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In the heart of the Greater Kruger, the Umbabat Private Nature Reserve is known for its pristine wilderness and focus on maintaining ecological balance. Various wildlife research projects are conducted here, focusing on elephants, leopards, lions, southern ground hornbills, and vultures. There’s also a counter-poaching unit keeping the animals safe.
Must-Visit Areas in Umbabat Private Nature Reserve
Unfenced Borders with Kruger: Optimal Wildlife Viewings
Together with Timbavati, Klaserie, and Balule, Umbabat forms part of the Associated Private Nature Reserves, which comprise 180,000 hectares of unfenced land that allows for natural wildlife migration.
The mopani bushveld, watering holes, and riverbeds that make up Umbabat’s landscape attract a massive variety of wildlife, both predator and prey species.
Birding Hotspots: Specialised Birding Safaris
Umbabat offers birdwatchers fantastic opportunities to see southern ground hornbills and vultures, with dedicated research projects focusing on these birds.
Other species to spot while on a birding safari in Umbabat include lilac-breasted rollers, kori bustards, martial eagles, yellow-billed oxpeckers, and saddle-billed storks.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Umbabat Private Nature Reserve?
May to October – the dry season – is the best time for game viewing, so plan your South Africa safari during these months.
Wildlife Found in Umbabat Private Nature Reserve
This is a Big Five safari destination with frequent sightings of leopards and elephants. Zebras, wildebeests, kudus, and several other antelope species are also seen roaming this area, attracting predators like hyenas, wild dogs, and cheetahs.
How to Get to Umbabat Private Nature Reserve
Take a domestic flight to Hoedspruit Airport. From there, it’s just an hour’s drive to Umbabat via lodge transfer.
