Ulusaba Safari Lodge

Kruger and surrounds, South Africa

Virgin rating

Elephant Room
Safari Room
River Room
Safari Lodge Pool
Treehouse Suite
Safari Suite
River Room with Plunge Pool
Elephant Room
Airstrip Arrivals
Elephant Room, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve - Safari Lodge, South Africa
Fire pit
Elephant Room
Safari Lodge dining
Rangers and Trackers
Treehouse Suite, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve - Safari Lodge, South Africa
River Room with Plunge Pool
River Room
Safari Suite lounge
Elephant Room
A video preview image
Safari Room
River Room
Safari Lodge Pool
Treehouse Suite
Safari Suite
River Room with Plunge Pool
Elephant Room
Airstrip Arrivals
Elephant Room, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve - Safari Lodge, South Africa
Fire pit
Elephant Room
Safari Lodge dining
Rangers and Trackers
Treehouse Suite, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve - Safari Lodge, South Africa
River Room with Plunge Pool
River Room
Safari Suite lounge

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 (568)
  • Very good (11)
  • Average (4)
  • Poor (1)
  • Terrible (1)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating simply an over the top experience

Jun 30, 2024 Markjerry Tewksbury, Massachusetts, USA

This was an over-the-top experience better than we had ever expected. Everything about the experience, the safari drives, the accommodations, and the food were extra extra extraordinary . The staff were extremely helpful and made the visit so exciting. We cannot recommend this place enough. We would go back in a heartbeat.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating If you are looking for luxury on a safari Ulusaba is the place

Jun 13, 2024 I2196VHpaulf

From the charter flight in and the reception when we arrived, to the incredible game drives, the immaculate accomodation, the amazing food and drink through to a very special 25th anniversary private dinner, this place delivered again and again. The staff are wonderful and the service is beyond compare - if you get the chance, go!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Third trip to Ulusaba!

Jun 6, 2024 Kathy H Chicago, IL

This was my husband's and my third trip to Ulusaba Safari Lodge, and there's good reason that we keep coming back and have not considered staying anywhere else in Sabi Sands. This place is pure luxury, and the guides, trackers (shout-out to James and Orange!) and staff are top-notch. The manager, Janine, also deserves special mention for making… Read more
This was my husband's and my third trip to Ulusaba Safari Lodge, and there's good reason that we keep coming back and have not considered staying anywhere else in Sabi Sands. This place is pure luxury, and the guides, trackers (shout-out to James and Orange!) and staff are top-notch. The manager, Janine, also deserves special mention for making our trip special! We were part of a group of 8 from Chicago. We stayed in the Treehouse Suite this time, which overlooks a big hippo pond/watering hole. Within 5 minutes of arriving in our room, we saw two rhino drinking at the pond right outside our room. On another day, we sat on our room's deck overlooking the pond, and within the span of an hour, saw elephants swimming and playing, buffalo, crocs, sunbathing hippos and more. I believe we had seen all of the Big 5 on our first full day there. We also did a walking safari and learned a lot of interesting things about smaller animals and plants. Several of us got the best massages from Tabs and Gugu, and even worked out in Ulusaba's gym. The food and drinks were fantastic, and I believe we were fed 7 times a day, so packing stretchy pants is definitely a must! One of our group had a birthday while we were there, and the staff surprised him with a cake and song. We will be back! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing lodge and safari expeditions

Jun 6, 2024 lynnet996 Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

What an amazing place this is. We stayed for 5 days and went on 8 safari drives, and each were amazing and we saw different animals each trip. Lots of elephants, and we had 5 leopard sightings. The staff are amazing - Janine and her team are so friendly and helpful, and the food is gorgeous. We were worried about the food as we are both… Read more
What an amazing place this is. We stayed for 5 days and went on 8 safari drives, and each were amazing and we saw different animals each trip. Lots of elephants, and we had 5 leopard sightings. The staff are amazing - Janine and her team are so friendly and helpful, and the food is gorgeous. We were worried about the food as we are both vegetarian, but there were 2 vegetarian options each mealtime, and both were lovely. Our guide Henry, and our tracker George were so knowledgeable, and friendly - they really tried (and managed) to find as many animals as possible. I would recommend this lodge and if we go on safari again, we would definitely stay here. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing Lodge in a fabulous game reserve

Jun 4, 2024 Dave T Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

We stayed in a riverside lodge with an outdoor plunge pool. We had panoramic views of the bush with lots of wildlife just wandering past - zebra, giraffes, impalas and even leopards at night! The lodge team led by Janine and Precious were fantastic the food was incredible. Our Ranger Henry and his tracker George did an incredible job finding us… Read more
We stayed in a riverside lodge with an outdoor plunge pool. We had panoramic views of the bush with lots of wildlife just wandering past - zebra, giraffes, impalas and even leopards at night! The lodge team led by Janine and Precious were fantastic the food was incredible. Our Ranger Henry and his tracker George did an incredible job finding us lions, leopards, cheetah, elephants and rhinoceros as well as a plethora of other wildlife. The game reserve itself is extensive but rich in flora and fauna. Really the people who run this place make it, so thanks again to Henry, George, Janine and Precious Read less