gallery of 9 photos

Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa

Ulusaba Safari Lodge

We expected Ulusaba to be fun and hip and it totally lived up to the hype. Safari Lodge is newly rebuilt and has great style. Swinging bridges and rooms laid out meandering along the riverbed create a fantastic environment. Great for families.

The location of the property is on the edge of the reserve, so there is a fence dividing the Game Reserve boundary and a village in the distance. This can put a less than wild damper on game drives, but the guides strive to stay away from these areas.

 — Mango's view

Owned by Sir Richard Branson, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is set in the heart of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve that borders the sprawling Kruger National Park in South Africa's Mpumalanga province. Ulusaba Private Game Reserve waits as your ultimate destination for a Big Five safari in South Africa. Because Ulusaba is privately owned, you'll be able to enjoy over 10,000 acres of unspoiled, game rich bush in near solitude. Experienced trackers and game rangers will accompany you on game drives in open Land Rovers, tracking game and sharing with you their vast knowledge of the surrounding wildlife.

Ulusaba Safari Lodge is built along the banks of the dry Mabrak riverbed. The rooms are built 'tree house' style and you really get the feeling of being at the heart of life in the bush. Your room will provide fascinating views of the animals as they stroll past on their way to the nearby watering hole.

Under a canopy of ancient trees, overlooking the Mabrak watercourse is the magnificent Safari Lodge, which offers 3 exceptional safari rooms, 3 luxury elephant rooms and 4 outstanding river rooms, for a maximum of 20 guests. Wooden swing bridges and candlelit dinners in the Boma are part of the charm and splendor of Safari Lodge. All rooms have air conditioning and fans.

Ulusaba guest areas include spacious lounge areas, bars, dining areas with impressive open fireplaces, swimming pools and sundecks overlooking the most unforgettable views. Dinner is served either in the traditional African boma (campfire area) at Safari Lodge or lantern lit deck. Groups can also be treated to dinner under African skies in the bush. Safari Lodge has a well-stocked curio shop. Lodge facilities include a fully equipped gymnasium, Virgin Touch Spa at the Aroma Boma, and 2 lighted tennis courts.

Activities include twice daily game drives in open 4x4 game viewing safari vehicles, daily bush walks, stargazing, bird watching and moonlit bush dinners or sundowners. The excellent game viewing experience is complemented by the chance to go on a community tour of the local Shangaan Village where guests have the chance to interact with the local culture and people. After a dusty game drive, you may want to indulge in the Aroma Boma Virgin Touch Salon offering a fabulous range of treatments to help you relax and unwind.

Includes: All meals, drinks, safari activities, & laundry