Ulusaba Private Game Reserve | Luxury South Africa Hotels

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Property Details

Type: Luxury Lodge

Summary: An unforgettable safari experience, reimagined.

Feature: Unrivalled wildlife viewing within the Sabi Sand Reserve

Rooms: 20 Rooms and Suites (10 in each lodge)

Location: Greater Kruger, South Africa

Star rating: 5 Star

Nearest airport: Johannesburg International Airport

Transfer: Approximately 90 minutes from Johannesburg International Airport to Ulusaba's own airstrip by light aircraft transfer.

Luxury Holidays At Ulusaba Private Game Reserve

Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is Sir Richard Branson's celebrated safari retreat, set within the world-renowned Sabi Sand Nature Reserve bordering Kruger National Park. Surrounded by 13,500 hectares of pristine wilderness, this exclusive reserve offers some of Africa's finest wildlife viewing, combining luxury, conservation and authentic connections to the natural world.

Spread across the elevated Rock Lodge and the treetop-inspired Safari Lodge, Ulusaba provides an intimate safari experience where guests enjoy exceptional privacy and personalised service. Following an extensive transformation reopening in 2027, the lodges will feature beautifully redesigned suites inspired by local Tsonga heritage, with natural materials, floor-to-ceiling views of the bush and private plunge pools that bring guests closer than ever to the surrounding landscape. Days are filled with unforgettable adventures, including twice-daily game drives, guided bush walks, stargazing experiences and cultural encounters.

Between safaris, guests can unwind at the spa, relax by the pool, enjoy wellness experiences or savour innovative pan-African cuisine paired with outstanding South African wines. Ideal for couples, families and wildlife enthusiasts alike, Ulusaba delivers an elevated safari escape where world-class hospitality meets one of Africa's most spectacular wilderness destinations. Combining remarkable wildlife encounters, thoughtful luxury and a strong commitment to local communities and conservation, every stay offers memories that last a lifetime.

Why Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is so special...

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Romance

Both lodges in Ulusaba Reserve offer couples the unbridled romance of the African bush, with safaris becoming increasingly popular for honeymoons and special occasions. At Rock Lodge, the top suites are set apart from all interconnecting rooms to provide couples with privacy and the finest views in the Sabi Sand. Safari Lodge offers star-gazing, spa treatments and serene seclusion in the Tree House Suite. It also boasts the new Safari Suite, which is a stunning and spacious accommodation for two people, comprising a private plunge pool and garden, separate lounge and large outdoor deck with enviable views of the Mabrak riverbed, bush and beyond. Couples at either might want to splash out on a private guide for the ultimate exclusive wildlife experience.

Safari

Sabi Sand offers, arguably, Africa's most impressive concentration of game, including all of the 'Big Five'. This includes exceptional volumes of leopard, which can be seen most regularly on game-drives. Rhinos are another member of the 'Big Five' that's scarce elsewhere, but often seen around Ulusaba, with cheetah another strong possibility. Bird-watchers can look out for a range of colourful species, or for more adventurous guests, there is the chance to get out on foot amongst Africa's iconic animals on a morning game walk.

Culture & History

For an authentic South African cultural experience, visit the communities surrounding Ulusaba Private Game Reserve and enjoy traditional dancing and food-tastings whilst at the same time supporting Pride 'n' Purpose, Ulusaba's charity. This non-profit organisation - jointly funded by Virgin Limited Edition and Virgin Unite - focuses on providing improved access to food, water and health services for the six disadvantaged communities (equating to 35,000 people) that live adjacent to Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Examples of on-going and completed projects include installing FunPumps at a local school to ensure clean, safe water can be provided to the children, building three new creches, providing teacher training for the community's volunteer teachers and planting food gardens at the six houses that Pride'n' Purpose has built around the villages.

Spa Breaks

Situated peacefully away from the main lodge area at Safari Lodge, the Aroma Boma spa treatment room specialises in internationally recognised spa treatments with an African twist. There are few spas in the world where treatments can be enjoyed to the background sights, smells and ambience of the African bush. The spa uses a range of Africology products, incorporating traditional local ingredients such as rooibos, aloe and marula. While the spa is nestled in the trees at Safari Lodge, guests at Rock Lodge can also book treatments.

Weddings

There is a magical range of diverse settings within the reserve where couples can enjoy their special day with friends and family. These include a deck at Rock Lodge with sweeping views over the plains below, or the dry Mabrak Riverbed close to Safari Lodge, for those that might want wilder guests to drop by. Wedding day experiences can include performances by local bands, dance groups and choir singers, while photography packages and even pre-wedding parties for male and female groups can be arranged.