FAQ

Umthiba is an exclusive-use lodge, which means that when you book, the whole lodge is yours. No sharing the pool, the deck or the sunsets with strangers — just you and your people.

The lodge sleeps 8 adults sharing, plus 2 children. Please remember to include everyone in your booking, as Kuleni Park only allows access to guests who have been booked in. Unfortunately, additional guests who are not on the booking will not be allowed into the park.

You can book instantly online using the “Book Now” button on our website, call us on +27 82 312 4877 or +27 31 303 5425, WhatsApp us on +27 82 312 4877, or email us at [email protected].

Your booking is confirmed once a deposit of 50% (or full payment, where required) has been received. If you book within 7 days of your arrival date, we ask for full payment upfront. Please note that we do not offer credit or bill-back accounts.

Yes! With Payflex you can secure your stay with just 25% upfront, and split the balance into 3 effortless, interest-free instalments. Simply book your dates, then call or WhatsApp us on 082 312 4877 to request your Payflex payment link. We will send you a link to log in to Payflex, or to sign up if you are not yet a Payflex customer, and Payflex takes care of the rest. Payflex terms and conditions apply.

All cancellations need to be confirmed in writing. Here is how our standard policy works:
•    22 to 30 days before arrival: 30% of the full amount is payable.
•    8 to 21 days before arrival: 50% of the full amount is payable.
•    0 to 7 days before arrival, or a no-show: 100% of the full amount is payable.
We are not able to refund late arrivals, early departures or unused services, and any refunds are subject to bank charges. You will find our full Booking Terms at the bottom of every page on our website.

We do! Keep an eye on our Special Offers page for seasonal rates and book-direct deals.

Check-in is from 14h00 and check-out is by 10h30. If you would like to arrive earlier or leave a little later, do ask — we will always try to accommodate you when the lodge schedule allows.

No stress. If you arrive after 6pm, the guard at the gate will be expecting you and will show you to the lodge. We would appreciate a quick message with your estimated arrival time so that we can let them know.

Umthiba is in Kuleni Nature Park, just outside Hluhluwe in northern KwaZulu-Natal, roughly a 3-hour drive from Durban. We will send you detailed directions and a Google Maps pin before you arrive

No, you do not, road conditions inside Kuleni Park are suitable for all vehicles

Yes, free private parking is available right at the lodge, and no reservation is needed.

The main house has three bedrooms, all opening onto the courtyard:
•    Room 1 has a queen-size bed and an en-suite bathroom.
•    Room 2 has twin ¾ beds plus a loft with a sleeper couch and mattress, which is perfect for children, and uses the guest bathroom.
•    Room 3 has a queen-size bed and an en-suite bathroom.
Room 4 is a private en-suite cottage set a little away from the main house. It has a queen-size bed, its own patio, and a kitchenette with a bar fridge, microwave and built-in two-plate stove — lovely for grandparents, honeymooners, or anyone who enjoys a little extra privacy.
And yes, every room has an outdoor shower. There is nothing quite like showering under the open sky with the birds for company!

Yes, Umthiba is fully equipped for self-catering. full-size fridge/freezer, gas stove and oven, microwave, dishwasher, kettle, toaster, coffee machine, crockery, cutlery, cookware.

We provide bed linen, bath towels, pool towels, hand soap, toilet paper, dishwashing liquid, only a starter early morning cremora/tea/coffee/sugar. Please bring your own bathing toiletries, groceries and drinks, firewood / charcoal, insect repellent, a good torch, and your binoculars for the birds.

Yes, we offer daily housekeeping from 8h30 – 14h30 so that you can spend your time relaxing rather than cleaning, the dishwasher is available for guests to wash dishes.

Yes, but on an emergency basis for short stay, for 5 day stay or longer the laundry service is available, the housekeeper will be able to assist.  Laundry is charged separately.

Yes, the lodge has air-conditioning for those humid Zululand summers, and heating for the crisp winter evenings.

There in no wifi available at the Lodge,  good cellphone reception is available from MTN and Vodacom. 

The lodge has a backup generator — what does it power: lights and fridge, we strive to have Solar installed by end of December 2026.

Absolutely! There are braai facilities for long evenings under the stars, and on cooler nights the open fire makes a starlit evening even more magical.

Please bring your own bottled water

Yes, there is an outdoor swimming pool with a sun deck — the perfect way to cool off after a morning walk.

Yes, the lodge is ideal for families and groups of friends. We do ask that children are supervised at all times, especially around the pool and on the walking trails.

No pets allowed – due to animals roaming in the park.

All rooms are non-smoking, but there is a designated smoking area outside.

We encourage intimate dinners – No lexcessive oud music and Loud talking is allowed. The indemnity Form received prior to check in explains this rule. The Kuleni Park Rules are very strict about this – Guests not adhering to the rules will be asked to leave the park. Kuleni is a peaceful nature park, and part of the magic of Umthiba Bush Lodge is the sound of the bush. We kindly ask that you keep music low, respect quiet hours from 10pm to 7am, and never feed the wild animals — no matter how charming the warthogs look!

Kuleni is home to Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Warthog and a wide variety of antelope. The sand forest is also a birdwatcher's paradise, so do not forget your binoculars and bird book.

No there are no Lions and Elephants in Kuleni Park - guests should keep a respectful distance at all times from all the animals.

Yes! Many walking nature trails wind through indigenous bush and grassland, and the park is wonderful for walking, birding. Cycling can be done on sand road inside the park. Bring your own bicycles and please follow the designated trails and road area. 

Guests often tell us how safe and peaceful they feel at Umthiba.

The Hluhluwe area is generally considered low risk for malaria. However, we do recommend that you speak to your doctor or a travel clinic before your trip, particularly if you are travelling with young children or are pregnant. Wearing long sleeves in the evenings and using INSECT REPELLENT at all times is always a good idea.

Pack a good torch for walking between the rooms at night, closed shoes for the trails, a hat and sunscreen, INSECT REPELLENT, binoculars, and a warm jersey for winter evenings.

The town of Hluhluwe is 17km from the lodge. There you will find grocery stores, fuel, atms, pharmacy. We do recommend doing your main grocery shop in the city before you arrive.
nearest medical help is in Hluhluwe

Umthiba is a wonderful base from which to explore some of KwaZulu-Natal's most famous wild places:
• Phinda Private Game Reserve borders Kuleni.
• Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa and home to the Big 5.
• iSimangaliso Wetland Park and St Lucia, a World Heritage Site with hippo and croc boat cruises.
• False Bay on Lake St Lucia
• Sodwana Bay, a world-class diving and snorkelling destination.
• uMkhuze Game Reserve.

Yes – speak to Kuleni Park Manager on prior or on arrival. All Game Drives are offered by tour companies in the area.

Every season in Zululand has its own charm. The dry winter months, roughly May to September, offer excellent game viewing as the bush thins out and the animals gather around water. Summer, from October to April, is hot, humid and beautifully green, with spectacular birdlife and dramatic thunderstorms. Our January and February specials make summer a lovely time to visit too.

Try “shloo-shloo-weh”. The name comes from the isiZulu word for a thorny climbing plant that grows in the area. Don't worry — our team speaks both English and isiZulu, and will happily help you practise!

We would love to hear from you. Call us on +27 82 312 4877 or +27 31 303 5425,
WhatsApp +27 82 312 4877, or email [email protected].
We look forward to welcoming you to Umthiba.