Ulusaba Safari Lodge

Kruger and surrounds, South Africa

Virgin rating

The hotel

Owned by our own Sir Richard Branson, this is one of the most luxurious and exclusive game lodges in the world. It is located amid the breathtaking landscapes of Sabi Sands and combines exceptional service with a superb safari experience - what could be better? If you like to keep yourself close to the ground and the passing wildlife, you'll enjoy Safari Lodge - with treehouse inspired rooms and suites, all with private decks. Your day starts early with a cup of tea and then it's out to the 4WDs in search of the reserve's exciting creatures. Then it's back to the lodge for a delicious hearty breakfast and a chance to enjoy the impressive leisure facilities. You'll also enjoy an evening safari to spot some different bush creatures, before enjoying a first-class dinner accompanied by excellent wines and occasionally by tribal dancers and singers.

Amenities

  • Honeymoon
  • Safari
  • Wedding
  • Bar
  • Evening Entertainment
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Restaurant
  • Near National Park

Where is it

In the western sector of the Sabi Sand reserve. Road transfers from Kruger Mpumalanga or Skukuza airport are available. We recommend to fly direct from Johannesburg to Ulusaba's private airstrip. Flight time approximately: 1 hour 20 minutes.

Hotel information

Ulusaba has 20 rooms and suites spread over 2 exquisite lodges. Safari Lodge has a fantastic bush location built along the banks of a dry river bed and offers a selection of Elephant Rooms, a  Safari Room, River Rooms, a Treehouse Suite and the new Safari Suite. All with private entrances and terraces providing incredible views of passing animals on their way to the nearby waterhole, air conditioning, ceiling fan, minibar (restocked daily), a sitting area and en-suite bathroom with separate bath and shower. 

The Safari Room is located close to the main building and has a large viewing deck, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

All Inclusive of: all food and beverages - including top quality wine list, premium branded spirits and French Champagne. Twice daily-game drives, daily walking safari (subject to favourable weather conditions), local entertainment, laundry service and transfers from Ulusaba air strip.

Elephant Rooms are 'treehouse style' built high above the bush and mostly accessed by swing bridges, sleeping maximum 2 adults. As the name suggests they are great for elephant viewing with their location being on a elephant migratory route!

River Rooms have the same facilities as an Elephant Room and 2 of the River Rooms have infinity plunge pools, sleeping maximum 2 adults. River Rooms are very secluded making them the perfect romantic bush getaway.

The Treehouse Suite is a stunning, unique suite featuring a private deck with magnificent views over Xikwenga Dam where hippos and elephants come to bathe. Perfect for honeymooners, sleeping maximum 2 adults. The suite is a 10-minute walk from the main lodge and is accessible by swing bridges and raised walkways.

Safari Suite - this private suite is next to the Main Lodge and is accessed through its own entrance into a walled garden with boma fire pit. There is a separate spacious lounge that opens onto a large viewing deck with jacuzzi plunge pool, outdoor shower and private dining table for maximum 8 adults. The suite boasts an en-suite bathroom with a separate toilet and an additional guest bathroom next to the lounge. The Safari Suite can be interconnected with the Safari Room to sleep maximum 4 adults.

Romance/Honeymoon package

Enhance your stay by adding a Romance/Honeymoon package to your room or suite and recieve the following benefits:

  • A fruit basket and champagne in the room on arrival
  • The Aroma Boma Devotional Journey spa treatment for two (60 minutes)
  • Lovers’ Picnic private lunch on a day of your choosing
  • Romantic bath time experience on an evening of your choosing
  • Private dinner on the last evening complete with own personal butler
  • Complimentary space-available upgrade
  • Gift on departure
  • Free Nights: Stay for 4 nights, pay for 3 (stay for 8 pay for 6) for stays completed between 1 Mar–31 May '24 and 1 Nov–19 Dec '24. Any applicable offers have been calculated into the prices shown. Offers may not be combinable. Blackout dates apply. Terms and conditions apply. 

Local entertainment. Daily game-drives. Late morning walking safaris. Outdoor swimming pool. Viewing deck. Aroma Boma spa*. Gym and 2 tennis courts. Video, music and book libraries. Wine cellar. Observatory in the bush for star gazing. Complimentary WiFi access. Gift shop.

5 nights between 22 Dec-1 Jan.

* Denotes local charge.

Please note: Children over 12 years are welcome to stay at Safari Lodge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (552)
  • Very good (11)
  • Average (4)
  • Poor (1)
  • Terrible (1)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Ulusaba Safari Lodge

Feb 26, 2024 Tourist27502838457

Our stay at Ulusaba Safari Lodge was the highlight of our honeymoon trip. Everyone at Ulusaba was so kind and helpful throughout our stay. Every single one of our game drives was outstanding. Big thanks to both Peter and Respect who made the drives so spectacular. In addition, the accommodations and food were top notch. We cannot wait to return… Read more
Our stay at Ulusaba Safari Lodge was the highlight of our honeymoon trip. Everyone at Ulusaba was so kind and helpful throughout our stay. Every single one of our game drives was outstanding. Big thanks to both Peter and Respect who made the drives so spectacular. In addition, the accommodations and food were top notch. We cannot wait to return one day! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Heaven On Earth

Feb 14, 2024 TimWSheffieldUK Sheffield, United Kingdom

Another fantastic experience that managed to better the last which of itself surpassed the first which was quite magical. Quite simply the whole team - each and every single one richly deserve every award/accolade that’s going.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing time, lovely people

Feb 13, 2024 Mabaker13 Cardiff, United Kingdom

This is one special place, the wildlife is amazing and the care and attention of the staff was fantastic. We saw the big five almost every day but also lots and lots of other fantastic animals, trees and vegetation. A brilliant experience in a 5 star setting.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Incredible Visit

Feb 8, 2024 johnU3066GS London, United Kingdom

Our first safari with a group of 8 friends. The property location and service is exceptional. Special mention to our Ranger & Tracker, Vincent & Don who made our experience unforgettable. Their love, respect and knowledge of the bush and animals was beautiful. We will never forget them.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A MAGICAL RETURN TO SAFARI LODGE

Feb 4, 2024 NatalieM133 Eversley, United Kingdom

Back again after such a magical trip last year. We were worried the magic might fade after such an epic visit last year but it’s gotten even stronger. The team at Ulusaba are the ultimate dream team. Frodo, thank you for everything. You are the most amazing host and welcomed us with open arms like we’d never been away. And Dani, you make… Read more
Back again after such a magical trip last year. We were worried the magic might fade after such an epic visit last year but it’s gotten even stronger. The team at Ulusaba are the ultimate dream team. Frodo, thank you for everything. You are the most amazing host and welcomed us with open arms like we’d never been away. And Dani, you make us smile and laugh and your company is infectious. What an asset to Ulusaba you are 😁. We loved our wine cellar evening, you really made it 📱😆. David and Stu. Thank you 🙏🏼. What an awesome duo you are. Unbelievable tracking and such knowledge between you both. The wild dogs absolutely made our visit this time. The last morning drive was spectacular (amongst them all)!!!! And David, the moving coffee/drinks station after our bush walk will go down in history 🤣. In addition to our incredible breakfast picnic; thank you so much Stu 🤩. Not many places we’d return to but this is one of them. We cannot wait to return, yet again, in 2025. Read less