Ulusaba Rock 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 have a head for heights, stay in the unique Rock Lodge, high above the reserve, where all rooms have beautiful panoramic views and are carved out of the Ulusaba rock itself. For a change of scenery, why not combine your stay with Ulusaba's nearby Safari Lodge, located right in the heart of the bush. 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

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. Rock Lodge is set 800 feet above the wilderness perched on the summit of a koppie. There are 8 rooms at Rock Lodge including 4 Rock Cliff Rooms, 2 Makwela Suites, Master Suite, Two Bedroom Rock Suite and also Cliff Lodge featuring 2 magnificent suites offering guests the ultimate in safari luxury. All with private entrances and terraces providing incredible views of passing animals on their way to the nearby waterhole, air conditioning, ceiling fan, mini-bar (restocked daily), a sitting area and en-suite bathroom with separate bath and shower. 

Rock Cliff Rooms are spacious with a private viewing deck and spectacular views over the vast landscape, en-suite bathroom, twin or double beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults. 

Please note: 2 of the Rock Cliff Rooms are split level with a spiral staircase.

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.

2 Bedroom Rock Suite features 1 master lavish bedroom with a full en-suite with views over the bush with 1 king-size bed and there is 1 smaller bedroom with an en-suite shower room. This spacious suite with separate living area, is ideal for families, sleeping maximum 3 adults.

The Master Suite has 3 levels, offering 1 double bedroom with spacious en-suite bathroom and balcony with infinity plunge pool providing beautiful views. The separate living area also has a private furnished sun deck and has a telescope to watch the stars - a perfect room for honeymooners! The Suite sleeps maximum 2 adults.

Makwela Suites are built on 2 levels offering a spacious bedroom, living area, library area, infinity plunge pool and outdoor showers on the private balcony, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Cliff Lodge features 2 magnificent suites offering guests the ultimate in safari luxury.

Cliff Lodge 1 is an opulent 2 bedroom suite with 1 large bedroom and a second smaller bedrooms - great for families as it can accommodate maximum 3 adults. It also features a spacious lounge with fireplace, kitchen with bar, a mini-gym and outdoor deck with large private pool.

Cliff Lodge 2 is a spacious one bedroom suite sleeping maximum 2 adults. The luxurious suite features a lounge area with fireplace and has its own Jacuzzi on the large viewing deck with stunning views over the bush.

You can hire both suites at Cliff Lodge for exclusive use which includes your own chef and private vehicle for game-drives. Cliff Lodge can accommodate a maximum of 5 adults when booked exclusively.

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 at Safari Lodge. Observatory in the bush for star gazing. Complimentary WiFi access.

3 nights between 22 Dec-1 Jan.

* Denotes local charge.

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 (341)
  • Very good (15)
  • Average (5)
  • Poor (3)
  • Terrible (2)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Ulusaba - Heaven in Heaven

Jul 13, 2024 everydaytravelAnn Denver, Colorado

I can see why people return to Ulusaba time and again!! We just spent five wonderful days at Ulusaba Rock Lodge and the game drives were exceptional - a huge thank you to Eric and Mango for ensuring that we saw everything we were hoping for and more (baby African wild dogs!, lions, hyenas, leopards, bush babies, giraffes, rhinos, you name it!).… Read more
I can see why people return to Ulusaba time and again!! We just spent five wonderful days at Ulusaba Rock Lodge and the game drives were exceptional - a huge thank you to Eric and Mango for ensuring that we saw everything we were hoping for and more (baby African wild dogs!, lions, hyenas, leopards, bush babies, giraffes, rhinos, you name it!). Our main reason for traveling to Sabi Sands were the game drives and safaris (and to see leopards in particular) - Ulusaba excelled at all of that, with the added luxuries of the spa, and delicious food/wine (which were perfection - it was fun going to the wine cellar to select bottles of wine that were included in the stay). We much prefer to dine on our own, especially after spending hours of game drives with others, and were initially a little hesitant about booking Ulusaba as we knew there was an emphasis on communal dining. However, they were incredibly accommodating and flexible, and arranged private dining experiences, so it worked out great. We had a Rock Cliff room and loved spending the time between drives with our binoculars watching all the action below at the watering hole - the elephants, kudu, hyena, hippos, and more. Our Rock cliff room was very comfortable. In sum, if you're looking for an incredibly memorable safari trip, don't hesitate to stay here - Sabi Sands is the place to be for game viewing, and there's no better place to stay than Ulusaba - it really is heaven in heaven. PS: we often debate if we should go back to places we truly love, or continue to explore new places, but agreed that we will be prioritizing coming back here, as it is really was exceptional. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Bucket list adventure

Jun 27, 2024 riley87 London, United Kingdom

Currently in floods of happy tears due to all the amazing memories we have made at Ulusaba. This was our 2nd visit after our honeymoon 10 years ago and yet again it was the most incredible holiday we could have ever wished for. From the moment you arrive you feel thoroughly spoilt! The service is amazing from each and every staff member. The… Read more
Currently in floods of happy tears due to all the amazing memories we have made at Ulusaba. This was our 2nd visit after our honeymoon 10 years ago and yet again it was the most incredible holiday we could have ever wished for. From the moment you arrive you feel thoroughly spoilt! The service is amazing from each and every staff member. The children were gifted rucksacks full of goodies and we were all given personalised water bottles (which slowly turned into hot chocolate bottles each morning)! The room was spacious and beautifully decorated with stunning views across the reserve - we spotted animals every time we had a bath!! The communal areas are huge yet homely and the staff make you feel beyond welcome. We were lucky enough to have James and Orange as our ranger and tracker and WOW they were incredible!!!! They went above and beyond to make our game drives pure perfection. They did lots of activities with the children and slowly became what felt like family - we are very grateful for them both. Their knowledge was outstanding and they answered all of the questions we had (and there were lots from the kids)! Sundowners and pancake stops were added surprises and every time just felt like the most amazing treat. Watching and learning about the stars with James was something the boys truly loved. The children were wowed everyday and simple things like James having their hot chocolates ready first thing in the morning was just so special, all the little things didn’t go unnoticed. As we said our goodbyes we had lots of tears because after 4 nights we still wasn’t ready to leave, but we do hope to be back very very soon. Thank you so much for making us - but especially Carter and Grayson - feel so special, we are truly blessed. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Stunning Property and Exceptional Staff

Jun 12, 2024 mummamiaMA Melbourne, Australia

From the welcome greeting to meeting staff and your allocated Ranger and Spotter, everyone was super friendly genuine and very professional. All staff knew our names from first introductions and any requests and preferences were remembered and preempted. Like how you have coffee or what your evening drink preference is. Every inch of this… Read more
From the welcome greeting to meeting staff and your allocated Ranger and Spotter, everyone was super friendly genuine and very professional. All staff knew our names from first introductions and any requests and preferences were remembered and preempted. Like how you have coffee or what your evening drink preference is. Every inch of this property has stunning views. My sister enjoyed a lovely massage during our stay and the treatment room is beautiful. There is also a gym but we didn’t use it. The main lounge and balcony dining area is very welcoming and again stunning. 100% everything is included (food, snacks, water, alcohol and laundry service too). Excellent wifi in the main part of the lodge, I was even able to FaceTime my kids back home and reverse the camera to show them the giraffes that showed up at the watering hole way down below. The rooms were fabulous, complete with robes, slippers, soaps, moisturisers, shampoo and conditioner, full mini bar and kettle in the room also. There was nothing that was missed or not provided, pens, notepad, personalised coffee thermos to keep and a book on wildlife and the area. The food was also excellent (every meal had a choice and fantastic options and special requests were easily accommodated. I met the chef and then spoke with him at length one day about my allergies. I would come back to Ulusaba Rock Lodge in a heartbeat. Now about the game drives. My sister and I had James (ranger) and Orange aka Eric (spotter) for our stay. They were friendly, fun, engaging, knowledgeable, professional and all round awesome guys. Sabi Sands Nature Reserve landscape is breathtaking and wildlife is plentiful. James was on a mission on day two for us and we saw the Big 5 in one drive. Outstanding! We (James and Orange) also tracked an African Wild Dog pack, which we caught up to, again amazing. We did the “Pride and Purpose” village visit which was very special and educational. It’s a must do during your stay. May is a terrific time of year to visit as there are almost no mosquitoes around at that time of year. It’s super cold in the mornings and a beanie and perhaps gloves are strongly advised but as soon as the sun rises the temperature does too and by lunchtime you can be in shorts and singlet or t-shirt. My only regret is that we didn’t stay longer. Thank you everyone at Rock Lodge for the magical moments and memories to cherish. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Absolutely outstanding

Jun 8, 2024 Raj C London, United Kingdom

From the moment we touched down at Ulusaba private reserve's private air strip, we were enveloped in a warm embrace by the ever-gracious Tom and Sam, who, to our delight, turned out to be our dedicated ranger and tracker throughout our stay. Their genuine welcome set the tone for an unforgettable experience. As we were escorted to Rock Lodge,… Read more
From the moment we touched down at Ulusaba private reserve's private air strip, we were enveloped in a warm embrace by the ever-gracious Tom and Sam, who, to our delight, turned out to be our dedicated ranger and tracker throughout our stay. Their genuine welcome set the tone for an unforgettable experience. As we were escorted to Rock Lodge, Godfrey and his team ensured every aspect of our stay was flawless, from the impeccable service to the breathtaking accommodations. Each morning and evening, the game drives led by Tom and Sam were nothing short of extraordinary. Their unparalleled knowledge and genuine passion for the wildlife created a bond that made us feel utterly secure in their capable hands. Head chef Ian's culinary creations were a highlight of each day, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor, while Sli's magical touch in the spa left us feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Zodwa, stationed at Rock Lodge, was a constant presence, ensuring our every need was met with a smile, day or night. We are immensely grateful to the entire team for making our honeymoon so incredibly special, from the visible stars like Tom and Sam to the unsung heroes behind the scenes. Without a doubt, we will be returning to Ulusaba for another unforgettable adventure. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Adventures, friendships and authenticity

May 22, 2024 AntoineM-W London, United Kingdom

Our four nights stay at the Rock Lodge started with the bubbly welcome from our Ranger Brandon. This really set the tone for our safari adventure, we knew we would be in safe hands! Brandon was so passionate, knowledgeable, easygoing and nothing was too much of an ask for him. He really made our holiday such a unique and beautiful adventure. Up… Read more
Our four nights stay at the Rock Lodge started with the bubbly welcome from our Ranger Brandon. This really set the tone for our safari adventure, we knew we would be in safe hands! Brandon was so passionate, knowledgeable, easygoing and nothing was too much of an ask for him. He really made our holiday such a unique and beautiful adventure. Up in the rock, the room was spacious and giving you this feeling of authenticity we came to found. The hotel itself feels like a home away from home. We loved the big dinning table setting which allowed us to continue the friendships beyond the game drives with some delicious menus and wines. The pool is also a big plus to relax after a nice game drive. But the reason you go to Ulusaba is to see your big five and more! Brandon and our tracker John did that and beyond! Thank you to all the team who contributed to our wonderful stay and games at Ulusaba! Read less