Situated in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, just a short 15 minute drive from East London’s city centre.
The reserve takes its name from the Umpongo River, which features prominently in Xhosa History.
Legend says that Nonkosi, who was one of the instigators of the “national suicide” of the Xhosa nation, lived in the area, and that relics of her kraal can be found in the reserve.
Home to elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo, zebra, giraffe and many other antelope species, this 3500 hectare reserve offers guests thrilling experiences with guided game drives, self-drive game drives, mountain biking, trail running, bird watching, nature walks, horseback riding, a 4x4 trail and bass fishing.
The River Lodge and Chalets provide game lodge accommodation in the heart of the reserve.
The Lodge offers 11 luxurious bedrooms and three Chalets each have two bedrooms with spectacular views of the Umpongo River.
The Lodge is located at the Day Centre at offers true Eastern Cape hospitality in its six African-colonial styled en-suite bedrooms.
Thanks to the conservation-friendly boundaries and fences of the reserve, guests are able to see even big game from their lodge decks.