ULUSABA SAFARI LODGE

Ulusaba Safari Lodge is Sir Richard Branson’s private game reserve in South Africa.

The beautiful Ulusaba Safari Lodge has 11 rooms and suites.

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.

Safari Lodge has several rooms built in a treehouse-style.

This lodge fits snugly under a canopy of ancient trees on the edge of a dry riverbed.

Some rooms are accessed by swing bridges and have views of passing animals on their way to the watering hole. 

Accommodation at Ulusaba Safari Lodge:

The Safari Room is located close to the Main Lodge and can be interconnected with the Safari Suite to create a two-bedroom suite.

This room offers a viewing deck and an en-suite bathroom with great views. 

Built treehouse-style elevated above the bush, the three Elephant Rooms have en-suites and large viewing decks that offer fantastic views of passing game.

These rooms have one king-size bed that can be made into a twin on request.  

Our four treehouse-style River Rooms are spacious and private with cosy seating areas and striking views of the riverbed or bush.

Three of the River Rooms are accessible by a swing bridge and are a short walk from the main lodge.  

The Safari Suite is a private suite beside the Main Lodge and has its entrance through a walled garden with a sociable fire pit.

It has a spacious separate lounge area, a viewing deck with a plunge pool, and can be connected to the Safari Room to sleep four.  

The Tree House Suite is a spacious and unique suite that has a private deck with views over Xikwenga Dam where hippos and elephants come to bathe.

A secluded haven for two.

Wining and Dining at Ulusaba Safari Lodge:

At Ulusaba dining is a very important part of your stay. 

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. 

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! 

Dine by firelight, candlelight, or starlight.

Feast on a traditional Braai in the heart of the bush or sample the local specialties overlooking the animals wandering by below.  

All our bread and pastries are home-baked daily, and breakfasts and lunches are organised restaurant-style, but in the evenings, guests dine together at communal tables, comparing notes on the animals they spotted that day!  

Of course, if you’d like a more intimate experience, we’d be delighted to organise private dining for you.  

Wine lovers needn’t do without – we have a well-stocked wine cellar at Safari Lodge and in the lounge at Rock Lodge, and our tailored wine tastings are a must.  

Our wine experience starts with us establishing your tastes.

South Africa has an excellent reputation for wine worldwide and naturally, we’re keen to showcase some of the best local vintages on offer.  

You’ll find wines from tiny family-owned cellars, traditional bigger names, and some newer, equally impressive small producers, with wines from organic and biodynamic producers. 

Health & Wellness at Ulusaba Safari Lodge:

The Aroma Boma Spa at Rock Lodge is located 800 feet above the African Savannah with truly stunning views over the bush.

Our range of relaxing treatments – from facials to massages to those essential grooming rituals – is the perfect antidote to all the excitement of being out on game drives.

We use a range of products from Africology, an eco-friendly brand whose ethical skin care products capture the rejuvenating and healing essence of Africa, helping to revitalise the skin as well as prevent damage and premature aging.  

Africology prides itself on its roots, taking inspiration from home and using naturally active ingredients including Rooibos, Aloe, Marula, and African Potato.

The entire range is suitable for vegans, is not tested on animals, and is free from harmful chemicals and perfumes. 

Game Drives at Ulusaba Safari Lodge:

Anyone who’s been on safari before knows that no two game drives are ever the same. 

There are twice-daily game drives at Ulusaba, one leaving early in the morning and one leaving late afternoon, each lasting around three hours.  

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.  

Sightings will vary depending on the season, but you should always keep your eyes peeled for the Big 5! 

Morning is generally the best time to spot wildlife, as the temperature is cool and the animals are still active, including the big cats, who’ll be returning from a night of hunting. 

There’s also something special about the bush as the late afternoon light starts to fade.

The animals stir from their daytime slumber and predators start stalking their prey. It’s common to stop for sundowners as the sun sets – it’s a magical experience!  

The big five are lions, buffalos, leopards, elephants and rhinos.

This is an old term originally referring to the five most dangerous animals to hunt, and not to the biggest or strongest animals.

Hunting is of course not permitted at Ulusaba, or in the protected Reserves and National Parks of South Africa. 

The Little Five are more difficult to spot but your ranger and tracker can help.

They’ll be looking out for rhino beetles, elephant shrews, leopard tortoises, buffalo weavers and ant lions.  

Depending on the weather there’s usually a safari walk directly after breakfast.

Your ranger and tracker will guide you, pointing out various birds and animals. 

This is a great opportunity to see smaller creatures that are often missed when you’re on the game vehicles.

We’ll also teach you some fascinating facts about the medicinal use of trees and plants along the way.