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]
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