Safaris & Wildlife

EXPLORE OUR WORLD

You never quite know what the day will bring

Part of the magic of Umndeni is never quite knowing what the day will hold. Our 2,000-acre reserve is home to more than twenty species of plains game, over 300 kinds of birds, and a wonderful cast of predators and smaller creatures — some so rare and shy that even seasoned guides count themselves lucky to spot them. It’s the perfect place for young eyes to fall in love with the bush: the thrill of a first giraffe glimpsed through the trees, the patience of watching a herd of sable in the early light, the quiet pride of seeing something most people walk straight past. We’re also home to three special breeding projects — Black Impala, Nyala and the highly endangered Sable antelope — which you’re welcome to see first-hand, a small but real part of keeping these animals safe for the future.

Plains Game

The reserve is home to sable, eland, gemsbok, kudu, bushbuck, nyala, giraffe, red hartebeest, blesbok, white blesbok, impala, black impala, duiker, bushpig, warthog, zebra, blue wildebeest, waterbuck and steenbok.

Safaris

Predators & Carnivores

Quiet and often elusive, the reserve is also home to brown hyena, caracal, civet, serval, African wild cat, aardwolf, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, Cape fox, honey badger, genet, mongoose and baboon.

Smaller Wonders

Some of the most memorable sightings are the ones you almost miss. Look out for aardvark, pangolin, hedgehog, porcupine, scrub hare, springhare, ground squirrel, tree squirrel and vervet monkey.

Birdlife

With almost 300 bird species recorded, Umndeni offers wonderful birding throughout the reserve. Sightings may include blacksmith lapwing, speckled pigeon, grey go-away-bird, African hoopoe, crested barbet, lilac-breasted roller, crimson-breasted shrike, African fish eagle, ostrich, Cape vulture, southern ground hornbill, yellow-billed oxpecker and many more.

Other Breeding Projects

Guests may also see Umndeni’s breeding projects first-hand, including black impala, nyala and sable antelope. These projects form part of the reserve’s quiet commitment to protecting and strengthening these species for future generations.

Safari Experiences

Explore the reserve from an open safari vehicle with a qualified guide. Drives are relaxed and personal, with time to stop, look, listen and enjoy each sighting properly.