Ulusaba Private Game Reserve 4*

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. Ulusaba has 21 rooms and suites spread over two lodges: Rock Lodge, including the beautiful Cliff Lodge, and Safari Lodge.

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!

Where we are

Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is located in the western sector of the Sabi Sand Reserve. We're close to Kruger National Park which is in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa.

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 was voted as the number 1 resort in Africa in the Condé Nast Traveler Reader's Choice Awards in 2016 and was ranked as the third best resort in the world!

The Lodges at Ulusaba

Ulusaba has 21 rooms and suites spread over two lodges: Rock Lodge, including the beautiful Cliff 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 our 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 our 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.

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 hotwater 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

Children at Ulusaba

We love kids and have a dedicated Cub’s Club to keep your little ones entertained during your stay. Children of all ages are very welcome at Rock Lodge (including Cliff Lodge), which is ideal for families with children, however we unfortunately don’t allow Cubs under the age of 12 to stay at Safari Lodge. As long as your Cub is aged 6 or over he or she is more than welcome on the safari game vehicles.

Because Rock Lodge is intimate we do not operate a set programme, but rather a range of great activities for your cubs to choose from. On arrival each cub will receive a backpack filled with fun and educational safari goodies. Cubs have their very own amenities in the room, just like their folks do, and in every Cub’s room there will be a personal welcome letter and a special introduction to their stay with a health and safety briefing specifically aimed at younger guests.

Dining

At Ulusaba dining is a very important part of your stay, and our chefs work hard from morning until night to provide the freshest and tastiest meals possible. All meals and drinks are included in your rates, and with at least six opportunities per day to eat, we promise you won’t go hungry!

Our internationally renowned chefs have developed numerous pan-African dishes influenced by many African cultures, flavours and spices. Our recipes are constantly refreshed and consist of seasonal, local ingredients.

Whether dining under the African sky, in the Boma, on a deck or in the dining room, our menus and meals promise to be exciting, social and inspirational. All our breads and pastries are home baked daily and we also cater for private meals and special occasions.

Things to do at Ulusaba

From bush games, safari walks and cocktails by the pool, there's no shortage of things to do during the day.

Spa treatments
Relax
Volunteering
Get active
Excursions