Enjoy the tranquility of the African bush while watching a herd of impalas, waterbucks, or warthogs and occasionally even an elephant at the waterhole. You can rent this bushvilla as self catering, but we can provide a breakfast pack and/or a ready-to-use lasagna or bbq meal to be ready for you on arrival (+€). So have a sundowner on your terrace, listen to the birds and watch an stunning sunset or the African milky way above while the children have fun in the private pool…. a magical experience. Welcome to Bushvilla Umoja! (Swahili for The spirit of togetherness).
This authentic African thatched 6 person bushvilla is located in a nature reserve, directly adjacent to and overlooking the Kruger Park. Your home away from home. There is an additional pool for the residents and their guests as well as a view tower over the Kruger Park.
We offer some hotel facilities such as check-in/-out cleaning, intermediate cleaning every 3rd/4th day for stays > 4 nights. Additional cleaning is possible at an additional fee. Shampoo, toilet paper, linen, towels and basic condiments are included. There is NO washing machine but you can possibly arrange a laundry with our housemanger during a longer stay(€).
We can arrange a Kruger Park safari, a safari boat trip, a bush braai or a walking safari, and the Hoedspruit Sanctuaries, Blyde River boat trip, Panorama route (3 Rondavel viewpoint) and Magoebaskloof (ziplining) can all be reached within 1.5 hours. Everything to make your holiday unforgettable.
A large wrap-around terrace offers seating areas everywhere, making the house suitable for different types of travel groups; (blended) families or with friends. There is a private (splash)pool and a stone BBQ overlooking the waterhole and a spacious garden guarantees privacy.
The modern living room is fully equipped (sitting area, LED television with DSTV and free WiFi). Large sliding glass doors offer a great view of the bush and give access to the terrace that is arranged as an extension of the living room, the ultimate indoor/outdoor lifestyle. A fully equipped kitchen with 5 burner gas stove with large oven, double door American fridge with ice maker and filtered water, dishwasher and microwave offer the comfort you are looking for.
3 Spacious double bedrooms (each with en-suite bathroom with bath, shower and double vanity) have air conditioning, ceiling fans, mosquito nets over the beds and mosquito screens on the windows. A covered carport offers parking to 2 cars and the house is equipped with an alarm.
An ideal destination for both a short stay during a trip through South Africa or to stay for a week so that you can visit the highlights from one location. And if you need help or tips for a self-book tour through South Africa, we are happy to help you with routes, tips and fun other locations.
paid laundry service available for stays longer than 2 nights.
Our goal is to offer our guests not only a beautiful holiday home, but a unique experience.
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses some solar energy
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Phalaborwa
Located in Phalaborwa, this villa is in a rural area. Qualito Craft Distillery and Hans Merensky Golf Estate are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Kruger National Park and Phalaborwa Gate. Swimming offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours nearby.
Hans Merensky Golf Estate - 37 min drive - 19.3 km
Getting around
Phalaborwa (PHW-Hendrik Van Eck) - 41 min drive
Restaurants
KFC - 21 min drive
Tusk Bar, Sefapane Lodge - 23 min drive
Yurok Spur Steak Ranch - 21 min drive
Lapa - 15 min drive
Kruger Restaurant - 25 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Bushvilla Umoja Kruger - wildlife without fences have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Bushvilla Umoja Kruger - wildlife without fences?
As of 26 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Bushvilla Umoja Kruger - wildlife without fences on 19 June 2026 start from NZ$319, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Bushvilla Umoja Kruger - wildlife without fences pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Bushvilla Umoja Kruger - wildlife without fences?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Bushvilla Umoja Kruger - wildlife without fences?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Bushvilla Umoja Kruger - wildlife without fences?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Bushvilla Umoja Kruger - wildlife without fences located?
Located in a rural location, this family-friendly villa is within 9 mi (15 km) of Phalaborwa Health Centre, Kruger National Park and Impala Park. Woyer Street Park and Wildevy Park are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The Bush Villa Umoja Kruger is an amazing place. The house is very well equipped and comfortable. There are many decks around the house where you can enjoy your time watching the abundant wildlife. Chantal is a wonderful host and does everything to make sure that you have an enjoyable stay. A perfect house in a perfect spot.
Frank H.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 30 March 2020
Dear Mr Henning, thank you for this lovely fantastic review. I am humbled by it and a lot of credit also goes to the staff. It was great to have you and your family stay in our place , we loved to have YOU as our guest and we certainly hope to welcome you back in the future.
Kind regards
Chantal S
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Tanvir
30 October 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This property was in a very quiet and rural place, which is exactly what we wanted, to be near wildlife and nature. The housecwas very clean and had everything one needed to make the stay comfortable. Chantal the owner kept great communication with me and even got us discounts at various excursions! The housekeeper Ingrid was very welcoming and came to meet us even though we got late arriving! Will recommend to everyone and will hopefully be going back again.
We had such an incredible stay at Umoja! Elephants roaming through the backyard during our braai!! The place is very clean, the inverter makes it so you are not without power, owner and in-country contact whet so helpful and easily accessible. We wish we had booked longer!! We would love to come back and stay again. It was such a blessing to my family. My 8 and 10 yr old boys loved it as well and really enjoyed the pool. Thank you so much!
Matthew K.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 27 May 2023
Dear Matthew, thank you so much for that lovely review and it was an absolute pleasure to have you as our guests and I am especially that the boys got to experience such a special moment seeing those giants roaming around. We definitely hope to welcome you back some day soon!
Warm regards,
Chantal Settels
I highly recommend Umoja Kruger. The house sits within a property that has some other houses in it, which forms a small community. However, each unit is somewhat secluded. Umoja had a great location where you had privacy but also felt like you were connected to others. The Umoja house was very well done - a blend of nature and Africa that includes all the amenities you would need. It has 3 different areas for hanging out around the exterior, which created very enjoyable outdoor time. Also included is a nice grill area and a small pool. Behind the house is a pond and open bushland. We saw Impala several times and had the excitement of 3 elephants visiting the pond. On our last day there, the elephants played in the pond for a good half hour while we were in the pool. One of them passed so close to us after it got out that we felt like we could almost reach out and touch it. The last thing to mention is the overall community. The people where extremely friendly and made us feel welcome from the minute we got there. We attended a group braai (cookout) one night, where we a a great time. We also had breakfast at the central area and used the big, nice pools that are available. We even got massages. On top of that, the Phalaborwa gate to Kruger Park is on ly 15-20 minutes away. All in all, it was a great time!
Matt S.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 6 April 2020
Dear M
Thank you so much for your lovely review and we will make sure that our staff will also receive the compliments for their outstanding work. We are happy that you have enjoyed your time at Umoja and we hope to welcome you back some day.
warm regards
Chantal Settels
Bushvilla Umoja Kruger - wildlife without fences
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Ruth W.
18 May 2017
Exceeded Expectations
We stayed at the villa for a very short two nights and it was better than we could have expected. The house is beautiful and we had the opportunity to BBQ on the patio and see the warthogs drinking in the waterhole. There were 5 adults and the three bedroom, 3 bath set up was perfect for our group. The rooms and bathrooms are beautifully furnished and the people are so helpful on the estate. We did a one day Kruger safari and Craig was incredible, he partners with the estate and picked us up there early in the morning. He is so knowledgeable about all of the animals and land and really went above and beyond to make sure we saw everything we wanted to see and were comfortable. The staff at the estate put on a beautiful Braai the second night we were there which was in a great setting and set up some of our spa treatments for the next day. Breakfast is a must have, they put together a huge spread overlooking the pools outside and the food did not disappoint. Overall the stay was too short but perfect, I would recommend anyone from a family to a group of adults to stay at the estate and stay long enough to enjoy it!
Ruth W.
Response from VrboOwner on 30 March 2020
Dear Ruth,
Thank you so much for you wonderful review. It was a true pleasure to have you as our guests and see you fall in love with this great country. Keep being the ambassador for South Africa and carry on the torch...! You may leave South Africa but it never leaves you.
We are happy that you have enjoyed the stay, the game drive with Craig and most of all, the entire trip through South Africa and we definitely hope to be able to welcome you and/or friends of family in the future again,. And as you already mentioned... stay more than just 2 nights since there is so much to see and do and you don't get to profit to the fullest by just one full day so we will hopefully see you soon again.
Warm regards
Chantal - Umoja Kruger
About the host
Hosted by Chantal Settels
South Africa has always been very special for us, starting at the first visit after the end of the Apartheid. We, Serge and Chantal got together through a homeleave trip to South Africa with friends of ours many years later and dit not only fall in love with the country but also with each other! We tried to come back every year since that time until early 2014 this house unexpectedly came on our path. Now we enjoy it as a family and we want to share this very special gem with others. Quoting Hemingway: "I never knew a morning in Africa that I woke up and that I was not happy '. South Africa: an experience for your bucket list!
Why they chose this property
Expensive private game lodges ask a lot of money for this view. Time and time again if you are lucky enough to be spoiled by a passing troop of elephants that come to drink in front of the terrace, or if you suddenly spot the giraffes, but also if the cheacky wharthogs stumble through the plants, or you see the Kingfisher looking at you from a tree, life around you kind of stops. I dreamed of Africa, now it can be your reality!
What makes this property unique
Safari while sitting on your own terrace, most of the tourist highlights within driving distance, the freedom and privacy of a self catering accommodatino with option to Bed&Breakfast and having all the perks of a hotel, all for a reasonable price. What more do you need to make this a trip of a lifetime.