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Ulusaba Safari Lodge

SIR RICHARD BRANSON'S LODGE BY THE RIVER

Ulusaba Safari Lodge is located withing just a short distance from it's sister property Ulusaba Rock Lodge. Both are within the Ulusaba Private Game Reserve which sits in the western sector of the world famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve in north east South Africa.

The Sabi Sands is famed for being one of the very best places in the world for spotting the ‘Big Five’. At Ulasaba guests have unrestricted access with their rangers to over 13,500 hectares (about 33,000 acres) of pristine wilderness or Bushveld as it is locally known.  The experienced and well informed Trackers and Guides love nothing more than sharing their incredible knowledge of the African bush. Ulusaba brings the high level of service you would expect from any of Richard Branson's properties, and adds it to one of natures most incredible shows. 

 

Activities

There are twice daily game drives included in all guest stays. In addition to this, guests can take game walks, stargaze in the Bush Observatory, indulge in a spa treatment, visit the gym, enjoy private dinners, make the most of the wine cellar and much more. Alternatively, guests can visit the local community (supported by Pride n’ Purpose Ulusaba’s charitable arm).

Children

Children are taken seriously at Ulusaba. The ‘Ulusaba Cub’s Club’ invites kids or cubs, as we like to call them, of all ages to take part in the activities on offer at Rock Lodge. Children under 12 accommodated at Rock Lodge only and only those aged 6 or more can go out on game drives.

On arrival at Ulusaba, all Cubs are given a backpack full of goodies to keep them entertained and to help educate them about the African bush.  Some of the activities include treasure hunts supervised by the Rangers where Cubs will learn about direction and map reading and familiarise themselves with the plants, trees, animals and their tracks.  Following each completed task, badges will be awarded and framed by their very own home made wooden frame which they will make from the products found in the bush.  For the more creative souls, various craft sessions can be arranged and for the Ray Mears types, survival instruction, such as finding water and bait for fishing can be taught.

 

Availability of Lodge

Ulusaba operates hotel style where guests book individual rooms, additionally they can hire lodges exclusively; operating on an all-inclusive basis. Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary or just a great opportunity to escape with family and friends, Ulusaba’s team are on hand to cater to all requests. 

Children

At all of Richard Branson's Virgin properties, little guests are catered for as well as adult guests!

Special food and beverages or simple snacks and light meals can be prepared for all children.

Dedicated babysitting is available with advance notice given. The service will be provided by a local member of staff with plenty of experience with children – charges may apply.

Recently introduced is a ‘Family Sports Day’ where the whole family can get together to enjoy a picnic in the bush and participate in a variety of sports such as tug of war, water balloon fights, egg and spoon race and a three legged race, to name a few.

In addition, Pride n’ Purpose and Ulusaba Cub’s Club have joined together to find ways for Cubs to be more involved in the local community by supporting the schools in the adjacent villages.  Some of these initiatives are giving Cubs the opportunity to become an Ulusaba community pen pal and write to another child at a local school, helping them to learn more about different cultures.  There will also be the chance for our Cubs to sponsor the orphanage or sponsor a tree for food! Guests will have the option to pay an extra R100 for their community tour and this extra money will go towards a fruit tree for the schools, where the Cubs will be invited to the community to plant the tree themselves.

By Air

On arrival in Johannesburg, Ulusaba is approximately a 1 hour 20 minute flight by twin-engine aircraft to the Ulusaba airstrip from Johannesburg International Airport (also known as O.R. Tambo Airport) and only a 30 minute flight from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) in Nelspruit.