Ulusaba Safari Lodge

Set in the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve that borders the sprawling Kruger National Park, Sir Richard Branson's Ulusaba Private Game Reserve awaits you as your ultimate destination for a Big 5 safari. Because Ulusaba is privately owned, you'll be able to enjoy over 10,000 acres of unspoilt, game-rich bush in near solitude. Experienced trackers and game rangers will accompany you on game drives in open Land Rovers, tracking the Big 5 and sharing with you their vast knowledge of the surrounding wildlife.

Safari Lodge fits snugly into the bush, located beneath a canopy of ancient trees on the edge of a dry riverbed. To complete your safari adventure, some of the rooms are accessed by swing bridges. Your room will provide fascinating views of the animals as they stroll past on their way to the nearby watering hole.

The emphasis at Safari Lodge is on exceptional personal service, and your safari is guaranteed to be exclusive and private. The attentive staff and superb facilities will ensure that being in the middle of the African bush does not need to mean foregoing creature comforts. You'll have the unique sights, sounds and smells of Africa on your doorstep - while still enjoying the kind of style and luxury you would expect from a 5* boutique hotel.

The luxurious rooms are built 'tree house' style to give a true feeling of being at the heart of life in the bush. All rooms and suites have air-conditioning and fans. Guests have the choice of Elephant Rooms, River Rooms and the private Treehouse Suite (about a 10 minute walk from the main lodge via swing bridges and raised walkways - so ideal for honeymooners). There is also a 2 bedroomed Safari Suite.

The main Safari Lodge areas include a spacious lounge, bar, dining area with an impressive open fireplace, and a swimming pool and sundeck overlooking the most unforgettable views. The viewing deck overlooking the Xikwenga Dam is a great place to get even further into the bush to see where the hippos and elephants come to bathe.

At Ulusaba dining is a very important part of your stay, and the 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 6 opportunities per day to eat, you certainly won’t go hungry! Whether dining under the African sky in the boma, on a deck or in the dining room, the menus and meals promise to be exciting, social and inspirational.

Rates Include

All meals; all beverages including a top quality wine list and fine champagne; the Guest Conservation Contribution; 2 daily shared game viewing drives; daily walking safari; and a laundry service are included. IN ADDITION: For self-drive visitors, there is a R140 per person and a R310 per vehicle entrance fee, payable in cash at the entrance gate (subject to change).

Children Policy

Children aged 12 years and older are welcome. Adult rates apply.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve. Regardless of age, the final decision on whether a guest can join a guided walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.

Guest Rating: 5.0 / 5.0 based on 3 ratings

Directions For Drivers

From Hazyview (R40/R536 Junction): Proceed through Hazyview until you reach a set of traffic lights with a shopping centre/mall on the corner. Turn here - the road is signposted to the Kruger Gate/R536.

Once on the R536, continue along this road for approximately 34.5 km and on the left-hand side of the road, you will see lodge signboards for various lodges including Inyati, Idube and Savanna. Turn left here onto the sand road (if the MalaMala, Sabi Sabi and Londolozi signs are reached, or the Kruger Gate itself, you have gone too far and must turn back).

Once you have turned onto the sand road you will go through a cattle control gate. From this point the way is well signposted with the lodge signboards. The sand road has potholes and also goes past some villages, so please drive carefully. There is approximately 12 km of sand road, after which you will arrive at the Newington Gate entrance of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

From the Kruger Mpumalanga/Nelspruit International Airport: Turn right out of the airport onto the R538 and follow the signs to White River (Witrivier). Continue for approximately 12 km, until you reach the first set of traffic lights in White River, with the mosque on your left. Turn right and travel towards Hazyview on the R40. After approximately 45 km, you will go down a steep hill towards a T-junction. Turn left, staying on the R40. Proceed through Hazyview until you reach a set of traffic lights with a shopping centre/mall on the corner. Turn right here - the road is signposted to the Kruger Gate/R536. Once on the R536, follow the directions as above from Hazyview (R40/R536 Junction).

From Johannesburg/Pretoria: Take the N12 or N4 highway respectively to Witbank/eMalahleni (from Johannesburg Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). Follow the N4 highway past Middleburg (Toll Plaza), Belfast/eMakhazeni and Machadodorp (Toll Plaza). Keep on the N4 until you reach Nelspruit, where you will turn left onto the R40 to White River. In White River, at the first set of traffic lights in the town itself, turn left, following signs to Hazyview and Wildtuin/Kruger National Park. At the next set of traffic lights, turn right. Cross over the next set of traffic lights and then at the final set, with a Caltex garage on your right, turn left on the R40 for Hazyview (the R538, via the Numbi Gate, is a busy road and not recommended). After approximately 45 km, you will go down a steep hill towards a T-junction. Turn left, staying on the R40. Proceed through Hazyview until you reach a set of traffic lights with a shopping centre/mall on the corner. Turn here - the road is signposted to the Kruger Gate/R536. Once on the R536, follow the directions as above from Hazyview (R40/R536 Junction).

From Johannesburg/Pretoria via Scenic Route: Take the N12 or N4 highway to Witbank/eMalahleni (from Johannesburg Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). Follow the N4 highway past Middleburg (Toll Plaza), Belfast/eMakhazeni and Machadodorp (Toll Plaza). Take the R36 to Lydenburg/Mashishing. In Lydenburg/Mashishing, follow the signs to Sabie over the Long Tom Pass (the highest tar road in South Africa). In Sabie, take the R536 to Hazyview. Just before Hazyview you will reach a T-junction. Turn right onto the R40 towards Hazyview. Proceed through Hazyview until you reach a set of traffic lights with a shopping centre/mall on the corner. Turn here - the road is signposted to the Kruger Gate/R536. Once on the R536, follow the directions as above from Hazyview (R40/R536 Junction).

From Hoedspruit Airport: Turn right out of the airport towards the R40. At the T-junction, turn left onto the R40 towards White River and Hazyview. Proceed on the R40 for approximately 88 km until you reach a set of traffic lights in Hazyview with a shopping centre/mall on the corner. Turn left here - the road is signposted to the Kruger Gate/R536.  Once on the R536, follow the directions as above from Hazyview (R40/R536 Junction).

From the Paul Kruger Gate: Go through the gate, and follow the R536 to Hazyview. Continue along this road and on the right-hand side of the road, you will see lodge signboards for various lodges including Inyati, Idube and Savanna. Turn right here onto the sand road. Once you have turned onto the sand road you will go through a cattle control gate. From this point the way is well signposted with the lodge signboards. The sand road has potholes and also goes past some villages, so please drive carefully. There is approximately 12 km of sand road, after which you will arrive at the Newington Gate entrance of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

ONCE AT THE NEWINGTON GATE: For self-drive visitors, there is a R140 per person and a R310 per vehicle entrance fee, payable in cash at the entrance gate (subject to change). Please retain your receipt as proof of entrance and have it stamped at your destination when you are leaving, which acts as your Exit Permit. Once inside the gate, follow the signs to the lodge through the reserve.

Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.

General Information For Guests

The Safari Rooms are the closest to the main lodge, and each has a large viewing deck and an en-suite bathroom with great views.

The location of the Elephant Rooms are ideal for friends travelling together or families with teens wishing to be close to their parents. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms and large viewing decks.

The River Rooms have seating areas and striking views of the river bed or bush.  Two of the River Rooms have private plunge pools. Three of the River Rooms are accessibly by swing bridge and are a short walk from the main lodge area.

The Treehouse Suite has a private deck with views over the Xikwenga Dam. There is also a large viewing deck adjacent to the room perfect for breakfasts, lunches and dinners. The Treehouse Suite is an approximate 10 minute walk from the main lodge and is accessible by swing bridges and raised walkways. The location of the suite makes it the perfect choice for avid photographers and birders as well as honeymooners.

There is a fully equipped gymnasium, Aroma Boma Spa, freshwater outdoor heated pool, tennis courts with viewing pavilion (rackets and balls supplied), gift shop and wine cellar.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the lounge area.

The main lounge is equipped with DVDs, videos, music and a book library.

There is an observatory for guests to use, which is perfect for star-gazing.

Informative talks on flora, fauna and conservation can be done on request for both adults and children.

The wine cellar has an outdoor dining area which can seat up to 6 guests - perfect for private dining.

The game drive vehicles seat a maximum of 6 people only (3 rows of 2).

Pride 'n Purpose is Ulusaba's charitable arm, committed to helping disadvantaged communities living adjacent to the reserve and working on a non-profit basis. For an authentic Shangaan experience, guests can visit the local villages surrounding the Sabi Sand Game Reserve on a Community Tour and support the project. If you would also like to volunteer any of your time to help with some of the ongoing projects during your stay at Ulusaba this can be arranged prior to arrival, and an itinerary on request can be tailor-made for you. Please let your Travel Butlers consultant know if you would like to do this.

A Guest Conservation Contribution has been included within your rate. The proceeds go towards the Sabi Sand Wildtuin anti-poaching efforts, the community and ecology.

If you are arriving/departing via FedAir, the Lodge is a 5 minute drive away from the airstrip.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve. Regardless of age, the final decision on whether a guest can join a guided walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.

Popular Alternatives to Ulusaba Safari Lodge

These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Ulusaba Safari Lodge, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Ulusaba Safari Lodge was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.

If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.