LUXURY LODGE
DESTINATION
South Africa
NO. GUESTS
Up To 45 Guests
MAY - OCT
DRY WINTER SEASON
JUN - AUG
PEAK SEASON
NOV - APR
RAIN GAME VIEWING SEASON
STARTING FROM
Upon
Request
per night (USD)
private group booking
Available for Private Bookings. Send a Request to Check Availability.
Questions? Contact us on Whatsapp
Getting to know Ulusaba
“The African Bush – just the thought of it conjures up some fascinating images of breath-taking wilderness,
sunrise safaris and a retreat far away from the city. Here your imagination becomes reality. I hope someday we’ll be able to share this with you”
– SIR RICHARD BRANSON –
Sitting within the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve near Kruger National Park, Ulusaba is Richard Branson’s private game reserve and an ultimate safari destination for those visiting South Africa. Twenty luxury rooms and suites are spread across two world-class lodges that immerse guests in nature, whether you choose from Safari Lodge, nestled amongst lush foliage along the banks of the dry Mabrak riverbed, or Rock Lodge, which sits high up on a koppie to offer panoramic views of the bush below. An expert team of guides run daily game drives for spotting the local wildlife, including the Big Five, as well as a variety of excursions to nearby villages to learn more about Shangaan culture and how Ulusaba is actively supporting the local communities.
EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Game Drives
Ulusaba’s two daily game drives take you out in the early morning and late afternoon for the best chance to spot wildlife, and to the catch the beauty of the Sabi Sand under the rising and setting sun. Your personal Ranger and Tracker will take you across 13,500 hectares of private reserve during the three-hour experience, which can be tailor-made just for you, and will help you find both the Big Five and the harder-to-spot Little Five.
Safari Walks
If you want to get even closer to nature, then head out on one of Ulusaba’s safari walks. It’s a great chance to spot many of the birds and smaller animals which are missed on the game drives, and your Ranger and Tracker will also share some fascinating facts about the medicinal uses of the trees and plants that you’ll see along the way.
Canyons, Cultures and Contrasts Tour
Head out on an excursion on the famed ‘Panorama Route’ along the Drakensberg Escarpment to see sights such as the Victorian Town of Pilgrims Rest, Blyde River Canyon, and Lisbon Waterfalls. It’s a chance to see more of the region’s natural beauty and learn about its history as your expert guide recount tales of region’s pioneers along the way.
Cascades and Canyons Spectacular Tour
For an unforgettable view of the natural landscape, this tour will take you on an exciting helicopter flight over lush valleys, dramatic gorges, and cascading waterfalls. You’ll head to God’s Window for incredible panoramic views of the bushveld, to Blyde River Canyon to see the rock formations of the third deepest canyon in the world, and enjoy a picnic with magnificent views of the Mpumalanga Lowveld.
Tennis
If you fancy a game of tennis, borrow you can borrow balls and racquets to enjoy a game or two on Ulusaba’s tennis courts. You can even play by night on the floodlight courts, with a security escort on the lookout nearby to make sure the wildlife doesn’t interrupt your serve.
The Aroma Boma Spa
Nestled amongst trees on the banks of dry Mabrak riverbed, the Aroma Boma spa treatment room offers a moment of tranquillity away from the main lodge. Soothing treatments have been designed around Africology products, a natural eco-friendly range which harnesses the power of active local ingredients such as Rooibos, Aloe, Marula and African Potato.
Community Tours and Volunteering
The Community tours and Excursions, organised by Ulusaba’s not-for-profit organisation Pride ‘n Purpose, give you a chance to get to know Shangaan culture and some of the charitable projects Ulusaba is involved with. For guests who’d like to get more hands-on, the team can organise bespoke volunteering itineraries within the local communities based around your own skills and interests.
Pride ‘n Purpose
Pride ‘n Purpose is a not-for-profit organisation established by members of the Ulusaba family and supported by Virgin Limited Edition and Virgin Unite, the Virgin Group’s non-profit foundation. The organisation’s work focuses on improving living conditions across 14 local communities, such as providing access to clean drinking water, basic healthcare, food, childcare, and job opportunities. Guests can visit some of these villages to find out more about Pride ‘n Purpose’s work during their stay, or get involved in volunteering to experience the area surrounding the Sabi Sand reserve on a different level.
African-Inspired Cuisine in a Magical Setting
From hearty breakfasts to al fresco lunches and afternoon tea, gastronomy is an important part of the Ulusaba experience. The team of internationally renowned chefs has created a menu of pan-African dishes inspired by a variety of African cultures, flavours and spices and which puts seasonal, local produce at the forefront. Breads and pastries are baked by hand each day to set you up for the morning game drive, with pancake stops along the way to ensure you don’t go hungry, and by night memorable evenings can be spent dining under the stars by a roaring log fire. The wine list has been carefully curated to complement the locally-inspired cuisine and includes an exciting mix of organic and biodynamic wines from family-owned producers, traditional big-name domains, and some very special South African vintages.
Family Fun at Ulusaba
Children are very welcome at Ulusaba and the team has designed a range of activities to keep kids, or little “cubs” as they’re known here, entertained. All Cubs receive a surprise gift pack on arrival to educate them about the African Bush, and children six years and older will be invited to join Ulusaba’s Cub’s Club to choose from a tailor-made selection of fun and educational activities, including heading out on daily Game drives or relaxing in the spa with one of the specially-designed kids treatments.
Exclusive Use Of The Lodges
All Meals Served In A Variety Of Locations Around The Lodges
All Beverages Including A Top-Quality Wine List And Fine Champagne
Twice Daily Game Drives
A Daily Walking Safari
Wireless Available In All Guest Rooms And Public Areas
Informative Talks On Flora, Fauna And Conservation
Private Dining For Up To 6 Guests At Safari Lodge’s Wine Cellar And Rock Lodge’s Wine Room
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Private trips for groups can also be arranged.
FACILITIES INCLUDE
Fully Equipped Gym At Each Lodge
Tennis Courts
Gym
Aroma Boma spa treatments
WORLD-CLASS HOSTS
Join some of the most accomplished people on the planet in the quest for enriching adventures, human connection and personal transformation.
UNPRECEDENTED ACCESS
Unique access to people and places that are often inaccessible, join our community of global travellers with a guestlist applicaiton.
A MEANINGFUL MISSION
Give back to local communities, supporting conservation causes or social initiatives that improve the quality of life for others.