AN INTRODUCTION
Sir Richard Branson’s, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, in South Africa is located on the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, near
Kruger National Park in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. The ultimate destination for spotting the ‘Big Five’,
guests are able to enjoy over 13,500 hectares (about 33,000 acres) of privately owned, unspoilt, game-rich Bush in near
solitude.
With experienced Trackers and Game Rangers sharing their vast knowledge of the surrounding wildlife, Ulusaba
brings the thrill, adventure and safari traditions of Africa to life in an exclusive and luxurious setting.
Ulusaba offer guests the choice of two lodges, Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge, with two very different experiences. Rock
Lodge is perched high on the summit of a koppie (rocky hill) offering breath taking panoramas of the bush below, while
500m away, Safari Lodge is situated in the very heart of bush life, along the banks of the dry Mabrak riverbed. Many
guests choose to split their stay between both lodges and have the advantage of keeping the same Ranger and Tracker.
Ulusaba means ‘place of little fear’. It was once occupied by the Shangaan tribe and used as a lookout point during battles.
The site of Rock Lodge was a prime position, providing a safe-haven for the tribe. The enemy was unlikely to win, as
surprise attacks were near to impossible, hence ‘place of little fear’.
Guest Accommodation
Rock Lodge
Set against the backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountain range, Rock Lodge can accommodate a total of 22 adult guests in
its ten rooms. The views from Rock Lodge of the bushveld are amazing, with plenty of viewing decks to choose from.
Many of the rooms at Rock Lodge have been designed with the colours of a different African tribe or region. Rooms at
Rock Lodge include; Two Makwela suites (Makwela Dusk Suite and Makwela Dawn Suite), one Rock Suite, one Master
Suite, two newly introduced Cliff Lodge Suites and four Rock Cliff Rooms (all named after African tribes - Mali, Shangaan,
Bushman and Swazi).
Makwela Suites
The Makwela Suites are named after Ulusaba’s eponymous leopard.
The Suites comprise of a lluxurious bedroom with a Double-King size bed, cocooned by a romantic Balinese mosquito net,
and feature an en-suite which includes a free standing bath, his & hers basins and a large shower with an over-sized
shower head.
Both Suites also have an outdoor shower with breathtaking views of the bushveld.
Suites have a large comfortable lounge, which opens out onto a spacious deck and private infinity plunge pool, overlooking
the splendour of the African Savannah 800 feet below. They also have a study/library room with complimentary Internet
access & luxurious foldout sleeper couch, which could sleep two children up to the age of 12 comfortably.
Each suite has a BOSE CD player, complimentary in-room bar with the best of South African wine and of course a bottle of
fine champagne, coffee and tea making facilities and a pair of binoculars and bird and mammal books for a bit of animal
spotting from the comfort of your room. In-room dining is available in both Makwela Suites, complete with own personal
butler, providing a unique dining experience.
Cliff Lodge, located at Rock Lodge, has two magnificent one-bedroom suites, offering guests the ultimate in safari luxury.
The larger of the two suites is a spacious one-bedroom, featuring two additional small pull-out beds, an en-suite
bathroom, separate kitchen, private dining area, a bar, a spacious lounge to relax in with all the latest technology, an
outdoor deck with a braai area and a large swimming pool.
It also has a smaller second bedroom/study which can
accommodate one adult or two small children.
The second suite is a luxurious bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, lounge area with fireplace and a spacious outdoor
deck with Jacuzzi. The suite also has two small pull-out beds. Guests who wish to indulge in some pampering or feel the
need for a workout with a spectacular view can use the small spa and gym as well.
Safari Lodge
Just over 500m away from Rock Lodge, Safari Lodge is built along the banks of the dry Mabrak riverbed and has 11
‘treehouse style’ rooms, accommodating up to 22 guests. Safari Lodge offers guests a real sense of adventure as they
cross the swing bridges between the tree house rooms, with each room providing a fascinating view of the animals.
Guests are very likely to see elephants, bushbucks, lions, hippos and other local wildlife passing by on their way to the
nearby watering hole.
Rooms at Safari Lodge include: three Safari Rooms, three Elephant Rooms, two River Rooms, two River Rooms with plunge
pool and one Treehouse Suite.
Treehouse Suite
The Treehouse Suite, is a 15 minute walk along the swing bridges from the main Safari Lodge.
Overlooking the Xikwenga
Dam, where hippos and elephants come to bathe, the Treehouse Suite is the ideal spot to get up close and personal with
the animals and the perfect spot for those looking for a little more privacy and seclusion.
The Treehouse Suite offers luxurious accommodation with a king size bed, with a romantic Balinese mosquito net. The ensuite features a free standing oversized bath, separate shower, his and hers wash basins and best of all, floor to ceiling
windows so guest and the animals can bathe together.
Guests can relax in a spacious lounge, with additional sofa bed, on the private viewing desk or at the dining area, which
accommodates up to four guests. Other creature comforts include full in-room bar, tea and coffee facilities and torches
and ponchos for when guests venture back to the main lodge.
Due to its position, guests will have the benefits of a
dedicated security guard from 6pm to 6am every evening and being picked up directly from the Suite for morning game
drives.
Beyond the Treehouse Suite is another small bridge that leads all guests to a beautiful open air viewing deck complete
with loungers, self-service bar and binoculars. Perfect for sundowners and outside dining (for up to 20 guests).
Dining
Ulusaba’s internationally renowned chefs have
developed
numerous
pan-African
dishes
influenced by many African cultures, flavours
and spices.
Breakfasts
and
lunches
are
organised
‘restaurant style’, where guests can choose a
selection of food from the breakfast buffet or
off the menu.
In the evenings guests dine together at
communal tables at both lodges, comparing
notes on the animals they spotted that day!
One evening during the week, guest will all
dine together at the African Boma (BBQ)
under the stars.
If guests would like a more intimate experience, private dining can be organised on a secluded deck, at Safari Lodge wine
cellar or a location of choice.
We have a great range of child-friendly meals.
Cubs (Children) can choose from a selection of tasty, well balanced,
healthy and fun meals keeping both parents and the Cubs happy.
Facilities and activities at Ulusaba
With twice daily game drives, guests really need to plan their days to enjoy all the other facilities available at Ulusaba.
Things to do at Ulusaba include:
Game Drives
Twice daily game drives, one leaving early in the
morning and one leaving mid-afternoon.
Each drive
lasts for approximately 3 ½ hours.
Safari Walks
Daily
Safari
walks,
which
usually
commence
after
breakfast. This is a fascinating activity, allowing guests
to observe the smaller animals you might not see while
out on game drive.
Ulusaba’s knowledgeable Rangers
and Trackers will enthral guests with stories about the
medicinal properties of plants, local beliefs regarding the
wildlife and fascinating facts regarding the animals.
Wine Cellar
Wine tasting at the Safari Lodge wine cellar.
With views
over the dry riverbed and nearby waterhole, which
attracts all kinds of game, the wine cellar has an outdoor
dining area for up to six guests, perfect for private
dining.
Guests staying at Rock Lodge are welcome to
use the wine cellar at Safari Lodge.
Pools
Gymnasium
Taking a dip in the pool or soaking up the rays on a
Working out in the 24 hour gymnasiums situated at both
poolside lounger. Each lodge has its own outdoor pool,
Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge.
which is heated during the winter months (May –
environment with amazing views over the African Bush,
September).
both
Sunscreen, towels and bottled water are
available poolside. There is also a self-service bar.
gyms
have
a
Each set in an unique
running
machine,
bike,
a
multifunctional weight station and free weights.
The Makwela Suites and two River rooms also have their
own plunge pools, if guests fancy the idea of a well
deserved soak after a game drive.
Tennis
Having a hit of tennis on one of the two tennis courts,
located in-between Rock and Safari Lodges.
Or watch
your friends courtside from the viewing pavilion.
Bush Observatory
Star gazing, as part of their game viewing experience, at
Ulusaba’s Observatory tucked away in the Bush.
All
racquets and balls are supplied. The courts are floodlit,
so guests can play at night and there is a fully stocked
bar!
(A security escort will ensure there are no any
animals in the immediate area).
Aroma Boma Spa
Relaxing and unwinding after the excitement of game
Shopping
drives with a treatment at the Aroma Boma Spas,
Buying some mementos as the Gift Shop, situated at
located at each Lodge. Our resident beauticians offer
Safari Lodge. Filled with a selection of arts, crafts, small
aromatherapy
gifts and clothing ranging from caps, shirts and beanies
massages,
manicures,
pedicures
and
waxing. Treatments are not included in the rates
to gloves, guests will find all the bits and pieces they
and prices are available on request.
might need when they are on holiday and all the gifts
they need to take home.
Lounges
Relaxing in one of the lounges at each lodge and
watching a bit of TV, a DVD, playing some music or
reading one of the books from the library.
Excursions
Cultural, Wildlife and Scenic Tours
Canyons,
Cultures
and
Contrasts
-
Panorama
Cascades and Canyons Spectacular
Discoverer
Take an exhilarating helicopter flight that carries you
A day out on the famed ‘Panorama Route’ along the
over deep and mysterious gorges and through lush
Drakensberg Escarpment: this tour features stops at the
valleys bursting with vegetation and colour. Linger above
Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and Bourkes Luck
cascading
Potholes. You’ll experiencec some of the region’s natural
opportunities before continuing to God’s Window, which
beauty, and we’ll tell you about the history of the area’s
offers awesome panoramic views of the Bush below.
hardy pioneers. The old wagon trail can still be seen on
Then it’s on to the fascinating and dramatic rock
the Abel Erasmus Pass.
formations of the 1,000 metre-deep, 30-kilometre-long
waterfalls
for
some
brilliant
photo
Blyde River Canyon (the third deepest and greenest
Breeding Project Tour
canyon in the world). You will also have a bird’s eye view
This tour features the Cheetah and Endangered Wildlife
of the curious Three Rondavels! You will then land to
Breeding Project, and the Blyde River Canyon, where the
enjoy magnificent views of the Mpumalanga Lowveld
cliff face rises 1,900 metres above the lowveld. We also
while you tuck into a delicious picnic.
include a visit to the Swadini dam and museum. This
tour combines exquisite natural beauty with a firsthand
Elephant Whispers
look at some of the excellent conservation work taking
This experience allows you to touch, exchange trunk
place in the area.
greetings and offer tasty treats to these magnificent
creatures, in Hazyview on the banks of the Sabie River.
Community Tours
Travel is always richer when
you get the opportunity to find
out about the daily lives of
people who live in the area
you’re visiting. If you’re in the
mood
for
an
authentic
Shangaan experience, Ulusaba
can organise Community Tours
of the local villages.
There are two types of tours: a
tour
of
the
Justicia
Village
which has more of a cultural
emphasis, and a ‘day in the
life’ village tour, which looks
into some of the charitable
projects and schemes Ulusaba is actively involved with. We can tailor this tour’s itinerary according to our guests’
interests.
The Community Tours are organised by Pride ‘n Purpose, Ulusaba’s charitable arm. The basic philosophy behind its work is
the principle of empowering people to help themselves while promoting sustainable development. All the organisation’s
expenses are funded by Ulusaba and Virgin Unite, the group’s entrepreneurial foundation, so 100% of donations and tour
proceeds can be put into the much needed projects to improve living conditions for the local population.
Children at Ulusaba – Cubs Club
At Ulusaba, kids of all ages staying at Rock Lodge will be invited to join the Cub’s Club. Because Rock
Lodge is small and intimate, and because we know each Cub is different, we do not operate a set
programme. Instead we offer a fantastic range of activities that we tailor to each child or group.
On arrival all Cubs will be given a Cub’s Club backpack which contains lots of little goodies to help keep them entertained
and to help to educate them about the African Bush. In every Cub’s room there will be a special welcome letter and a list
of phone numbers to make it easy for them to get hold other members of their pride, along with Ulusaba staff. Also for
their safety, we have security guards on duty all night that will pay particular attention to rooms occupied by Cubs.
Other Cub’s Club features include…

A welcome treasure hunt to help familiarise Cubs with their surroundings

Story books in their rooms and in the lounge. These include old favourites and ones with an African or animal theme

Educational books in their room and in the lounge that help them get the most out of their experience in Africa

A great range of new and classic children’s DVDs and videos that they can watch in the lounge,
along with music CDs

We have lots of games up our sleeve and we always try to combine entertainment with some
education

Your Ranger will be more than happy to spend time with your Cubs to tell them all about the
Bush and the animals they see

We regret that very young Cubs (under 6 years) cannot participate in our regular game
viewing programme, however we are happy to try to arrange some short excursions around Rock Lodge and other
safe areas to spot wildlife such as impala, giraffe and other general game. Also, due to safety, Cubs are not able to
participate in Safari Walks, but we can arrange short excursions around Rock Lodge to spot birds, insects, lizards and
so on

We can arrange bedtime story telling in the Lounge complete with milk and cookies, or whatever normally helps get
your Cubs ready for bed!

On departure, all Cubs will be invited to become permanent members of Ulusaba Cub’s Club and will receive a biannual newsletter and a birthday card
In addition to this we can also arrange Cub’s Cuisine if you wish, such as pizza, toasties, pasta etc. and a babysitting
service is available free of charge, however please be aware that off-duty staff who have experience with children are used
for this. Due to our location we do not have professional child carers available, but with advance notice this could be
arranged at an extra cost.
If you have a rather large pride with lots of Cubs or if you’d just prefer it, we can arrange a set programme provided we
get advance notice – just let us know the ages and interests of the Cubs concerned, and we’ll come up with something to
keep them entertained.
Remember that all of this is at no extra cost, unless a charge has been mentioned above. And lastly,
we understand that every Cub is different so if you want anything specific provided for your particular
Cub then please let us know and we will do everything we can to ensure their stay runs just how you
want it to.
Rates
Rates are quoted per person, per night and priced in South African Rand.
Valid until 21st December 2009 (per person per night)
Rock Lodge
Rock Cliff Room
Rock Suite (2 bedroom)
Rock Suite as triple
Master Suite with plunge pool
Makwela Suite with plunge pool
Cliff Lodge 1*
Cliff Lodge 1 (as triple)*
Cliff Lodge 2*
Cliff Lodge exclusive use
Double Occupancy
6,600
8,600
6,400
8,600
9,200
14,000
13,000
12,000
52,000
Number of Rooms
4 x Rock Cliff Rooms
1 x Rock Suite
1 x Master Suite
2 x Makwela Suites
2 x Cliff Lodge Suites
*Cliff Lodge 1 and 2 can be booked individually 3 months prior to arrival.
Single occupancy rates available upon request. We can accommodate extra adults and children in some of our rooms on
fold-out or rollaway beds. In some cases there will be an additional charge of ZAR 2,000 per person, per night. There are
restrictions on the number of guests and vehicles allowed in the Sabi Sand Reserve, so there may be times when we’re
unable to accommodate extra guests in rooms.
Safari Lodge
Safari Room
Elephant Room
River Room
River Room with plunge pool
Treehouse Suite
Double Occupancy
4,600
6,600
7,500
8,600
8,600
Single Occupancy
6,900
9,200
11,000
11,500
11,500
Number of Rooms
3 x Safari Rooms
3 x Elephant Rooms
2 x River Rooms
2 x River Rooms
1 x Tree House
Exclusive Use
These rates are quoted per lodge, per night and priced in South African Rand. Hiring one or both of our lodges
exclusively is ideal for weddings, birthdays, or any type of gathering where you might like the place to
yourselves! You’ll have full use of the lodge for the number of guests stated and your own game vehicle.
Rate per lodge/per night
Safari Lodge ZAR 140,000
Rock Lodge ZAR 160,000 (includes exclusive use of Cliff Lodge
Included in the rates:
Not included in the rates:
-
Accommodation
-
Flights and road transfers to and from Ulusaba
-
All meals and beverages, including a top quality
-
Spa treatments at the Aroma Boma Spa
wine list and find champagne
-
All excursions, including Elephant Whispers,
-
All game drives and safari walks and use of all
Cascades
facilities, including tennis courts, bush
Community Tours
observatory, gym and wine cellar
-
14% VAT and a South African Tourism Bed Levy
-
and
Canyons
Gift Shop purchases
Spectacular
and
Directions
South Africa is served by direct flights from the UK and other major European hubs, with flight times to Johannesburg of
between 10 ½ and 11 ½ hours depending on your point of origin.
From the US there are direct flights from the East Coast, with flight times of roughly 18 hours.
On arrival in Johannesburg, its 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.
Staff
Ulusaba has 110 staff. Most staff are Shangaan and hail from the communities that border Ulusaba’s western fence line.
Ulusaba’s General Managers are Karl and Llane Langdon
How to book
Contact Virgin Limited Edition’s Sales and Reservations Offices
UK Head Office
South Africa Office
T: 0800 716 919 (toll free)
T: 0800 056 343 (toll free)
T: +44 (0) 208 600 0430
T: +27 (0) 11 325 4405
E: [email protected]
E: [email protected]
USA Regional Office
Spain Regional Office:
T: 877 577 8777 (toll free)
T: +34 607 790 056
E: [email protected]
E: [email protected]