Renewal, transformation & life at Umlani - November 2024 Blog by Micaela, Camp Manager Umlani

Photo by Irina Bossi – Lion drinking from Umlani Waterhole (Feb 2023)

The past three years have been a whirlwind: we made it through the challenges of Covid,
business is booming again—perhaps even better than before—and our owners, Marco and
Marie Schiess, have returned to the bush, making a full-circle journey back to the roots of
what started as their early adult life, and when Umlani was born - it’s wonderful to see them
return to the heart of it all. And this time around, to make fabulous enhancements to our
already authentic and special bushcamp.

Staff

Some things at Umlani, however, remain beautifully and reliably the same, without change...
The sun still rises in the east and sets in the west, the stars continue to shine as spectacularly
as they did before; and our wonderful staO are back with us, full-time, after a gruelling survival
challenge when the Covid 19 pandemic travel restrictions almost broke the industry.
Susan and Matimba continue to oOer their friendly service in the dining room, now joined by
Bongi, who has transitioned from housekeeping to join the team in the dining area. Thembi
and Joana still warmly welcome guests, and the legendary Elvis remains with us, still bringing
his unique touch to his informative and exceptional drives. Ephraim, our skilled former
tracker, is now a full-time guide alongside Elvis.

Photo by Manya Schiess - Team Building 2024

Photo by Irina Bossi – Giraffe sunset

Photo by Irina Bossi – Martial Egale (April 2024)

Helen Boonzaier (regular guest & Amos -2023)

Amos

Sadly, we said goodbye to Amos (Big A), who passed away unexpectedly a few months ago. His presence is greatly missed—his towering, gentle spirit left a void not just in our team, but in the hearts of all who knew
him. In his place, we’re happy to announcethat Lucky will be joining the Umlani Guiding team as a full-time guide soon. In the meantime, we’re fortunate to have the help of old friend JD, our current freelance guide and
old time “veteran” of bush, and lodge life,who has graciously stepped in.

Photo Irina Bossi – Amos, Ephraim, Oupa & Lucky (July 2024 –(shortly before Amos’ death later that month)

Thank you
A heartfelt thank you to all of you who contributed to Amos’ family’s support. Cynthia, his
widow, is still working in housekeeping and will be raising their five children mostly on her own
(with the “village” help of community and family support).
We were able to raise a significant amount for their future, which Cynthia intends to put
towards the children’s education. Your generosity has made this possible, and we are truly
grateful for your kindness and contributions towards a future for the Nyathi family

Thank you

Cynthia (widow of Amos) strong and hopeful (July 2024)

Amos & Cynthia’s 5 children and a cousin, at his funeral in July 2022

More Staff News
Irina continues to work her magic on our Instagram page @umlanibushcamp, keeping our
guests updated with all the latest news and behind-the-scenes glimpses of life at Umlani. She
also provides invaluable assistance to the management team, helping ensure that everything
runs smoothly behind the scenes

Reason to celebrate
We have good reason to celebrate! Change is the only constant in life, and we’re making some
exciting upgrades at Umlani. By the end of the year, most of our huts will be transformed into
eco-huts, designed for better thermal storage. This means our rooms will stay cooler in
summer and warmer in winter, the huts will maintain the same heart and ethos that Umlani is
known for. As a Fair Trade Certified lodge, we aim to blend eco-consciousness with comfort, creating unique, sustainable spaces for our guests.

Wild Dog Room 6 2023

Wild Dog Room 6 2024

Animal sightings

On the animal front, things have been nothing short of extraordinary! We’ve witnessed leopard
eating his deceased leopard brother (so sad and hard to watch), lions strolling through camp,
clearly trying to “crash” our dinner under the stars, and even a leopard feasting on a Nyala
right next to my cottage! Hyena peeking into the boma, checking in on guests, while honey
badgers have been causing a stir, around the ankles of dining guests in search of dropped
snacks. Our monkeys have also been very entertaining with their tiny babies, clutching onto
their mothers with tiny fingers, toes, and tails. The bushveld is alive with activity, and there’s
never a dull moment at Umlani!

Ian Harrison – Jackal puppies Nov ‘24

"BushBabies" 2024- Irina Bossi

Marco’s dam has been especially dry this year, oOering just enough water for the animals. But
with the first rains of the season (a welcome 75mm thus far), the dam is once again starting to
look like its former self—no longer a mere mud puddle. The herds are celebrating, from
elephants to buOalo to zebra, all basking in the joy of the fresh rains. As the landscape
transforms from dry, brown bush to lush greenery, we are seeing a resurgence of life—new
babies, vibrant flowers, and forests of mopane trees.

Photo by Irina Bossi – Staddle-billed Stork – Marco’s Dam September 2024

Photo by Irina Bossi - Breeding herd of Cape Buffalo – Umlani Waterhole – October 2024

We’ve also been treated to sightings of wild dog packs, including some adorable pups, baby
hyenas, and a very pregnant hyena taking a break from the heat wallowing in our waterhole.
Phenomenal sights from the comfort of our lunch deck, as the wild dogs, hyenas, zebra, and
impala have all been cooling off together in harmony. But perhaps the most exciting and rare
sightings recently were of an aardvark—spotted multiple times over a two-week period during
August 2024! This rare sighting has been a real treat for our guests.

Photo: Warwick Cormack -Wild dog & Hyena – Umlani waterhole 3 Nov 2024

Photo By Ian Harris – Guest of Umlani – Blood Lily (Tumble weed Wild flower Bulb) which appears over night after a dry season when rain arrives – October 2024

3 November 2024 Photo credits: David Botzofin from Travel and Things

Love Is in the Air
We’ve also had the joy of witnessing so many happy couples get engaged here at Umlani
recently—there’s no denying it, love is definitely in the air! It’s always such a special moment
when guests choose our slice of paradise as the backdrop for such an important occasion.

Photos by Irina Bossi – Happy guests getting engaged at Umlani (2024)

It’s a wrap

All in all, it’s been a successful and fulfilling year, full of growth, change, and incredible
memories. To wrap up this rather news-filled blog, we’d like to wish you all a fabulous festive
season! We can’t wait for your next visit to Umlani, especially to see what you think of our new
eco-huts—we’re 100% certain that you’ll love them.
Don’t wait too long to make your next booking! Contact Jess at [email protected] for
availability, as we’re already receiving bookings for 2026, and 2025 is filling up fast!