The lodge is unfenced, however, it is safe for children as there is tripwire which aims to keep elephants and larger animals at bay. General game such as warthog and a range of antelope and small mammals can come and go as they please, which provides entertaining game viewing from the lodge/bedrooms.

There is a boma area, bar, lounge and outdoor dining room, as well as a gym for the fitness-minded. A small outdoor lounge also has a tea and coffee station for guests to help themselves. There is a swimming pool lined with sun loungers, inviting guests to sit back and relax during the hot summer afternoons.

The lodge consists of ten chalets/rooms with most overlooking the seasonal Sand River. Guests regularly see elephants, hippos, buffalo and antelope grazing in the river bed. 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. 

The focus at the lodge is of the view of the seasonal Sand River. Almost daily, guests are treated to sightings of various animals grazing in the riverbed. The lodge sleeps a maximum of 20 guests in 10 chalets/rooms. Most of the rooms have a small verandah with camping chairs, and with views of the Sand River, while others look onto a small plains area with a watering hole.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge has a variety of room setups, that allow families to travel with ease, as well as a small party of three adults, or friends looking for their own rooms but connected via an inter-leading door. All the rooms are en-suite and airconditioned and have full electricity.

The reserve is home to the Big five, as well as cheetah, wild dog and hundreds of other species of animals, birds and plants indigenous to the area. The phrase “big five” was coined by hunters of yesteryear – before the advent of the photographic safari – and refers to the animals considered the most dangerous to hunt.