A memorable visit to umVangati House
Nestled in subtropical woodland on the outskirts of the Blyde River Canyon (Motlatse Canyon), umVangati House offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Amy and I visited recently and our stay was nothing short of magical. This was thanks to the warm hospitality, great service and breathtaking surroundings.
From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with genuine warmth by the family, Giel, Lidia and their son Jaco, who own and run umVangati House. They imparted to us how their passion for the property, and their wish to share this spectacular place with people from all over the world, led them to welcoming people into their home.
We were completely awe-struck by the vistas of the surrounding mountain range. The wrap-around deck offers uncompromised views of the bushveld and the incredible Drakensberg mountains. As the sun begins to rise, light bounces off the red rock slabs of the mountain face, bathing the valley in a soft golden glow. A small watering hole viewable from the main house attracts wildlife, including buffalo, impala, giraffe and the ever-elusive leopard. The birdlife is sensational, with a mix of bushveld, riverine and escarpment species all frequenting the general area.
The name “umVangati” comes from the Swazi word for the Kiaat tree (Pterocarpus angolensis) which is not only found growing on the property, but was also used in the construction of much of the furniture, cupboards, doors and vanities. This attention to detail echoes throughout the property. umVangati House is 100% powered by the sun, with 150 550W solar panels and a 258kWh battery storage system, they are completely off-grid. The retreat boasts seven rooms; two of these are situated at the main house with private entrances, and five are connected by short wooden walkways. A sumptuous breakfast is served daily on the main house patio, and a large pool is available for all guests to enjoy. The clever layout allows for as much privacy or socialising as you choose.
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The family is passionate about wine, and they have built a one-of-a-kind wine cellar, which can also be used for private dinners. We were lucky enough to see it set up for a couple celebrating their honeymoon. The teams’ impeccable wine knowledge (and extensive South African collection) ensures that their pairing suggestions for your dinner menu are spot on and adds real finesse to your dining experience.
We spent the evening on our private deck watching the moon rise over Mariepskop, the highest peak in the region and were treated to the sounds of a pack of wild dogs chattering as they regrouped after their evening hunt.
umVangati House is a great addition to a safari holiday in the Lowveld as it is situated on the outskirts of the Blyde River Canyon, the third largest and lushest canyon in the world. The canyon is easily accessible from the Timbavati and Sabi Sand Game Reserves and adds a whole new dimension to a stay in the Lowveld. Check out a suggested itinerary here, that includes all of these locations. Sights of the canyon from Three Rondavels Lookout or God’s Window, and the nearby confluence of the Blyde and Treur Rivers at Bourke’s Luck Potholes are highlights of the area. With countless activities, such as sightseeing, hiking, quad biking, boat cruises, hot air balloon rides, Umvangati House provides the ideal base to explore the canyon and the Panoramic Route, or to relax after an exciting few days on safari.
Our visit to umVangati House was a memorable experience filled with warm hospitality, delicious food, and unforgettable views. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventure in nature, this family-run gem offers the best of both worlds. If you’re interested in exploring this incredible canyon, on the doorstep of some of the best wildlife viewing in the world, then let us know during the planning stage of your safari and we will make it a reality.
Robyn Sewell
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A safari holiday is the best family holiday out there! What sets a safari apart from any other family holiday is that for a few hours each day, the whole family is together on a game-viewing vehicle or boat, out in the wilderness. This means no cell service, no screens, no busyness or distractions, no work or school responsibility, just dedicated time together searching for some of earth’s most enigmatic animals. There is such a sense of adventure and spaciousness that is missing in our day-to-day lives. And on a safari, there is something interesting for every generation in the family.
Walking safaris offer a unique experience to walk as our ancestors did: exposed and aware in wilderness. The joy of this is to slow down, awaken our senses and experience the thrill of encountering animals in their natural habitat.
Founder, Private Guide and Safari Planner
Being born the daughter of David Attenborough (it’s true but he’s probably not the one you’re thinking of) I don’t believe I ever really had much choice about what direction my life would take. I grew up in the city of Durban, South Africa but for as long as I can remember nature has called to me. Whenever I could I would escape to the forests around my home barefoot and in search of chameleons and red duiker to befriend.
And so in 2010, after completing my Journalism and Media Studies degree, I followed that calling to the wilds of Southern Africa to become a game ranger. I planned to stay for a year but it turned into ten. During that time, I worked at Phinda Private Game Reserve, Ngala Private Game Reserve and Londolozi Game Reserve, some of South Africa’s most prestigious lodges and immersed myself in the natural world. I learnt to track animals with Zulu and Shangaan trackers and spent as much time as I could on foot approaching animals with my guests. I also put my photojournalism degree to use by becoming a specialist photographic guide. I travelled to Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, India and throughout South America in search of wildlife. My greatest adventure was living in Gabon training local guides for the WWF and Smithsonian Institute, where we spent weeks at a time living like early nomads in the dense and remote coastal forests, fulfilling a life-long dream of tracking and habituating wild gorillas. Seeing how embodied and present animals are inspired me to begin practicing yoga. I am a qualified vinyasa and yin teacher and spent six months training under a Hatha master in Boulder, Colorado. I am also a certified Martha Beck life coach. With this mixture of knowledge, interests and skills, I started Wild Again to help others really experience the wild places I know and love so much. Through my specialised Wellness Safaris that incorporate yoga, meditation, mindfulness and personalised life coaching I continue to grow more conscious safaris that return people to nature and to themselves. As we re-wild ourselves we hear the earth, our common mother, again. It is only then that we can co-create with her healing.
Tell us if you’re keen to plan a safari or join a retreat. We’re ready to create your dream experience.
