Ulusaba Safari Lodge
Ulusaba Private Game Reserve - Safari Lodge, South Africa
ZAR 12,000
per person sharing per nightOverview
Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, member of Virgin Limited Edition’s award-winning collection of retreats, is Sir Richard Branson’s safari lodge located in the Western sector of the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.
Safari Lodge fits snugly into the bush located beneath a canopy of ancient trees on the edge of a dry riverbed. You’ll love the sense of adventure as you access some of the rooms by swing bridges. Your room will provide fascinating views of the animals as they stroll past on their way to the nearby watering hole.
The rooms at Safari Lodge include a Treehouse Suite overlooking the nearby Xikwenga Dam while other rooms have their own private plunge pools. Kids over the age of 12 are welcome to stay at Safari Lodge.
Safari Lodge is built along the banks of the dry Mabrak riverbed, the exquisite rooms and suites have been created with and inspired by local and natural materials. Watch as elephant, bushbuck, lion and other wildlife pass by the rooms.
Located next to the main house is the Safari Suite, a luxurious two-bedroom hideaway perfect for four people.
Accessed through a private entrance, discover Safari Suites private walled garden complete with boma fire pit before entering the suite and taking a dip in the outdoor plunge pool.
Gallery
Additional Details
Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is located in the western sector of the Sabi Sand Reserve near Kruger National Park in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. It’s approximately 1 hour 20 minutes by twin-engine aircraft to our own private Ulusaba airstrip (ULX) from Johannesburg International Airport (JNB), 30 minutes from Nelspruit (NLP) and 20 minutes from Skukuza (SZK) via a charter hop. Get a window seat – the view’s terrific! You can also come by road too from Nelspruit, which will take about 21⁄2 hours. Try and arrive by 1pm – just in time for lunch!
Ulusaba has two beautiful lodges just five minutes’ drive from each other. Rock Lodge is on the summit of a koppie set against the backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountain range far in the distance. Rock Lodge includes the exclusive two bedroom Cliff Lodge and can accommodate a total of 20 – 25 guests in its 10 rooms and suites.
Safari Lodge is built along the banks of the dry Mabrak riverbed. Guests will love the sense of adventure as they cross the rope swing bridges between exquisite stilted rooms, created and inspired by local and natural materials, with elephants, bushbucks, lions and other local wildlife passing by. Safari Lodge can accommodate 20 guests in its 10 rooms.
- Twice daily game drives
- Go on a game walk (weather permitting)
- Work out at one of the gyms
- Take a dip in one of the pools
- Hit a few balls on one of the two floodlit tennis courts
- Grab a book or DVD from the lounge
- Star-gaze at the Bush observatory
- Sample a few wines from the cellar
Extras: Visit the local community with Ulusaba’s charitable arm Pride ‘n Purpose or get us to organise a helicopter ride for you! For true relaxation, guests can visit the Aroma Boma Spas – all excursions and treatments available for an additional charge.
Children aged 12 years and older can stay at Safari Lodge. Any child under the age of 12 years on request.
Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary or just a great opportunity to escape with family and friends, Ulusaba’s team is on hand to cater to all requests. Guests have the choice of hiring one or both lodges exclusively, the property can accommodate a maximum group of 40 guests.
Elope to the Bush or plan a big event with all your family and friends. We’ve thought of everything to make it the most magical wedding possible – what better place to tie the knot?! Please ask for one of our wedding packages. If you can’t get married here, include Ulusaba in your celebration and visit us on your Honeymoon!
Rooms
Map & Directions
Ulusaba Private Game Reserve - Safari Lodge, South Africa
By Air
At Ulusaba, we have a private airstrip and your Ranger and Tracker will be waiting for you with a cold glass of fizz – the perfect way to start your experience at our luxury lodge. Federal Air flies directly to Ulusaba’s airstrip but there are also options to fly via Nelspruit or Skukuza Airports, with onward hops to Ulusaba’s airstrip.
By Road
Ulusaba is approximately a 1 hour and 20 minute flight from the international airport in Johannesburg (JNB) flying by twin-engine aircraft, or 30 minutes from Nelspruit (MQP) and 20 minutes from Skukuza (SZK), via a charter air hop, which are the best airports to use if travelling from other destinations within South Africa. We have our own private Ulusaba airstrip (ULX) and there are daily scheduled and charter flights available. Get a window seat – the view’s terrific!
You can also come by road too from Nelspruit, which will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Try and arrive by 1pm – just in time for lunch! Driving instructions can be found below.
Ulusaba self-drive directions:
Activities
Excursions
Canyons, Cultures and Contrasts – Panorama Discoverer
A day out on the famed ‘Panorama Route’ along the Drakensberg Escarpment: this tour features visits to the Victorian Town of Pilgrims Rest, the infamous Robber’s Grave, Blyde River Canyon, The Three Rondavels, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and Lisbon Waterfalls. You’ll get up close and personal with some of the region’s natural beauty, and we’ll tell you about the history of the area’s hardy pioneers. Lunch is enjoyed at Harries Original Pancake Restaurant in Graskop, where sweet, freshly prepared, pancakes and fresh salads and other country fare are served. This is a full day excursion.
Cascades and Canyons Spectacular
Take an exhilarating helicopter flight that swoops over deep and mysterious gorges and through lush valleys bursting with vegetation and colour. Linger above cascading waterfalls for some brilliant photo opportunities. The flight will continue to God’s Window, which offers awesome panoramic views of the bushveld below. Then it’s on to the fascinating and dramatic rock formations of the 1 000-metre-deep, 30-kilometre long Blyde River Canyon, (the third deepest and greenest Canyon in the World). You will have a bird’s eye view of the curious Three Rondavels! We will then land at a site with magnificent views of the Mpumalanga Lowveld, while you tuck into a delicious picnic.
For Families
We love children at Ulusaba and our team are experts at keeping your little 'cubs' entertained while you enjoy some rest and relaxation during your family vacation in the Sabi Sand.
On arrival, all Cubs will receive a surprise pack which contains lots of goodies to help keep them entertained and to educate them about the African Bush. Kids aged six years and older staying at Safari Lodge will be able invited to join our Cub's Club and since we know every Cub is different and likes different activities, we do not operate a set programme but instead we offer a fun and educational range of activities tailored to each of our younger guests or groups.
Children of all ages can stay at Rock Lodge - including Cliff Lodge - which is ideal for families while Safari Lodge welcomes children over the age of six.
Our Cubs aged six and older can also join the daily Game drives.
Missing travel and currently home schooling?
Check out Wander the World, our new virtual series for kids, taking the young and the young at heart around the world learning about different cultures and traditions in an engaging and interactive way. Be sure to join the Ulusaba team for a special Sofa Safari around the game reserve.
Activities:
With our teams able to tailor a range of activities for our younger guests, here are just some examples of what your 'cubs' may get up to during their stay at Ulusaba:
- A welcome treasure hunt to help Cubs familiarise themselves with their surroundings
- A mini Ranger's course, finding out about the African bush, how to track and identify animal footprints and much more
- Safari walks around the Lodge to spot birds, insects, lizards and many other creatures
- Mini masterchef pizza and cookie making classes
- Arts and Crafts with coloured sand art and an afternoon of rock painting
- Traditional South African kids’ games
- Supervised pool activities
Game Drives
Anyone who’s been on safari before knows that no two game drives are ever the same! There are two daily game drives at Ulusaba, one leaving early in the morning and one leaving late afternoon, each lasting around three hours. Times will vary depending on the season, but you should always keep your eyes peeled for the Big 5!
You’ll traverse over 13,500 hectares of private reserve with your dedicated Ranger and Tracker who will tailor your game drive just for you!
Here are some hints and tips for making the most of your time in the bush on game drive. Your game drive will leave you with some vivid memories, so make sure you don’t forget the following:
- A good camera, although take care when using a flash – some of the animals aren’t particularly keen. Just ask your Ranger and Tracker for guidance – they’re on good terms with all our neighbours.
- Binoculars. We have a pair on each game vehicle to share, but if you’ve got your own you should certainly bring them.
- Always bring sunglasses, and in the winter months a sweater or fleece, especially in the evenings. We provide blankets and hot water bottles in winter if it’s cold, and there are also ponchos if it is raining.
- It’s best to wear pale and neutral colours when on game drives so not to attract the animals’ attention any more than strictly necessary!
- Please do not bring your mobile phone with you on game drives – we have radios in the cars to contact Ulusaba or the Sabi Sand authorities in case of an emergency.
Gym
Hit the gym and work up an appetite. It’s equipped with a running machine, bike, multifunctional weight station and free weights
Relaxation
Relax
Need to take some time out between the excitement of your game drives. We’ve got plenty to help you relax during the day from relaxing spa treatments to chilling out by the pool.
Make a splash
Fancy a dip? We’ve got two pools to choose from, our pool at Rock Lodge surrounded by stunning views or venture to Safari Lodge and take a dip after your game drive.
Stargazing
Guests can enjoy a star gazing evening as part of their game viewing experience at our observatory in the Bush. Our rangers will teach all about the constellations you can see from points in the southern hemisphere!
Safari Lodge Wine Room
The Wine Room overlooks the waterhole and dry riverbed which attract all kinds of game. We offered tailored wine tasting and have some fantastic local wines.
Shopping
The gift shop situated at Safari Lodge is filled with a selection of arts, crafts, small gifts and clothing ranging from caps, shirts and beanies to gloves. It’s the perfect place to buy a little something for your friends, family or even yourself, and has all the bits and pieces you may need when on holiday.
Safari Walks
Take a safari walk with your Ranger and Tracker and you’ll get an opportunity to see smaller creatures that are often missed when you’re on the game vehicles.
Spa Treatments
The Aroma Boma spa treatment room is built on the banks of the dry Mabrak riverbed amongst the trees and away from the main lodge area, so the only likely disturbance is perhaps the odd elephant wandering past! Ulusaba uses a range of products from ‘Africology’. ‘Africology’ prides itself on its African roots, taking inspiration from home and using local active ingredients including Rooibos, Aloe, Marula and African Potato.
Stargazing
Guests can enjoy a star gazing evening as part of their game viewing experience at our observatory in the Bush. Our rangers will teach all about the constellations you can see from points in the southern hemisphere!
Swimming Pool
Pool with a view! Take in the views while having a dip or spend your time lazing on a sun lounger. Feeling chilly? Not to worry the pool is heated in the winter months. If you fancy enjoying the sunshine, we’ll bring your lunch to the pool.
Tennis
If you fancy a hit of tennis, there are two tennis courts. We have balls and racquets you can borrow. The courts are floodlit so you can also play at night, but we will organise a security escort just to make sure the animals don’t gate crash your game!
Volunteering
Keeping the community safe
While our local community visits play an incredibly important part of the role we play at Ulusaba, keeping the community members, our guests and our team safe is our number one priority. With this in mind, we are currently not offering any local community visits but we hope to resume these as soon as it is safe to do so and will do our very best to keep you updated on this.
Travel is always richer when you get the opportunity to find out about the daily lives of people who live in the area you’re visiting. If you’re in the mood for an authentic Shangaan experience, we organise community tours to the local villages.
The Community Tours and Excursions are organised by Pride ‘n Purpose, Ulusaba’s charitable arm. The basic philosophy behind its work is the principle of empowering people to help themselves while promoting sustainable development. All of Pride’n Purposes’s expenses are funded by Ulusaba and Virgin Unite, the group’s entrepreneurial foundation, so 100% of donations can be put into the much needed projects to improve living conditions for the local population. All money raised through those tours goes to the local communities.
Pride ‘n Purpose
You can now incorporate a volunteering experience into your stay. Our team will create bespoke itineraries to participate in hands-on projects within the local communities, based around your own skills and interests. Not only will this create an opportunity to experience the local culture it'll provide a way in which you can perhaps give a little something back to others.
Day in the Life
The Day in a Life village tour looks into some of the charitable projects and schemes Ulusaba is actively involved with. We tailor this tour’s itinerary according to your interests.
It’s Child’s Play
‘The It’s Child’s Play’ tour has more hands-on activities. You will have the opportunity to share your skills and teach children anything from new songs to the school numbers and alphabet.
Justicia Village Tour
The Justicia Village tour has more of a cultural emphasis.