The first rule of planning South African Big 5 safaris in Kruger National Park is knowing that seasonal fluctuations can bring about incredible transformations to the natural landscape and the wildlife that call it home. The second rule is that a safari is best experienced away from the maddening crowds that stay inside the park. […]
‘Tis the season to be jolly and here at umSisi House, that may look a little different to your usual Christmas fare. The Christmas holidays in South Africa and festivities around this time of year are very unlike the typical image that those in the north have of Christmas. Frosty covered landscapes are replaced with […]
Privacy has always been sought after and a veritable mainstay of luxury travel – even before it became a necessity for current health reasons. Now, it is this exclusivity and seclusion coupled with privacy that will remedy your wanderlust, and keep you out of harm’s way. So steal away to our exclusive-use country villa outside […]
South Africa is travel ready and waiting to welcome you back safely! On the 1st of October, the South African government opened up the airspace for travellers from the African continent along with those from countries outside Africa that have low COVID-19 infection and transmission rates. While we have loved having our local South African […]
For most of our guests, a safari to the Kruger Lowveld region is about getting up close and personal with Africa’s Big 5 in the Kruger National Park. But we pride ourselves on adding a slightly different type of safari into the mix as well. One that is every bit as magical as the magnificent wildlife you’ve come […]
Holidaying in a private villa near Kruger is all about finding the time and space to connect with your closest friends and family while surrounded by the beauty of the South African bush and enjoying fantastic service in a home-away-from-home setting. We opened a small, exclusive-use, private villa as opposed to a large lodge or […]
For many years now, we have dreamt of having our own free-range eggs to serve guests for breakfast at umSisi House. But the obstacles seemed overwhelming when looking at the pros and cons of safeguarding laying hens in the African bush. When we bought umSisi House back in 2009, we inherited a 200 square-metre chicken […]
Become a zero food waste hero and master of food management at home by practicing these tips that we have learnt from running mobile gourmet safaris throughout southern Africa and hosting our guests at our private country house villa. The journey to opening the doors of umSisi House near Kruger National Park, a decade ago […]
umSisi House is the result of many years hard work by owners, Paddy and Amanda Bond Gunning, whose vision for the perfect villa-holiday experience came to fruition when umSisi House first opened its doors in March 2010. Since then, umSisi House has mastered all aspects of our guest offerings. Whether you are a first-time or […]
It’s no secret that we love to spend all of our spare time enjoying Kruger National Park safaris. Not only is the Park right on our doorstep, but we have personally explored every corner and consider it to be South Africa’s – if not Southern Africa’s – most outstanding wildlife park. Here are the top five […]
Smoked Trout Fishcakes with Pea and Watercress Salad
These delicious smoked trout fishcakes use locally sourced, sustainable smoked trout from Dullstrom and are delicious for a light lunch or dinner throughout the year! This is one of our signature dish […]
Seared Turmeric Chicken with Hummus, Peppers and Greens
Eventhough we have been living in South Africa for over twenty years, we have never forgotten Jamie Oliver and follow him from afar! We particularly enjoy this recipe for seared turmeric chicken as it […]
