okavango Delta Mobile Safari

A Botswana mobile safari is a back-to-basics experience designed to showcase the wild from a unique, off-the-beaten track perspective. Days are spent exploring the wild with local guides, while evenings are spent relaxing around a campfire in remote regions away from where tourist-type safari goers frequent. The quintessential mobile safari is akin to glamping: tents are set-up for you, and you don’t have to lift a finger. A mobile safari in the Okavango Delta should be your first port of call when opting for a more adventurous safari experience. And you should choose Mboma Island Expeditions – if not for their awe-inspiring location, then for their simple sense of mobile safari luxury.

If you’ve followed us closely, you’re certainly no stranger to Mboma Island Expeditions. We’ve shared refreshing images of the cuisine, interiors, and friendly faces at this charming and quintessential Botswana mobile safari camp. But what we haven’t done is introduce you to their backyard, and how the team maximise the safari experience by offering an array of immersive activities.

So, just WHERE is Mboma situated? In a sliver of wilderness paradise in one of 3 remote camp sites on the tip of the game rich Moremi Game Reserve. The campsites are located on the floodplains of the meeting point of the Okavango Delta’s waters and the Moremi’s grassland terrain. The camp is flanked by swaying palm trees, and open sections of savannah leading down to reed-lined waterways. For landscape photography, this is the place to be. That iconic shot with the elephant in the foreground with tropical palms resting against blood orange skies? That can be photographed in Mboma’s backyard, along with plenty of other wonderful sightings.

Okavango Delta Mobile Safari Activities

Mboma’s Okavango Delta mobile safari activities range from game drives to boating, and traditional mokoro. Each activity introduces adventurers to a new way of experiencing the wild, and offers abundant opportunities to spot game from unique angles. There are huge herds of elephants in the area, so it’s pretty common to spot giant jumbos around every corner. Birders can delight in knowing that this is the home of waders, kingfishers, and huge birds of prey. And yes – predators are rife in the area!

Game drives are conducted in open-topped game viewers and led by knowledgeable and friendly guides. Drives take place in the Moremi Game Reserve where it’s highly probable that you’ll spot big cats. Most wildlife in the Moremi has become accustomed to the presence of game viewers, and don’t see them as a threat. Guests can enjoy up close and personal sightings of wildlife.

When the water levels are high, Mboma uses motorised boats to explore the mosaic of papyrus-lined water channels and lagoons that make up the Okavango Delta. Boating is ideal for photographers and birders, as there is ample room to keep your equipment.

Another exciting activity is the traditional mokoro experience, one of the main highlights of any Okavango Delta safari. A mokoro is a traditional dugout canoe that is used to navigate narrow channels of the Delta, and is controlled by a professional poler who will guide you through the waters. A mokoro excursion provides ample opportunity to see the smaller things like painted reed frogs, sitatunga, and malachite kingfishers.

Little Lion Cubs in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve

A few years ago the Vuyela male lions made their presence known on the Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp traverse. These burgeoning beasts embodied the male lion stereotype and were looking for territory to claim. They entered at the right time. The pride dynamics in this section of the Klaserie were complicated, and at the time there seemed to be a gap for a powerful coalition to take over. The Vuyelas quickly seized the opportunity to make this portion of the Klaserie their stomping grounds. Their burly bodies, lustrous manes, confidence, and sheer power quickly caught the eye of three local lionesses, who are believed to be the Ross breakaways. To cut a long story short, they all mated and now we have lion cubs in the Klaserie sired by the Vuyela Kings.

If you recall, Warick Wrede said this, “Vuyelwa/Vuyela means to come back and they are a lion pride of 9 individuals. The make-up of this pride is 5 males and 4 females. No one is sure of where these 5 males come from, but we think they came in from the Kruger National Park. The males range in age from 7 to about 9 years of age. These 5 males are very seldom seen walking together and generally, we see at the most 2 together.”

Over the past two months, we’ve received regular lion updates from Warick Wrede and guides “on the ground”. Whether it’s a sighting of two Vuyelas, the females, or the entire pride, there now appears to be regular lion sightings in the Klaserie. One of the most recent and memorable sightings includes a report from Fabien who says he followed the 5 Vuyelas to Buffeldam, where there were the Ross breakaway females. A huge scuffle with a clan of hyenas ensued, giving onlookers quite the show.

On 14th Jan, the first lion cub was spotted, and since then there have been a few more notable sightings. Because lion cubs have a high mortality rate in the wild, lionesses will ensure cubs remain relatively hidden until they are more mobile. So far, the cubs are faring well in the wild, and we expect to see more sightings of them in the coming months.

African Retreats: Are Nambu and Kingly the Perfect Couple?

Yes. Nambu and Kingly are the perfect couple!

The next installment of our monthly African Retreats blog features two contrasting camps that would make the perfect couple if paired together for the ultimate Kruger safari experience. So vastly different in their architecture, but at the core, both these camps have a warm atmosphere, exceptional game viewing, and prioritize the needs of guests. Kingly Explorer Camp is a traditional bush camp offering rustic accommodation in private Meru-style tents with en-suite bathrooms, while Nambu Camp offers stylish safari-style bedrooms in thatched chalets. Combine a stay at Kingly for that safari lifestyle back-to-basics vibe, and finish off at Nambu for a stylish safari experience.

About Kingly Explorer Camp

Kingly Explorer Camp is the quintessential Kruger bush camp that encapsulates the true heart and soul of the ancient explorer. Ideally located in a lesser-known, relatively unexplored section of the Kruger teeming with predators makes Kingly a destination worth exploring. Safari activities include daily game drives, and the option of joining a unique boat cruise on the might Olifants River. The boat cruise really is an unusual activity in the Kruger, and is a wonderful addition to the standard land-based safari experience.

When you stay at Kingly, you’ll follow the footsteps of true adventurers from a bygone era where the focus is on wildlife and wild times. Although rustic, the team at Kingly understands the importance of creature comforts from home. Sturdy canvas Meru-style tents built on raised timber decking provide an adequate level of comfort and privacy for guests. An en suite bathroom complete with outdoor shower provides the perfect place to enjoy a completely invigorating outdoor experience.

Kingly’s main area comprises a small splash pool overlooking a wildlife-rich waterhole frequented by elephants, a boma with firepit, and a small safari dining space. There’s also a viewing area that provides front-row seats to the thriving waterhole.

To start your safari itinerary, we’d recommend 3 nights at Kingly Explorer Camp.

About Nambu Camp

Nambu Camp is a simple yet luxury safari lodge located in the world-renown Balule Nature Reserve. The name Nambu means ‘river’, and was named after the river that runs through the traverse. The camp has a total of 6 safari-style bedrooms, all of which have double, modern bathrooms and an outside seating area. Nambu is owner-run and managed, and has a relaxed atmosphere with fine attention to detail. Guests can expect natural, safari-style décor throughout, and elegant raised wooden pathways that wind their way through the camp and gardens.

During the heat of the day, relax by the camp’s poolside or bird watch from the lodge’s vast viewing platform before a mid-day brunch up at the main camp. When it comes to cuisine, Nambu is right up there with the best of them. From crafting tonic water to homemade meals from local produce, Nambu always delivers up a smorgasbord of delights.

In keeping true to safari traditions, there are two activities per day, situated in a big five reserve. You have the choice to head out on foot or on a game drive to explore this vast and diverse landscape. The lodge overlooks a winding dry riverbed and bustling waterhole, which means guests can enjoy game viewing from the comfort of the lodge.

To end off your safari, we recommend 3 nights at the luxury Nambu Camp.

Mankwe Tented Retreat’s Top 5 Selling Points

Mankwe Tented Retreat has certainly mastered the art of simple luxury, and encapsulated the true spirit of Botswana. there’s so much to love about Mankwe that it’s hard to narrow down our favourite things about this sanctuary. We’ve narrowed it down to our top 5 selling points.

1. Two Swimming Pools

During the height of summer, Botswana’s temperatures can reach a sizzling 40 degrees celsius. With its semi-arid climate, Botswana tends to be hot and dry year-round. Safari expeditions aside, one of the most enjoyable activities is to relax around a pool and soak up the African sun. A pool at a Botswana safari lodge is a welcome sight. Mankwe Tented Retreat overachieves when it comes to safari swimming pools, ensuring guests have abundant relaxation areas around two rather inviting pools.

The main thatched area flows out from the dining and lounge area onto a wooden deck with sun loungers. This is also the area for alfresco dining. Follow one of the meandering wooden walkways, and you’ll end up in an enclave designed specifically for poolside living. The more private splash pool has a small bar, decking area, and relaxation spots.

2. Extended Traverse in the Predator-Rich Khwai Region

Mankwe have recently extended their traversing rights to include the pristine Khwai riverfront area, a renowned hotspot for predators. The Khwai River – an extension of the Okavango River – is one of the most dramatic ecosystems in the greater Moremi region, and is an iconic destination for tourists. Essentially, the river is the “overflow” of Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve’s river border. Mankwe’s Khwai River traverse is an absolute sanctuary for wildlife. From waders to giant herbivores and marauding predators, you’re going to get front row seats to a unique wildlife spectacle.

3. Secluded and Stylish Boma Area

The boma forms part of any quintessential safari experience. Whether it’s a lodge that’s the pinnacle of luxury or an authentic bush camp, there must be a boma area. A boma is normally a secluded area complete with a firepit and roaring campfire, where safari chairs are strategically placed for fireside chatter. Mankwe’s boma can be used for sundowner drink set-ups, dinners under the stars, or relaxing after a day spent game viewing. Circled by a stack of rustic sticks, Mankwe’s boma is where the connection to others and the wild happens.

4. Serene Sanctuary Atmosphere

Mankwe is more than just a safari lodge. Constructed to look like a wooded retreat in the midst of the rugged bushveld, Mankwe has certainly embodied an atmosphere of a sanctuary. Expansive wooden decks, light decor, and muted palettes ensure a sense of harmony with its forested surroundings. This tented retreat is a sanctuary for the soul, and offers plenty of private spaces for all levels of relaxation. Whether it’s poolside bliss, simple spa treatments, or lazy days spent holed up in your luxury tented suite; Mankwe has certainly covered all bases.

5. Sunsets and Waterholes

Golden hour is a celebrated time of day. Sunset is when the sky becomes ablaze with bold orange and gentle pinks. It’s hard to put into words the sheer beauty of a sunset in this part of the world. Botswana’s flat landscapes and uninterrupted terrain make the skies look endless, almost swallowing the land below. Mankwe has a waterhole in front of the lodge, which only amplifies the spectacular sunsets.