Sir Richard Branson's Private Game Reserve is set in the heart of the Sabi Sand reserve on the border of the Kruger National Park in South Africa.
Most of the staff hail from the surrounding villages therefore guests benefit from authentic South African hospitality.
The property support the local community through charitable project, Pride 'n Purpose.
The Ulusaba family of 119 individuals includes some of the finest and most qualified rangers and trackers in the reserve, who guarantee the experience of a lifetime on game drive.
Ulusaba is Sir Richard Branson’s private game reserve in South Africa. The name Ulusaba means ‘place of little fear’, so named because the koppie, or hill, on which Rock Lodge sits provided the ancient Shangaan tribal warriors with the perfect lookout point.
There are two lodges, Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge, which combine to make 21 bedrooms of pure safari luxury.
Ulusaba sits entirely within the Sabi Sand Reserve near Kruger National Park, surrounded by 13,500 hectares (about 33,000 acres) of open bush. The hills of Ulusaba are spectacular as they rise above the surrounding terrain, offering a view unsurpassed anywhere else in the reserve.
People visit the area for the abundant game and the variety of sightings possible – believe us, once you’ve experienced it you’ll be hooked!
Ulusaba is a family-friendly safari destination and most of our staff are Shangaan and hail from the communities that border the game reserve. Shangaans are celebrated for their dancing and singing and a rich musical heritage.
Ulusaba is part of Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson's collection of unique retreats.
Ulusaba means ‘place of little fear’.
The local Shangaan tribe (from whose language the name comes) that occupied the area long ago used the hills as an outpost for the tribal chief and senior warriors.
The elevation gave them a tremendous advantage during battle and meant their enemies were unlikely to win, as surprise attacks were virtually impossible. The tribal members could therefore live in safety – hence, the place of little fear.
The first incarnation of Rock Lodge was completed in 1983, with an access road having been built in the same year. In 1994 Ulusaba was purchased by Sir Richard Branson.
Both Rock and Safari Lodges were entirely rebuilt, and have been transformed into world-class lodges.
In 2008 the Treehouse Suite was built at Safari Lodge, giving guests the opportunity to get even closer to the Xikwenga Dam and watering hole, and in 2009 the Cliff Lodge Suites were completed at Rock Lodge.
Ulusaba has 21 rooms and suites spread over two lodges: Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge.
Rock Lodge is perched on the top of a koppie with panoramic views over the bush below.
There are 8 rooms at Rock Lodge, including the Master Suite, Makwela Suites, Rock Cliff rooms and the two bedroom Rock Suite, some of which have private plunge pools.
Just a short walk from the main house is Cliff Lodge, a private two bedroom suite.
Nearly 500 metres away is Safari Lodge which has 11 rooms, including an Elephant Rooms, River Rooms and the private Treehouse Suite.
Built along the banks of a dry riverbed, Safari Lodge guests cross swing bridges between the exquisite tree house style rooms.
For the ultimate experience, guests can share their time between both lodges.
Ulusaba can be hired exclusively! Whether for a milestone birthday, anniversary, company retreat or just a time to get away with friends and family, Ulusaba is the perfect setting.
You can hire either one or both lodges and you’ll have access to all the privacy, and flexibility that you desire, as well as your own game vehicles, Rangers and Trackers.
Your stay will be uniquely tailored; perhaps cocktails at sunset followed by tribal dances around a bush campfire or a safari themed child’s birthday party…
Whatever your preference, the Ulusaba team will ensure an unforgettable African safari experience.
Located at Safari Lodge and built tree house style above the bush, there are three Elephant Rooms with en-suite bathrooms and large viewing decks offering fantastic views of the game you're likely to see wandering past.
These rooms have one King bed that can be made in to a twin upon request.
The Makwela Suites, located at Rock Lodge, are built over two levels with full en-suite bathrooms and private balconies with infinity edge plunge pools.
With a separate living area and study/library, each has a luxurious fold-out sleeper couch suitable for children.
The Master Suite at Rock Lodge is built on three levels with beautiful views, an en-suite bathroom, and private balcony
with infinity plunge pool. The living area has another terrace with sun loungers.
Located at Safari Lodge and built ‘tree-house style’.
River Rooms are very private and spacious, offering an en-suite bathroom with views out into the heart of the bush.
Some River Rooms are accessed via a swing bridge.
These rooms have a King-size bed but can be twinned on request.
Our Rock Cliff Rooms at Rock Lodge are all south facing with views over the vast landscape.
Rooms are spacious and offer en-suite bathrooms with spectacular views.
Some Rock Cliff Rooms have split level bathrooms with a spiral staircase connecting the bedroom.
A spacious two bedroom suite with living area, the master bedroom can be split into a twin and has a full en-suite with views over the bush, and the second queen bedded room has a smaller en-suite shower room.
An ideal option if you’re travelling as a family as we can accommodate two children.
The Treehouse Suite is a spacious and very private suite featuring a deck with views over Xikwenga Dam where hippos and elephants come to bathe.
There is also a large viewing deck adjacent to the room, perfect for breakfasts, lunches and private dinners accommodating 16 people.
The Treehouse Suite is approximate 10 minutes' walk from the main lodge and is accessible by swing bridges and raised walkways.
Just because you’re away from the lodges doesn’t mean the culinary experience can’t travel with you.
Freshly baked goodies await before you set off on the morning game drive, and might surprise you with a few more treats while you’re in the middle of the bush,
from pancake stops to bush dinners under the stars lit by torches and a flaming log fire.
During the evening game drives your Ranger and Tracker will pick a spot for some refreshing sundowners to get you in the mood for dinner.
Many guests choose to visit Ulusaba for special occasions, be it an anniversary, landmark birthday, or honeymoon, so if you’re after a more intimate dining experience the team would be delighted to organise this for you.
Dinner can be served on a secluded deck with views over the bush at Rock Lodge, on the deck at Safari Lodge’s wine cellar,
in the cosy wine lounge back up at Rock Lodge, or somewhere else a little bit more secluded.
Just let the team know in advance and they can certainly ramp up the romance (if that’s what you are after!)
Hit the gym and work up an appetite.
Make a splash in your private pool and cool down after the excitement of your game drive experience.
This LaStone treatment is designed around the principle of geothermal therapy and uses warm basalt stones to relax, nurture and nourish tight and stressed muscles
If you want to spend some time soaking up the environment and wildlife, scoot away for the day for one of scenic tours.
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.
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.
Guests can enjoy a star gazing evening as part of their game viewing experience at observatory in the Bush. Rangers will teach all about the constellations you can see from points in the southern hemisphere!
Getting married on safari at Ulusaba is the kind of wedding your guests will be talking about for years to come.
Wine lovers won’t go thirsty with the well-stocked wine cellar at Safari Lodge and lounge at Rock Lodge and tailored wine tastings are a must.
Cubs of all ages are welcome at Rock Lodge and are invited to take part in the complimentary Ulusaba Cub’s Club.
Aiming to both entertain and educate cubs about their surroundings, the Cub’s Club doesn’t offer a set programme, but rather a range of activities tailored to every child.
Cubs can go on a game drive when they are six years old, complimentary babysitting is available throughout their stay.
ULUSABA
Sabi Sand ReserveMpimalanga, 1242South Africa