Self Drive Directions from Johannesburg
Need to know
The driving time from Johannesburg to Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside is approximately 5 hours. The Lodge contact number is +27715650594 (WhatsApp calls only). This route is safe to drive; you will pass through rural areas where the locals are friendly. Please drive carefully, and be aware of village pedestrians, children and domestic animals. The gate into Sabie Game Reserve opens at 05h00 and closes at 22h00; please let us know if you will be arriving outside of these hours so we can make the necessary arrangements for your entrance. Once in the reserve, please strictly adhere to the speed limits and afford the animals right of way.
Recommended route from Johannesburg
- On departure, please contact the lodge so that we can keep track of your journey and ensure you arrive safely.
- Take the N12 or N4 highway to eMalahleni (formerly Witbank)
- From eMalahleni, follow the N4 highway past Middleburg and continue on to Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit)
- From Mbombela, take the R40 past White River and on to Hazyview
- At the T-junction between Kiepersol and Hazyview, turn left onto the R538 to Hazyview
- At the second set of traffic lights (there will be a shopping centre on your right), turn right onto the R536 towards Paul Kruger Gate (Kruger National Park)
- After following the road for 38km, turn left onto a gravel road signposted Umkumbe
- Drive for 4km, then turn right at the T-junction, and drive for a further 4km to Shaw’s Gate – the entrance to Sabie Game Reserve & the Sabi Sand Game Reserve
- You will use the left hand gate called Sabie Game Reserve Gate. No entrance fee is required.
- Follow the signposted route on to Umkumbe
- Please do not take the turn off to Newington Gate, despite what Google Maps will tell you. Please follow the above directions.
- When using google, search Shaws Gate for directions instead.